Portable Thermal Chamber for Optic Metrology Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optic metrology systems are ineffective in testing optical performance at various thermal conditions due to their fixed system configurations, which are either unsuitable for different devices or compromise the accuracy of performance characterization.

Innovation Solution

A portable optic metrology thermal chamber module with a selectably configurable design that matches the size and shape of the device under test, allowing for precise thermal control from -40°C to 85°C, and includes a heat exchanger with circulating thermal control fluid to maintain optimal testing conditions for lenses and cameras across different wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed system configuration is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different devices and thermal conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different devices and thermal conditionsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a configurable thermal chamber module that can be adjusted to different configurations based on the device under test. The chamber includes adjustable walls and positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration for different optical devices and thermal conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity by making the system dynamically adjustable rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal chamber module is divided into separate configurable components including adjustable walls, independent positioning systems, and modular heating/cooling zones. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted for different testing requirements, enabling adaptability without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If one size fits all approach is used, then device compatibility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical performance characterization precisionVSAvoiddevice compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal chamber module implements local quality by providing customized thermal zones and positioning for each device under test. Each region of the chamber can be independently configured with appropriate temperature control and optical access, ensuring optimal measurement conditions for each specific device while maintaining overall system compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If open temperature controlled system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but thermal control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal control precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a closed thermal chamber as an intermediary environment between the external atmosphere and the device under test. This chamber provides isolated thermal control through controlled walls and insulation, allowing precise temperature maintenance without direct exposure to ambient fluctuations, thereby achieving thermal precision while managing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate characterization of optic performance parameters such as modulation transfer function, distortion, and stray light artifacts at various temperatures, accommodating diverse optical devices with improved precision and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

includes a heat exchanger with circulating thermal control fluid to maintain optimal testing conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS12104975B2Portable optic metrology thermal chamber module and method therefor

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 OPTIKOS CORP

AI summary

A portable optic metrology thermal chamber module including a housing defining a thermal chamber, with a thermally isolated environment arranged for holding an optic device under test, the housing having an optic stimulus entry aperture configured for entry of a stimulus beam, from a metrology system stimulus source through the entry aperture onto an entry pupil of the device to an image analyzer, and a module mount coupling to modularly mount the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module to a support of a metrology system of the metrology system stimulus source so as to removably couple the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module as a unit to the support in a predetermined position relative to the metrology system stimulus source, and the housing is sized and shaped so that the portable optic metrology thermal chamber module is portable as a unit for moving to and removing from the predetermined position.