Geometrical Phase Lens Confocal Sensing for Height and Point Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatic confocal sensors face limitations in real-time measurement due to complex optical systems and difficulty in confirming the location of measurement points, which complicates interpretation of measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A vision chromatic confocal sensor is designed with a simple optical configuration using a geometrical phase lens to induce chromatic aberration, allowing simultaneous measurement of specimen height and location confirmation through a geometrical phase lens, a beam splitter, and a monitoring unit with phase retardation plates and a camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a chromatic confocal sensor uses a complex optical system to generate sufficient chromatic aberration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the chromatic aberration generation function from a complex multi-lens optical system and implements it through a simpler optical path configuration that naturally produces sufficient chromatic aberration for height measurement, eliminating the need for multiple corrective lenses while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a specific combination of optical elements with different focal lengths and positions that create adequate chromatic aberration without requiring a complex lens system, thereby simplifying the device while preserving measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If a chromatic confocal sensor uses a point measurement method to detect height, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to confirm measurement point location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an imaging lens as an intermediary component that captures and displays the measurement point location on a screen or detector, allowing operators to visually confirm where measurements are being taken while the chromatic confocal principle continues to provide precise height detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the measurement process by implementing an imaging system that provides lateral location information alongside the axial height measurement, enabling operators to see both the position and the measurement result simultaneously
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 continuous monitoring of measurement points and accurate height measurement of specimens with confirmed locations, simplifying the optical system and improving measurement efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
modulating the light received from the optical circulator and emitting light in which chromatic aberration is expressed to a specimen
Implementation Method 2
a light conversion unit including a geometrical phase lens
Implementation Method 3
a beam splitter splitting the reflected light reflected by the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a chromatic confocal sensor based on a geometrical phase lens, and provides a chromatic confocal sensor that can confirm a height of a specimen and a location of a height measurement point through a configuration of a simple device.