Optical Mount Stray Light Suppression via Transparent Cement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for suppressing stray light in optical imaging systems, such as blackening or increasing the diameter of optical components, often compromise centering tolerances, mechanical stability, and assembly feasibility, and are not entirely effective in preventing image impairments due to overexposure or uneven brightness.
Innovation Solution
Applying a transparent cement layer with a refractive index matched to the optical elements, strategically guiding stray light rays into a light trap using non-sequential ray tracing, and designing frames to maintain mechanical stability while minimizing contact surfaces that contribute to stray light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If black coating or absorbent layers are applied to optical component surfaces to suppress stray light, then stray light suppression is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly tolerances deteriorate due to impaired centering and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The optical component surface is divided into two distinct zones: a first area with the absorbent layer for stray light suppression and a second area without the layer for maintaining optical functionality and positioning accuracy. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific purpose without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent layer is applied selectively only to specific regions (first area) of the optical component where stray light suppression is needed, while leaving other regions (second area) unchanged to maintain precise centering and positioning capabilities. This local application resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the conflicting requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the diameter of optical elements is increased to prevent stray light entry, then stray light suppression is improved, but device complexity and assembly feasibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the diameter of optical elements, the solution segments the surface into functional zones where the absorbent layer is applied only where needed. This maintains the original element dimensions and simplifies assembly while still suppressing stray light effectively.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cement layers are applied to optical elements to suppress stray light, then stray light suppression is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to impaired positioning and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The cement or adhesive is applied only to the first area where stray light suppression is required, while the second area remains free of cement to maintain precise positioning and adjustment capabilities. This selective application resolves the contradiction between stray light suppression and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surface regions have different properties: the first area has cement/adhesive for stray light absorption while the second area remains clean for precise mechanical positioning. This local differentiation allows both functions to coexist without compromising either.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If UV-transparent cement is applied to prism surfaces for stray light suppression, then stray light suppression is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to insufficient UV light for cement hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The prism surface is divided into a first area where UV-transparent cement is applied for stray light suppression and a second area where non-UV-transparent cement is applied for reliable hardening. This segmentation allows each cement type to be used in the region where it provides the necessary function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cement properties are applied locally to different surface regions: UV-transparent cement in areas where stray light suppression is the priority and UV-blocking cement in areas where structural bonding and hardening are critical. This resolves the contradiction by spatially separating the conflicting requirements.
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
Effectively suppresses stray light without altering existing mounting or construction methods, ensuring image quality by directing stray light out of the beam path and maintaining mechanical stability through the use of transparent cement and additional light traps.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a transparent layer of cement to the critical areas of the optical elements and frames. The refractive index of the cement layer can preferably be matched to the refractive index of the optical element.
Implementation Method 2
guiding stray light rays out of the imaging beam path at the possible scattering and/or reflection areas and destroying them in a light trap
Data Source
Figure 1a~3b
AI summary
Described is a method for suppressing stray light that is directed into the useful beam path of the optical image via regions on optical elements that are provided with our without a mount. Said method is characterized in that the mechanical mount of the optical elements is structurally subdivided into a section for immobilizing the optical element in an oriented manner and a section covering the optical element in the form of a free space which is filled with a transparent cementing material in order to suppress stray light.