Optically Variable Filter with Dynamic Pixel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optically variable filters face challenges in achieving high frequency selective resolution without increasing the apparatus size or refining the frequency selective element, as the frequency resolution is limited by the product of reciprocal linear dispersion and pixel width, leading to a demand for enhanced resolution and dynamic control of filter center frequency and passband.
Innovation Solution
The optically variable filter apparatus incorporates a frequency dispersion element, light condensing elements, a frequency selective element with multiple pixels, and a driving unit to control pixel transmittance or reflectance gradations, allowing for continuous adjustment of frequency selective characteristics without increasing the apparatus size, by dispersing light beams according to their frequencies and synthesizing them with controlled pixel transmittance or reflectance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pixel width is reduced or reciprocal linear dispersion amount is reduced to achieve higher frequency resolution, then frequency selective resolution is improved, but the apparatus size increases and more pixels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the frequency selective element adjustable and reconfigurable. The liquid crystal device allows dynamic control of light beam modulation, enabling the filter to adapt its characteristics without physical restructuring. This resolves the contradiction by providing high resolution through dynamic control rather than static physical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by controlling the transmission or reflection characteristics of the frequency selective element through electrical signals. By varying the modulation state of liquid crystal pixels, the system achieves high frequency resolution without requiring reduced pixel width or increased apparatus size, as the resolution is controlled through parameter adjustment rather than physical dimension changes.
2Measurement precision
If the pixel width is reduced or reciprocal linear dispersion amount is reduced to achieve higher frequency resolution, then frequency selective resolution is improved, but the number of pixels required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic and reconfigurable nature of the liquid crystal frequency selective element allows high resolution to be achieved through control mechanisms rather than through increasing the number of physical pixels. The system can dynamically adjust which pixels are active and their modulation states, providing high resolution functionality without requiring a proportionally increased pixel count.
Solution Approach 2:
By controlling the transmission or reflection parameters of each pixel through electrical signals, the system achieves high frequency selective resolution without needing to increase the physical number of pixels. The resolution enhancement comes from precise parameter control of existing pixels rather than from having more pixels.
3Measurement precision
If a frequency selective element with many pixels is used to achieve higher resolution, then frequency selective resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic liquid crystal-based frequency selective element that can be reconfigured through electrical control rather than requiring a static, highly complex physical structure with many precisely arranged pixels. This dynamic approach reduces device complexity while maintaining high resolution through software-controlled pixel modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves high resolution by controlling parameters (transmission/reflection states) of pixels through electrical signals rather than through complex physical arrangements. This parameter-based control simplifies the device structure while achieving the desired frequency selective resolution.
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
This approach enhances frequency selective resolution, enabling precise control of passband width and center frequency, allowing for higher resolution without enlarging the apparatus or refining the frequency selective element, thus meeting the demands for dynamic filtering in optical communication and spectroscopic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a frequency dispersion element which spatially disperses the light beam incident on said entrance/exit section according to their frequencies
Implementation Method 2
a light condensing element which condenses light beams dispersed by said frequency dispersion element as parallel light beams
Implementation Method 3
which changes reflection characteristics of each pixel to obtain desired frequency selective characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
Light from an optical fiber is incident on a frequency dispersion element. The frequency dispersion element disperses the incident light into light beams in different directions according to their frequencies and directs the dispersed light beams to a lens. The lens develops the incident light beams over an xy plane according to their frequencies in a strip-like form. A frequency selective element has pixels arranged in a frequency dispersion direction and brings pixels located at positions corresponding to the frequency to be selected into a reflective state. A light beam selected by the frequency selective element is emitted from an optical fiber through the same path. By changing reflection characteristics of the frequency selective element according to each pixel, optical filter characteristics can be desirably changed so as to achieve change of passband width and frequency shift.