Optical Probe Astigmatism Compensation Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical devices face challenges in compensating for astigmatism caused by optical components, which affects the focusing of light beams, leading to variations in beam quality and reliability, especially in applications requiring precise illumination and imaging within internal structures.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical assembly comprising an optical fiber, a lens system, and a prism with a concave surface, where the light passes through the prism before being emitted, compensates for astigmatism by adjusting the beam waists in both the x-y and y-z planes to achieve minimal or no astigmatism, allowing for precise focusing and illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a transparent tube is used as an optical component to emit light, then the device structure is simplified, but astigmatism is caused in the light passing through the tube
Solution Approach 1:
A corrective optical element (lens or prism) is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the transparent tube. This mediator compensates for the astigmatism caused by the tube's optical properties, allowing the simplified tube structure to be used while maintaining beam quality through the corrective element's optical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the light beam are adjusted by incorporating a corrective element with specific optical properties (focal length, refractive index, geometry) that counteract the astigmatism-inducing parameters of the transparent tube. By changing the beam parameters through this corrective element, the system achieves both structural simplicity and beam quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If another optical component is added to compensate for astigmatism, then beam quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corrective optical element is integrated with existing components in the optical path, such as combining it with the light source housing or positioning it at strategic locations where it serves multiple functions. This merging approach reduces the overall device complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures and simplifying the optical train while still achieving astigmatism compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrective optical element is designed to perform multiple functions: compensating for astigmatism, focusing the beam, and potentially serving as a protective window or interface with the external environment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining beam quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If a prism is used to compensate for astigmatism, then beam quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent considers using simpler, less expensive optical elements (such as molded plastic lenses or prisms) that can be manufactured at low cost using injection molding or other mass production techniques. These elements provide sufficient astigmatism compensation for the application while being economically viable, replacing more expensive precision-ground optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the corrective element are optimized to achieve the necessary astigmatism compensation with minimal complexity. By carefully selecting the refractive index, geometry, and positioning of the element, the design achieves effective correction using simpler, cheaper materials and manufacturing processes rather than requiring expensive precision optics.
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 solution ensures that the light emitted from the optical device has minimal astigmatism, improving beam quality and reliability, enabling effective illumination and imaging within internal structures, such as during medical procedures, with the ability to maintain focus and clarity across various distances and structures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical component, such as an optical prism, through which the light passes before the light passes through the tube, and which causes astigmatism in the light that compensates for the astigmatism expected to be caused by the tube
Implementation Method 2
the optical properties and geometry of the outer surfaces of the optical component may cause the two planes of rays of the light emitted from the optical component to have different focal lines or points
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3B
AI summary
An optical probe (200) includes a lens combination, an optical fiber assembly (205), and a cover (260). The lens combination includes a first lens (220) and a second lens (650). The first lens has a generally planar first lens surface (215) defining an oval edge. The second lens has a generally planar second lens surface (629) operatively coupled to the first lens surface. The second lens has four primary edges (681, 682, 683, 684) and at least two secondary edges (686, 687, 688, 689) connecting pairs of the primary edges. Each primary edge extends in substantially a straight line between two spaced-apart points at the oval edge of the first lens. The optical fiber and the lens combination are configured such that a light beam exiting the optical fiber enters the lens combination at an entering surface of the first lens, passes through the first lens and exits the first lens at the first lens surface. The cover circumferentially surrounds the optical fiber assembly. The lens combination is also presented as a separate entity. The probe further comprises a first adhesive (730) that attaches the first lens, or first optical component, to the second lens, or second optical component, the first adhesive at least partially circumferentially surrounding the second end surface of the second optical component. The probe also comprises a second adhesive (735) that attaches the second optical component to the cover.