Optical Interferometry for Lens Performance Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing optical objectives during manufacture are time-consuming and inefficient, as they often require individual characterization of each optical element and functional measurements after assembly, which do not guarantee the final performance of the objective.
Innovation Solution
A method using optical interferometry to measure geometric parameters of stacked optical elements, combined with a characterization model trained on identical architectures, to predict the functional performance of the optical objective without individual element characterization and post-assembly measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functional measurements (MTF technique) are used to test optical objective after manufacture, then performance validation is achieved, but time consumption increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs interferometric measurements on individual optical elements before they are assembled into the complete optical objective. By characterizing each element's geometric parameters (surface shape, thickness, position) in advance, the system prepares data that can be used to predict the performance of the assembled objective, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-assembly functional measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the optical objective by compiling interferometric measurement data from individual elements. This digital replica includes all geometric parameters and can be used to simulate and predict the performance of the assembled objective, replacing the need for physical post-assembly testing.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual parameters of each optical element are measured and compared to tolerance ranges, then manufacturing control is achieved, but the number of parameters increases time consumption and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual parameter measurements (surface shape, thickness, position) of each optical element into a single interferometric measurement process. By using optical interferometry, the system simultaneously captures all geometric parameters in one measurement, rather than measuring each parameter separately, thus reducing the complexity of the measurement system while maintaining comprehensive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach from checking individual parameters against tolerance ranges to measuring the actual geometric parameters with high precision interferometry. This allows the system to work with the real measured values directly in the predictive model, rather than dealing with binary pass/fail decisions based on tolerances, simplifying the overall process.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual parameters of optical elements are characterized before manufacture, then element quality is controlled, but correlations between parameters and final performance remain unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a comprehensive virtual model that includes all measured geometric parameters of each optical element and their spatial relationships in the assembled objective. This digital replica preserves all the information about how individual element parameters contribute to overall performance, allowing for accurate prediction of the assembled objective's behavior without losing the correlations between individual parameters and final performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a predictive model that takes interferometric measurement data as input and outputs estimated performance metrics. This creates a feedback loop where the measured geometric parameters are directly translated into performance predictions, allowing manufacturers to see how specific parameter variations will affect final performance before assembly is complete.
4Reliability
If comprehensive functional measurements are performed after assembly, then performance is validated, but manufacturing efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary measurements on individual optical elements before they are assembled into the complete objective. By characterizing each element's geometric parameters in advance using interferometry, the system prepares all the data needed for performance prediction, eliminating the need for post-assembly functional measurements and thus maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical post-assembly functional testing (which requires complex test setups and time-consuming procedures) with a computational prediction system. The virtual model calculates expected performance based on interferometric measurements, substituting mechanical testing with mathematical computation that is both faster and equally reliable.
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 reduces time and complexity, providing a more realistic and effective characterization of optical objectives by considering the interactions and associations of optical elements, leading to improved manufacturing efficiency and performance assessment.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, by optical interferometry on said stack of optical elements, at least one data set, called measured optical set, comprising data relating to at least one geometric parameter of at least one optical interface of said target objective
Data Source
AI summary
A method and related device for functional characterization, during manufacture or after manufacture, of a target optical objective including the following steps and performed after stacking the optical elements of the target objective: measuring, by optical interferometry, at least one measured optical set, including data relating to at least one geometric parameter of at least one optical interface; and providing, based on the at least one measured optical set, an estimated performance set including data relating to the performance of the target objective, by a characterization model previously trained. Also provided are a method and a system for manufacturing optical objectives implementing such a characterization method or device.