Optical Housing Surface Features for Stray Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems face interference and reduced dynamic range due to stray light, which enters from peripheral sources and limits signal-to-noise ratio and contrast ratio, causing unwanted background noise and image degradation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modified thread pattern on the internal surface of optical housings, featuring symmetric or non-symmetric geometric structures such as sawtooth, rounded sawtooth, and seagull patterns, to redirect and diffuse stray light away from the primary image plane, thereby minimizing its impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If smooth internal surfaces are used in optical housing, then manufacturing is easier, but stray light reflections increase causing unwanted background noise and reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The internal surface of the optical housing is given different local properties: smooth in some areas for ease of manufacture and non-symmetric patterns in other areas to control stray light. The non-symmetric pattern specifically has a first surface feature that is curved and a second surface feature that is substantially planar, creating localized quality variations to redirect stray light away from the detector.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-symmetric pattern is implemented on the internal surface where the first surface feature (curved) differs from the second surface feature (planar). This asymmetric geometry is specifically designed to control and redirect stray light reflections, preventing them from reaching the detector while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Device complexity
If conventional optical housing without surface features is used, then device complexity is reduced, but stray light limits dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire optical housing complex, only specific internal surfaces are given non-symmetric patterns with curved and planar surface features. This localized approach controls stray light at critical reflection points while keeping the rest of the housing simple, thereby maintaining signal-to-noise ratio without excessive complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If symmetric patterns are used on internal surface, then manufacturing is simpler, but stray light control effectiveness is reduced compared to non-symmetric patterns
Solution Approach 1:
A non-symmetric pattern is specifically designed where the first surface feature is curved and the second surface feature is substantially planar. This asymmetric configuration is more effective at controlling stray light reflections than symmetric patterns, as it redirects light away from the detector more efficiently while remaining manufacturable.
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 effectively reduces stray light reflections, enhancing image quality by minimizing unwanted background noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing for a broader dynamic range in optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
An interior surface of the optical housing includes a predetermined surface feature adapted to control reflections of stray light along the optical path between the aperture and the detector
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling stray light reflections are provided. An optical system includes an aperture having an optical axis passing therethrough, one or more optical elements disposed along an optical path, and a detector disposed along the optical path. The system further includes an optical housing disposed between the aperture and the detector. The interior surface of the optical housing includes a predetermined surface feature adapted to control reflections of stray light along the optical path between the aperture and the detector. A method of fabricating an optical housing includes forming a pattern comprising a predetermined surface feature on an interior surface of the optical housing. The predetermined surface feature is configured to control reflections of stray light along an optical path between an aperture at a proximal end of the optical housing and a detector at a distal end of the optical housing.