Prismatic Focus Corrector for Multispectral Imaging Chromatic Aberration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical lenses suffer from longitudinal chromatic aberration, where different wavelengths of light focus at different distances, leading to image distortions and out-of-focus areas, especially in multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, which existing chromatically corrected lenses address inadequately due to complexity, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a focus corrector, such as a prismatic or stepped focus corrector, within the optical path of the imaging system to refract light and align focal lengths of various wavelengths within a predetermined threshold, combined with image processing to correct distortions, allowing for focused multispectral or hyperspectral images without the need for expensive chromatic correction lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If chromatically corrected lenses are used to reduce focusing error, then image quality is improved, but device complexity, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the focus correction function into separate components: a simple lens for capturing images and a distinct focus corrector element (prism or stepped structure) that compensates for chromatic aberration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity compared to using a single complex chromatically corrected lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus corrector acts as an intermediary element placed between the simple lens and the sensor array. It receives light from the lens and modifies its path to compensate for wavelength-dependent focusing errors, thereby correcting chromatic aberration without requiring the lens itself to be complex.
2Manufacturing precision
If chromatically corrected lenses are used to reduce focusing error, then image quality is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the focus correction function from the lens itself and implementing it through a lightweight prismatic or stepped corrector element, the patent reduces the weight of the entire optical system compared to using heavy chromatically corrected lenses while maintaining focusing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If chromatically corrected lenses are used to reduce focusing error, then image quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into a simple, inexpensive lens and a separate focus corrector that can be manufactured using standard optical fabrication techniques. This approach is more cost-effective than manufacturing complex chromatically corrected lenses, as each component can be produced independently using established processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus corrector is designed as a simple prismatic or stepped element that can be manufactured economically using standard optical fabrication techniques, replacing the need for expensive chromatically corrected lenses while achieving the same focusing precision.
4Device complexity
If simple lenses are used, then device complexity is reduced, but focusing error increases for different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The focus corrector serves as an intermediary element that compensates for the focusing errors introduced by the simple lens. It receives light from the simple lens and modifies its path to ensure all wavelengths focus at the correct plane, thereby correcting chromatic aberration without requiring the lens itself to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus corrector changes the optical parameters (angle of refraction, path length) of the light rays differently for various wavelengths, thereby correcting the wavelength-dependent focusing errors while maintaining the simplicity of the original lens design.
5Ease of manufacture
If simple lenses are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to chromatic aberration
Solution Approach 1:
The focus corrector acts as an intermediary that preserves the cost advantages of simple lenses while correcting their chromatic aberration defects. It is a relatively simple optical element that can be manufactured economically and that significantly improves image quality by ensuring proper focus across all wavelengths.
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 focus corrector ensures that multiple wavelengths are focused within a threshold error tolerance, enabling high-quality images in multispectral or hyperspectral systems, including satellite or airborne imaging, while reducing costs and complexity compared to traditional chromatic correction methods.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a focus corrector, such as a prismatic or stepped focus corrector, within the optical path of the imaging system to refract light and align focal lengths of various wavelengths
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 focal 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.