Optical Limiter Device with Adjustable Focusing Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical limiting devices integrated into optical systems like cameras and binoculars face challenges in achieving optimal focusing and temperature stability, leading to suboptimal performance due to their design, which complicates accurate intensity control and absorption management.
Innovation Solution
An optical limiter device with independently adjustable focusing lenses, allowing for precise focusing and refocusing without altering the protected optical system's focus, and a detachable design for easy mounting on various optical systems, ensuring minimal interference and efficient intensity reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical limiter is integrated into an existing optical system, then optical limiting protection is provided, but the focusing accuracy in the intermediate image plane deteriorates due to the optical system not being designed for optimal intermediate images
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate functional modules: the existing optical system for image formation and the add-on optical limiter device for intensity control. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently - the main optical system for image quality and the limiter device for focusing accuracy in the intermediate plane.
Solution Approach 2:
An independent optical limiter device with its own focusing optics acts as an intermediary between the optical system and the limiter material. This intermediary provides the necessary focusing accuracy without requiring modification of the main optical system, thereby resolving the contradiction between providing protection and maintaining focusing precision.
2Temperature
If the focusing position in the image plane is changed due to temperature alteration, then the intermediate focus for the limiter changes, but this destroys the ability to limit without control
Solution Approach 1:
The optical limiter device incorporates adjustable focusing optics that can dynamically compensate for temperature-induced focus shifts. The independent focusing mechanism allows real-time adjustment of the intermediate image plane position, maintaining optimal focusing conditions despite temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the focal parameters of the limiter optics independently to compensate for temperature effects. By adjusting the focusing position in the intermediate plane, the system maintains optimal limiting performance across different temperature conditions without affecting the main optical system.
3Loss of energy
If a thin limiter material is used to reduce absorption losses, then linear absorption is reduced, but accurate focusing becomes essential to provide optical limitation
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the focusing function (provided by independent optics in the limiter device) from the limiting function (performed by the thin limiter material). This segmentation enables the use of thin limiter material with reduced absorption losses while maintaining accurate focusing through the dedicated focusing optics.
Solution Approach 2:
Independent focusing optics serve as an intermediary that provides the necessary accurate focusing for thin limiter material. This intermediary ensures high intensity in the intermediate image without requiring the main optical system to be redesigned, enabling the use of thin limiter material while maintaining focusing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the optical limiter device is made detachable for easy mounting, then adaptability to different optical systems is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical limiter device is designed as a universal, self-contained unit that can be mounted on various optical systems. The detachable mounting mechanism and independent focusing optics provide multi-functionality, allowing the same device to be adapted to different applications without increasing internal complexity.
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 optical limiter device provides optimal focusing and intensity management, maintaining performance across temperature changes and allowing for easy maintenance, effectively reducing high-intensity electromagnetic waves while minimizing interference with the protected equipment or eyes.
Implementation Method 1
An optical limiter element comprising a non linear optical limiter material is positioned in said intermediate image plane so that an intensity reduction is obtained when electromagnetic waves having an intensity above a certain level enter said optical limiter device
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical limiter device, comprising a non linear limiter element, one first lens device and one second lens device, said first lens device is arranged to receive beams of electromagnetic waves and refract said waves, said second lens is arranged to essentially refract said waves in an essentially reverse manner, said non linear limiting element is arranged to be positioned in a position between said lens devices, this position being a conceivable focus of said first and said second lens device and said first lens device's focus is independently adjustable which, in use, provides for an optimal intermediate image substantial in a plane comprised in the non linear limiter element. An optical arrangement is also disclosed comprising an optical limiter device and an optical system.