Optical Space-Compression Medium Reducing Light Propagation Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems are hindered by the significant space required for optical propagation between lenses, which is often larger than the lenses themselves, necessitating a solution to compress this space while maintaining image formation quality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an optical space-compression medium with an angle-dependent phase response that intersects converging optical rays, reducing the optical convergence distance by imparting an inward transverse translation while maintaining incident convergence angles, effectively compressing the space required for image formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical propagation distance is used between lenses, then image formation quality is maintained, but system size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical space-compression medium that changes the optical path length parameter. The medium has a refractive index different from the surrounding medium, causing light to travel a longer optical path distance than the physical thickness of the medium. This allows the system to maintain the required optical propagation distance for image formation while reducing the physical space occupied, thereby decreasing system volume without compromising image formation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The optical space-compression medium acts as an intermediary element between the lens and the image plane. This medium mediates the optical propagation by providing a controlled refractive index environment that extends the effective optical path length within a compressed physical space, enabling both compact system size and maintained image formation quality
2Length of moving object
If optical attachment with multiple elements is used to reduce focal length, then post-lens distance is reduced, but additional optical power is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the space-compression function from the lens assembly itself and places it in a separate medium positioned between the lens and image plane. This extracted approach allows reduction of post-lens distance without adding optical elements to the lens, thereby avoiding introduction of additional optical power and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the original lens, the optical space-compression medium, and the image plane. This segmentation allows the space-compression medium to independently reduce post-lens distance without being integrated into the lens structure, preventing unwanted optical power changes and simplifying the overall device
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 allows for a substantial reduction in the distance light travels, enabling more compact imaging systems without compromising image quality or introducing additional optical power, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical space-compression medium with an angle-dependent phase response that intersects converging optical rays, reducing the optical convergence distance by imparting an inward transverse translation while maintaining incident convergence angles
Data Source
AI summary
Described are various embodiments of space-compressing methods, materials, devices, and systems, and imaging or optical devices and systems using same. In one embodiment, an optical system comprises an optical convergence element having a defined optical path convergence distance and disposed so to produce converging optical rays along an optical convergence path to converge at said distance; an optical space-compression medium disposed along the optical convergence path to intersect the converging optical rays to compress a resulting optical convergence distance by imparting an inward transverse translation of the converging optical rays while substantially maintaining respective incident convergence angles upon output.