Planar Turning Optics for Compact Wide-Angle Light Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light collection systems, such as those using lenses, become bulky as the field of view increases, leading to difficulties in portability, cost, and installation, and fail to reduce the distance between the light collection device and the target effectively.
Innovation Solution
The optical system employs a turning optic within a transparent optic volume, where light rays undergo internal reflections to alter their direction, allowing for a compact and flat configuration that captures light from a large area and condenses it onto a smaller photosensor assembly, reducing the distance between the scene and the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a lens is used for light collection, then light can be captured effectively, but the device becomes bulky when the field of view increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple planar optical components (first planar optical component and second planar optical component) that work together to achieve light collection. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a compact form factor while preserving effective light collection capabilities across a large field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional lens-based light collection to a two-dimensional planar optical component architecture. By arranging optical elements in planar layers rather than using bulky spherical lenses, the system achieves effective light collection with a dramatically reduced device volume and form factor.
2Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased, then more light can be collected, but the distance between the lens and target increases making the device bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The field of view is divided and captured by multiple planar optical components arranged in specific orientations. The first and second planar optical components each capture light from different angular ranges, allowing the system to achieve a large overall field of view without increasing the distance from the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses composite planar optical components that integrate multiple functional elements (refractive elements, reflective elements, or diffractive elements) within a single planar structure. This composite approach enables the system to capture light from a large field of view while maintaining a compact form factor with minimal distance from the target.
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 solution provides a compact and efficient light collection system that preserves spatial and angular relationships of light rays, allowing for effective light collection from a large area while minimizing the distance between the scene and the optical system, unlike conventional bulky lens-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
light rays undergo internal reflections to alter their direction
Implementation Method 2
the geometrical structures are adapted to reflect a first portion of the incident light and transmit a second portion of the incident light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical system, wherein the optical system comprises a transparent optic defining an optical volume, the transparent optic comprising a first main face adapted to admit light into the optical volume and a first turning optic for turning the light admitted inside the optical volume such that the light is internally reflected within the optical volume.