Optical Element Geometry for Thermal-Stable Image Slicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements for astronomical observation, such as image slicer-type face spectroscopic systems, face challenges in maintaining high shape accuracy and minimizing changes in optical characteristics due to temperature variations, particularly when used in environments different from the manufacturing temperature.
Innovation Solution
The optical element is designed with a first reflecting region, a second reflecting region, and a third connecting face forming acute angles, where the non-optical regions are shaded by eaves portions, ensuring high shape accuracy and minimal optical characteristic changes despite temperature fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an optical element is used in a temperature environment different from manufacturing temperature, then the optical element can be installed in various environments (outer space, mountainous area, desert, etc.), but the position, posture, and shape of the optical element cannot be maintained with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting materials with specific thermal expansion coefficients. The substrate, intermediate layer, and reflective layer are chosen to have different thermal expansion coefficients, allowing the optical element to maintain shape accuracy across temperature variations. This material parameter optimization enables the optical element to adapt to various installation environments while preserving manufacturing precision.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical element is cooled to reduce infrared radiation noise, then the observation noise is reduced, but the thermal contraction may cause deformation of the optical element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by constructing the optical element with multiple layers (substrate, intermediate layer, reflective layer) made of different materials with complementary properties. The intermediate layer acts as a buffer between the substrate and reflective layer, compensating for differential thermal contraction. This composite structure allows the optical element to be cooled for reduced infrared noise while preventing deformation through material compatibility.
3Reliability
If an intermediate layer is provided between substrate and reflective layer, then the optical element is suppressed from being damaged or deformed due to thermal influences, but irregular portions on the intermediate layer surface cause deterioration of reflective layer shape accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing precise surface treatment on the intermediate layer before forming the reflective layer. The irregular portions on the intermediate layer surface are removed or smoothed in advance, ensuring that the subsequently formed reflective layer achieves the required shape accuracy. This preliminary surface preparation prevents manufacturing defects while maintaining the thermal resistance benefits of the intermediate layer.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design maintains high spectroscopic accuracy by preventing unintended light reflection and reducing optical path changes, even when subjected to temperature variations, thus enhancing the performance of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflecting region where a part of a light flux incident from a predetermined direction is reflected in a first direction, and a second reflecting region where another part of the light flux incident from the predetermined direction is reflected in a second direction different from the first direction
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate layer having a thermal expansion coefficient between a thermal expansion coefficient of a substrate and a thermal expansion coefficient of a reflective layer is disposed between the substrate and the reflective layer as an optical element that can be used for image slicer-type face spectroscopy. By providing the intermediate layer, the optical element is suppressed from being damaged or deformed due to thermal influences
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a first face having a first reflecting region where a part of a light flux incident from a predetermined direction is reflected in a first direction, and a first non-optical region where the light flux is not incident, a second face having a second reflecting region where another part of the light flux incident from the predetermined direction is reflected in a second direction different from the first direction, and a third face connecting the first non-optical region and the second reflecting region. The first non-optical region and the third face form an acute angle outside the optical element. The second reflecting region and the third face form an acute angle inside the optical element.