Configurable Spectral, Color & MTF Tester With Fused Silica Homogenization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical test systems face challenges in ensuring uniformity of electromagnetic waves across a broad spectral range without significant losses, particularly when using integrating spheres or fibers, which are bulky and inefficient, limiting their application in spatially constrained environments and requiring multiple instruments for various optical tests.
Innovation Solution
A configurable integrated tester system with a first and second optical channel, a dichroic beam combiner, and a homogenizing module using a fused silica light pipe to combine and homogenize electromagnetic waves across a 200-2500 nm range, minimizing losses and enabling compact, efficient spectral, color, and MTF measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If integrating spheres are used to ensure uniformity of electromagnetic waves, then uniformity is improved, but device size and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core homogenizing function from the bulky integrating sphere and implements it through a compact light pipe-based module. The light pipe receives light from a source and guides it through a series of internal reflections and scattering events to produce uniform output, achieving the same effect as an integrating sphere but in a much smaller form factor suitable for portable and compact optical test systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the homogenizing device by using a light pipe with specific internal geometry, surface properties, and optical path length. By adjusting parameters such as the light pipe's internal reflection surfaces, scattering elements, and overall dimensions, the system achieves uniform light output without requiring the large volume of a traditional integrating sphere.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fibers are used to create uniformity in light output, then uniformity is improved, but transmittance losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light pipe as an intermediary device between the light source and the test sample. The light pipe acts as a mediator that collects light from the source, performs multiple internal reflections and scattering events to homogenize the light, and then delivers the uniform light to the sample. This intermediary structure reduces losses compared to direct fiber coupling by providing a larger collection area and more efficient light guidance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separately-available instruments are used for various optical tests, then measurement capability is improved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical test system that can perform multiple types of measurements (spectral, color, MTF, uniformity) using a single integrated platform. The system uses a common light source, homogenizing module, and sample stage that can be configured for different test types, eliminating the need for multiple separate instruments and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
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
The system provides high uniformity and efficiency in electromagnetic wave distribution, reducing the need for multiple instruments and enabling rapid, precise data collection for spectral, color, and MTF evaluations on diverse devices, including dimming devices and materials, with minimal spatial and thermal impact.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic beam combiner for combining the first light path and the second light path to form a third light path
Implementation Method 2
a light pipe configured for receiving at least one of the first band of electromagnetic waves and the second band of electromagnetic waves unobstructed at a first end and supplying a homogenized output of at least one of the first band of electromagnetic waves and the second band of electromagnetic waves at a second end, wherein the light pipe is a fused silica light pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable integrated spectral, color and image-quality tester system including a first optical channel including a first light path for the traversal of a first band of electromagnetic waves, a second optical channel including a second light path for the traversal of a second band of electromagnetic waves, a dichroic beam combiner for combining the first light path and the second light path to form a third light path, a spectral filter interposed between the first optical channel and the dichroic beam combiner for modifying the first band of electromagnetic waves prior to arriving at the dichroic beam combiner, and a third optical channel for receiving the third light path, the third optical channel including a homogenizing module for homogenizing electromagnetic waves, wherein the first band of electromagnetic waves and the second band of electromagnetic waves are together disposed at wavelengths falling in a range of about 200-2500 nm.