Prism Intermediate Imaging Layout for Lower Light Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Scratches or dust within a prism in an optical system can cause partial loss of light, and manufacturing errors on reflection surfaces have a significant impact on light reflection, particularly in prisms used for intermediate imaging.
Innovation Solution
The optical system employs a prism with specific intermediate imaging positions arranged within defined ranges relative to reflection surfaces, minimizing the influence of scratches and manufacturing errors by reducing the footprint of light flux on these surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a prism is used for light reflection to achieve miniaturization of the optical system, then the optical system size is reduced, but scratches or dust within the prism cause partial loss of light
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple prisms, each performing a specific function (e.g., one prism for reflection, another for dispersion). This segmentation allows the light path to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the impact of defects in any single prism while maintaining the compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate optical element or air gap is introduced between the prism and the light source or other optical components. This intermediary layer reduces the contact area between light and the prism interior, minimizing the impact of scratches and dust on light transmission.
2Productivity
If a prism is used for intermediate imaging, then light reflection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing errors on reflection surfaces have greater influence on light
Solution Approach 1:
The optical design is modified to change the incident angle and path length of light on the reflection surface. By optimizing these parameters, the system becomes less sensitive to small manufacturing errors while maintaining high reflection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The prism geometry is designed with asymmetric features that compensate for typical manufacturing errors. The light path is routed through regions where small deviations in surface accuracy have minimal impact on overall optical performance.
3Length of stationary object
If intermediate imaging positions are formed within the prism, then optical path length is reduced, but scratches at imaging positions cause partial light disappearance
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate imaging positions are extracted from the interior of the prism and relocated to positions where they do not coincide with potential scratch or dust locations. This may involve forming images at the prism surfaces or in air gaps, separating the imaging function from the potentially defective prism interior.
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 reduces the impact of scratches and manufacturing errors on light transmission, maintaining efficient light flux and minimizing partial loss within the prism.
Implementation Method 1
a light flux from the first surface being reflected by the second surface to head for the third surface
Implementation Method 2
the prism having a first intermediate imaging position at which a component in a first direction of the light flux incident inside is imaged
Data Source
AI summary
A prism includes a first intermediate imaging position at which a component in a first direction of the light flux is imaged and a second intermediate imaging position at which a component in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction of the light flux is imaged, different from the first intermediate imaging position. At least one of the first intermediate imaging position and the second intermediate imaging position lying within a first range from the second surface between the first surface and the second surface or lying within a second range from the second surface between the second surface and the third surface. The first range has a length less than one-half of an optical path length from the first surface to the second surface, and the second range has a length less than one-half of the optical path length from the second surface to the third surface.