Planar Area Light Source Uniform Illumination Optical Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in achieving uniform light intensity over the entire area of a sample, which is essential for accurate optical analysis, particularly in applications like microscopy where bright-field and fluorescent imaging are required.
Innovation Solution
A planar area light source is created using end-emitting or side-emitting optical fibers in conjunction with a light extraction plate and a diffuser film, where the optical fibers are configured to distribute light uniformly across the plate's surface, ensuring consistent illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a point light source is used, then the device complexity is low, but the light intensity is not uniform across the sample area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light emission function by using multiple optical fibers arranged in an array, where each fiber acts as an independent light-emitting element. This segmentation allows the light to be distributed uniformly across the sample area while maintaining relatively simple individual fiber components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light extraction plate as an intermediary component between the optical fibers and the sample. This plate mediates the light distribution by extracting and redirecting light from the fiber ends to achieve uniform illumination across the entire sample area.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple optical fibers are used to achieve uniform illumination, then the light intensity uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical fibers into a single integrated light source assembly where all fiber ends are collected and directed through a common light extraction plate. This combining approach achieves uniform illumination while avoiding the complexity of managing separate illumination systems for each fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The light extraction plate serves multiple functions: it extracts light from multiple fiber ends, redistributes it uniformly across the sample area, and acts as a single integrated component that simplifies the overall device structure despite the complexity of light collection from multiple sources.
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 configuration provides a uniform light distribution, enhancing the accuracy of optical analysis by maintaining consistent light intensity across the sample, thereby improving imaging quality in microscopy and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
an end-emitting optical fiber including a first end and a second end... the second end emits light into the light extraction plate
Implementation Method 2
a light scattering structure... The light scattering structure extracts light emitted into the light extraction plate
Implementation Method 3
a light diffuser film disposed above the light scattering structure... which extracted light passes through the light diffuser film, thereby providing a uniform light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A device, including: an end-emitting optical fiber including a first end and a second end; a light extraction plate including a light scattering structure; and a light diffuser film disposed above the light scattering structure. Also disclosed are systems including the device.