Optical Element Characterization Under Vibrational Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems, particularly liquid lenses, face challenges in characterizing and evaluating their performance under vibrational loading, which can lead to undesirable effects such as blurring and degradation in image quality due to resonant modes and structural bending, making it difficult to determine if they will function effectively in environments with expected vibrational loads.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for characterizing optical elements under vibrational loading, including a vibration loading system, acceleration sensors, and a test control system that synchronizes illumination with vibration data to analyze the optical resolution, blur, and pointing stability of optical systems, using a mounting structure and light control systems to simulate and measure vibrational effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the size of liquid lens is reduced to reduce vibration effects, then vibration resistance is improved, but light collection capability and imaging performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and material properties of the liquid lens system. Specifically, it changes the viscosity, density, and surface tension parameters of the liquid lens material to optimize the balance between vibration resistance and optical performance. The patent also adjusts operational parameters such as driving voltage and liquid flow rate to maintain imaging quality while reducing vibration sensitivity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical elements are used in liquid lenses for focus adjustment, then focusing capability is improved, but vibration sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical focusing elements with an electrically controlled liquid lens system. Instead of using mechanical lenses or mirrors that physically move to adjust focus, the invention uses changes in liquid lens curvature controlled by electrical voltage to achieve focusing. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are sensitive to vibration, while maintaining full focusing capability through electro-optical control.
3Device complexity
If surface tension effects are neglected in liquid lenses, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of vibration effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to accurately characterize and compensate for vibration effects in liquid lenses. Acceleration sensors provide real-time vibration data that is fed back to the control system, which then adjusts the liquid lens parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables precise measurement and compensation of vibration-induced distortions without requiring overly complex theoretical models, maintaining a practical balance between model simplicity and measurement accuracy.
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 the evaluation of optical systems' performance under various vibrational conditions, distinguishing between blur caused by external vibrations and structural issues, and determining their suitability for specific applications by quantifying optical resolution and image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid lenses (e.g. electrowetting based liquid lenses, or pressure membrane liquid lenses, etc.) provide enhanced capability over solid lenses by the ability to change focus or tilt using voltage without conventional mechanical elements
Implementation Method 2
an assumption can be made that surface tension is much higher than any sort of vibration effects, so any deformation, and thus degradation in optical performance, caused by vibrations can be neglected
Implementation Method 3
Vibration can negatively impact performance of optical systems used in applications such as imaging, laser pointing, and laser designation
Implementation Method 4
A system and method for characterizing optical elements under vibrational loading, including a vibration loading system, acceleration sensors, and a test control system that synchronizes illumination with vibration data
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and related methods are provided to perform optical characterization of system under tests (SUT), including one or more optical elements (OE), for various purposes including evaluation of optical resolution needed to distinguish image elements, blur, line of sight jitter, and/or pointing stability. Various testing systems and methods are provided including an embodiment having a vibration loading system (VLS), a first acceleration sensor coupled with the VLS, and a mounting structure adapted to receive the SUT. An illumination target system (ITS) emits light that passes through the SUT OE's lens and is captured by the SUT's imaging system. A light control system controls the ITS based on a plurality of activation commands and a Test Control System (TCS). The TCS receives ITS input through the SUT that is synchronized with acceleration sensor data (e.g. phase of VLS position) and analyzed via real-time or post-processing.