Optical Probe Reflecting Component for Astigmatism Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optical-imaging devices, such as endoscopes, suffer from astigmatism caused by the sheath, which reduces image quality due to different beam convergence and divergence distances in orthogonal directions, affecting the focusing of light beams.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical-correction component with a reflecting surface that has specific optical powers on orthogonal axes to compensate for the astigmatism introduced by the sheath, ensuring the reflecting surface does not directly contact the lens and redirects light through the sheath or a protector with a window, maintaining equal optical power on both axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sheath is used to protect the optical system, then the structural integrity and protection of the optical system is improved, but astigmatism is introduced that reduces image quality
Solution Approach 1:
An optical correction component is introduced as an intermediary element between the lens and sheath. This component has a reflecting surface with specific optical power that compensates for the astigmatism introduced by the sheath, allowing the sheath to remain for protection while correcting its detrimental optical effects
Solution Approach 2:
The optical correction component changes the optical parameters of the light path by introducing a reflecting surface with specific optical power. This modifies the beam convergence and divergence characteristics to compensate for the astigmatism caused by the sheath's protective structure
2Manufacturing precision
If the reflecting surface has optical power to correct astigmatism on one axis, then astigmatism correction is improved, but the optical power on the perpendicular axis becomes negligible
Solution Approach 1:
The reflecting surface is designed with non-uniform optical properties: it has significant optical power in one direction (to correct astigmatism) and negligible optical power in the perpendicular direction. This anisotropic design allows selective correction of astigmatism while maintaining appropriate optical characteristics on both axes
3Ease of manufacture
If the optical-correction component does not directly contact the lens, then the structural integrity and ease of assembly is improved, but the precision of optical alignment becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting structure or spacer acts as an intermediary between the lens and the optical correction component, allowing precise positioning and alignment without direct contact. This enables easy assembly while maintaining the required optical alignment precision through the intermediary's designed geometry
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 configuration effectively corrects astigmatism, ensuring that light beams focus at the same working distance on both axes, improving image quality and maintaining the structural integrity of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
the reflecting surface is configured to reflect light from the lens and redirect the reflected light through the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
Some devices comprise a first light-guiding component, a second light-guiding component, a lens, an optical-correction component that has a reflecting surface that faces the lens, and a sheath, which causes astigmatism. The reflecting surface has an optical power on a first axis of two orthogonal axes, the optical power on the first axis compensates for the astigmatism, and the reflecting surface has a negligible optical power on a second axis of the two orthogonal axes. Also, the reflecting surface is configured to reflect light from the lens and redirect the reflected light through the sheath.