Segmented Deformable Lens for High-Order Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adaptive optics devices are not effective in correcting high-order optical aberrations and are not suitable for high-performance optical systems, such as those in laser scanning and medical microscopy, due to limitations in deformable lens technology.
Innovation Solution
A deformable lens structure comprising structurally rigid and flexible layers with integrated actuators that allow for reversible deformation, enabling effective correction of high-order optical aberrations by modulating the wavefront of a light beam through controlled actuation voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional deformable lenses are used in adaptive optics devices, then the device can correct defocus aberration, but it cannot effectively correct high-order optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The single deformable lens is divided into multiple rigid layers (at least two) separated by flexible spacers. Each layer can be independently actuated to create different wavefront corrections. This segmentation allows the system to correct multiple types of optical aberrations simultaneously, including high-order aberrations that cannot be corrected by conventional single-lens deformable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining rigid layers (for structural stability and precise actuation) with flexible spacer elements (for wavefront modulation). This composite approach enables the device to achieve both mechanical rigidity for precise control and optical flexibility for correcting complex aberration patterns, thereby expanding the range of correctable aberrations.
2Measurement precision
If complex adaptive optics devices are designed to correct high-order aberrations, then aberration correction performance improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lens into multiple rigid layers with independent actuators, the device achieves high-order aberration correction without requiring an excessively complex single-lens design. Each layer can be optimized independently for specific aberration types, simplifying the overall design while maintaining high correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of thin flexible spacer elements between rigid layers provides a simple yet effective mechanism for wavefront modulation. These flexible spacers can be actuated with simple mechanisms to produce complex deformation patterns, reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining high aberration correction performance.
3Device complexity
If conventional deformable lenses are used, then the device structure is simple, but it is not suitable for high-performance optical systems requiring high correction precision
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented multi-layer design maintains relative structural simplicity while dramatically improving correction precision. Each rigid layer can be manufactured with high precision using standard techniques, and the modular architecture allows for precise alignment and assembly, achieving the manufacturing precision required for high-performance optical systems.
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 lens structure effectively corrects high-order aberrations with a simple and cost-effective design, suitable for industrial production, and can be easily integrated into adaptive optics devices and optical systems, providing a wide operational dynamic range and frequency correction.
Implementation Method 1
The actuators (111, 121) can be of piezoelectric type
Implementation Method 2
The spacer element (4) comprises at least a first flexible portion (41)... The layer 2, although structurally rigid, is deformable by a bending moment F applied according to a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis (100)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a deformable lens structure for adaptive optics devices. The lens structure comprises a first layer (2) deformable and transparent to a light beam (L), a second layer (3) deformable and transparent to a light beam and a shaped spacer element (4), positioned between the inner surfaces of said first and second layer. The lens structure also comprises an inner chamber (5) having walls defined by said spacer element (4) and by said first and second layer (2-3). A liquid (6) transparent to said light beam (L) is present in said inner chamber in contact with said first and second layer. The lens structure also comprises first and second actuators integrally connected to said first and second layer, respectively.