Prism Diffraction Optics for Compact Multispectral Holography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for digital holography in minimally invasive medicine are limited by the need for large, stereoscopic optics and inefficient wavelength separation, making them unsuitable for compact medical imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a first holography arrangement with a diffraction element formed by a prism arrangement and a transmission diffraction grating, featuring non-45° angles for the mirror and prism surfaces to optimize light propagation and wavelength separation, allowing for compact and robust multi-spectral digital holography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional stereoscopic optics are used for digital holography, then 3D imaging capability is achieved, but the system size becomes too large for minimally invasive medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical stereoscopic optics with a digital holographic system using diffraction gratings and digital processors. This substitution enables 3D imaging functionality while dramatically reducing system size, making it suitable for minimally invasive medical endoscopes where compact dimensions are critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses digital copying of wavefront information through holographic interference patterns. Instead of requiring complex mechanical stereoscopic components, the system captures and digitally processes optical interference patterns to reconstruct 3D information, enabling compact system design without sacrificing imaging capability.
2Measurement precision
If a transmission diffraction grating is used for wavelength separation, then spectral resolution is improved, but light reflection and interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric angle configurations for the transmission diffraction grating and mirror surfaces, specifically using non-45° angles. This asymmetric design optimizes the diffraction efficiency for wavelength separation while minimizing unwanted reflections and interference effects, thereby improving spectral resolution without the harmful side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific geometric parameters of the optical system, including the diffraction grating angle, mirror surface angles, and prism configuration. By carefully adjusting these parameters away from standard 45° configurations, the system achieves maximum wavelength separation efficiency while reducing light reflection and interference to acceptable levels.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard 45° mirror and prism angles are used, then optical alignment is simplified, but wavelength separation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately deviates from standard 45° mirror and prism angles by using optimized non-45° configurations. This parameter change enhances wavelength separation efficiency and light propagation optimization, while the overall system design maintains manufacturing feasibility through precise but achievable angular specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different angular parameters to different optical components based on their specific functional requirements. Rather than using a uniform 45° angle throughout, each mirror and prism surface is angled optimally for its specific role in wavelength separation and light propagation, achieving local optimization that improves overall system performance.
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
The system enables efficient separation of multiple wavelengths and generates 3D information with a compact design, suitable for minimally invasive medical imaging by reducing light reflection and interference, enhancing the efficiency of wavelength resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an optical transmission diffraction grating arrangement (36) which is arranged in the first diffraction element (3) and extends along a diffraction plane (360)
Implementation Method 2
the first mirror plane (350) encloses an angle α with the diffraction plane (360)
Implementation Method 3
the prism surface (340) encloses an angle ω2 with the diffraction plane (360)
Implementation Method 4
wherein the reference light (100) is superimposed in the diffraction element (3) with the object light (200)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system (1) comprising at least the following components: a first holography arrangement (2) comprising a first diffraction element (3) which is formed by a first prism arrangement (4) having at least a quadrangular base surface, wherein a lateral surface of the first prism arrangement (4) has the following lateral surface regions: a first entrance surface (31) for reference light (100) extending along a first entrance plane (310), a second entrance surface (32) for object light (200) extending along a second entrance plane (320), wherein the first and second entrance surfaces (31, 32) form opposite lateral surface regions of the first prism arrangement (4), an exit surface (33) which extends along an exit plane (330) and through which diffracted reference light (102) and diffracted object light (201) can exit from the first diffraction element (3), a prism surface (34), opposite to the exit surface (33), extending along a prism plane (340), an optical transmission diffraction grating arrangement (36) which is arranged in the first diffraction element (3) and extends along a diffraction plane (360), which intersects the first entrance plane (310), between the first entrance surface (31) and the exit surface (33), wherein the transmission diffraction grating arrangement (36) of the first diffraction element (3) comprises at least one first volume phase hologram grating, and in that the first holography arrangement (2) has, on the side of the prism surface (34), a first mirror (35) having a first mirror plane (350), wherein the first mirror plane (350) encloses an angle α with the diffraction plane (360) and the prism plane (340) encloses an angle ω2 with the diffraction plane (360), wherein at least one of the angles α, ω2 is different from 45°.