Prismatic Focus Corrector for Multispectral Chromatic Aberration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical lenses suffer from longitudinal chromatic aberration, where different wavelengths of light have distinct focusing distances, leading to image distortions and lack of focus in multispectral or hyperspectral imaging.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a focus corrector, such as a prismatic, stepped, or variable index of refraction corrector, within the optical path of the sensor array to refract incoming light and align focal lengths of various wavelengths to a common focus point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple lens is used, then the device complexity is low, but longitudinal chromatic aberration occurs causing different wavelengths to focus at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is segmented into multiple functional components: a primary lens for general focusing and a separate focus corrector element specifically for chromatic aberration correction. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently, with the focus corrector containing multiple prismatic sections tailored to different wavelength ranges, thereby reducing overall chromatic aberration while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the focus corrector are designed with locally optimized properties - specific prismatic sections with particular refractive indices and angles are positioned to correct for specific wavelength ranges. This local quality approach ensures that each region of the corrector addresses the chromatic aberration characteristics specific to its designated wavelength band, improving overall focus accuracy across the spectrum
2Manufacturing precision
If chromatically corrected lenses are used, then focus accuracy for visible wavelengths is improved, but the lenses become heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The chromatic aberration correction function is extracted from the main lens structure and implemented as a separate, dedicated focus corrector element. This allows the primary lens to remain lightweight and simple while the correction function is performed by a smaller, specialized component with optimized geometry and material properties, thereby reducing overall weight compared to a fully corrected lens design
Solution Approach 2:
The focus corrector utilizes prismatic sections with specific refractive indices and geometric angles that are carefully selected to correct chromatic aberration with minimal weight. By optimizing parameters such as the prism angle, material refractive index, and section thickness for each wavelength range, the system achieves effective correction while minimizing the weight and complexity of the correction element
3Adaptability or versatility
If broad-spectrum lenses are used, then the spectrum coverage is improved, but the lenses become more complicated, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum coverage is achieved through segmentation of the correction function rather than a single complex lens. Multiple prismatic sections within the focus corrector are each optimized for specific wavelength ranges, allowing the system to handle broad spectra while keeping individual components relatively simple. This modular approach to spectral correction reduces overall complexity compared to a monolithic broad-spectrum lens
Solution Approach 2:
The focus corrector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it corrects chromatic aberration for various wavelength ranges, manages optical path geometry, and works with the primary lens to achieve broad-spectrum imaging. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified corrector design that addresses multiple spectral requirements without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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 effectively reduces chromatic aberration, ensuring that multiple wavelengths are focused within a predetermined threshold, resulting in improved image quality and reduced distortion in multispectral or hyperspectral imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a focus corrector, such as a prismatic, stepped, or variable index of refraction corrector, within the optical path of the sensor array to refract incoming light and align focal lengths of various wavelengths to a common focus point
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for hyperspectral and multispectral imaging are disclosed. A system includes a lens and an imaging device having a plurality of pixel sensors. A focus corrector is located within the optical path to refract at least a portion of the incoming light and change the focusing distance of specific wavelengths of light to converge at a focal plane. The focus corrector is selected based upon the imaging system to reduce an overall measure of deviation between a focal length curve for the lens and a focus position curve for pixel sensors to produce focused imaging data for a broad spectrum of light, including beyond the visible range.