Optical Test Fixture for Combined Centering and Polarization Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test fixtures for optical test specimens require multiple steps and significant installation space to measure centering and polarization axis alignment, leading to lengthy measurement times and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A test device that combines a beam source, optical elements, a rotation unit, and a detector unit to simultaneously determine the decentering and polarization properties of an optical test specimen by rotating the specimen relative to a filter element, allowing for the detection of the polarization axis and centering using a single measurement setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate measuring heads are used to measure centering and polarization alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines centering measurement and polarization alignment measurement into a single integrated measuring head. The measuring head includes a beam source, optical elements for both centering and polarization measurement, and a detector unit that captures images for evaluating both parameters simultaneously, eliminating the need for two separate measuring heads.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring head is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple measurement functions: centering measurement, polarization alignment measurement, and optionally tilt measurement. The same optical path and detector unit are used for all measurements, making the device multi-functional and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If two separate measuring heads are used for sequential measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges centering and polarization alignment measurements into a single simultaneous measurement process. The detector unit captures images that contain information for both measurements at the same time, eliminating the need for sequential measurements and reducing total measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process continues without interruption by performing both centering and polarization alignment measurements simultaneously in a single continuous operation, rather than switching between separate measurement heads. This continuous measurement approach reduces idle time and accelerates the overall measurement process.
3Measurement precision
If multiple work steps are used to measure centering and polarization alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement work steps into a single integrated measurement operation. The measuring head performs both centering and polarization alignment measurements simultaneously, reducing the number of operational steps and simplifying the measurement process while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring head is designed as a universal device that handles multiple measurement tasks through a single operational sequence. The evaluation unit processes images from the detector unit to extract both centering and polarization alignment data, providing a unified and simplified operation interface for the user.
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
Enables simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters with reduced installation space and time, eliminating the need for separate measurement setups and reducing measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element configured as a filter element in the optical axis for impressing or filtering a specific polarization direction of the light of the beam of rays
Implementation Method 2
a detector unit configured to capture the light reflected or transmitted by the test object and to generate an at least approximately sharp image of the light source or the reticle
Data Source
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AI summary
The approach presented here provides a test device (100) for an optical test specimen (105), wherein the test device (100) comprises a beam source (145) for emitting a beam of light (115) along an optical axis (117). Furthermore, the test device (100) includes an optical element configured as a filter element (125) for imprinting or filtering a specific polarization direction of the light from the beam of light (115) or of light reflected or transmitted by the test specimen (105). The test device (100) also includes a rotation unit (135) configured to rotate the test specimen (105) lying on the optical axis (117) relative to the filter element (125) by an angle of rotation (140).Finally, the test device (100) includes a detector unit (147) configured to determine a polarization axis of the test specimen (105) from the rotation angle (140) and a light beam of the beam (115) reflected by or transmitted through the test specimen (105), as well as a measure of the decentering of the test specimen.