Solar Simulator Re-sizing Lens for Adjustable Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solar simulator systems lack the flexibility to adjust the exit beam size and location without significant redesign, limiting the ability to change optical power density at the illumination plane.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a re-sizing lens installed between the dichroic mirror and reflector mirror, allowing the exit beam to be de-magnified or expanded, thereby changing the power density at the illumination plane by altering the size and location of the illumination area, without modifying the fundamental optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the exit beam size is kept constant as defined by original design, then the optical system structure is simple, but the power density at the illumination plane cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
A re-sizing lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the re-imaging assembly and the illumination plane. This lens acts as a mediator that transforms the fixed exit beam into an adjustable beam, enabling power density modification without changing the fundamental optical system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: light sources, tipping lenses, spectral filter assemblies, re-imaging assemblies, and the re-sizing lens. This segmentation allows the re-sizing lens to be added or replaced independently to change beam characteristics without affecting other system components.
2Power
If high current is used to obtain target optical power density, then the power density requirement is met, but the lamp life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the optical parameters by introducing a re-sizing lens that can de-magnify or expand the exit beam. This allows the same optical power to be delivered with adjusted beam size, reducing the need to operate lamps at maximum current levels and thereby extending lamp life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spectral filter assembly is designed for fixed spectral characteristics, then the system is simple, but it cannot simulate different sunlight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral filter assembly is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing filters to be changed or reconfigured to simulate different atmospheric and environmental conditions. This enables the system to adapt spectral characteristics for various sunlight simulation requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical elements are redesigned to change beam size, then the power density can be adjusted, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The beam size adjustment function is extracted from the main optical system design and implemented as a separate, add-on re-sizing lens. This allows the core optical elements to remain unchanged while providing beam size adjustability through a standalone component that can be retrofitted to existing 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
This retrofit solution enables adjustable optical power density and beam size, enhancing the system's ability to simulate various sunlight conditions and extend lamp life by reducing the need for high current operation, while allowing for better spectral matching and upgrading existing systems with minimal hardware changes.
Implementation Method 1
a re-sizing lens configured to change a cross-sectional dimension of an optical beam impinging thereon
Implementation Method 2
a spectral filter assembly configured to receive the optical beam from the tipping lens, split the optical beam into a plurality of beamlets, and then filter the plurality of beamlets
Implementation Method 3
a re-imaging assembly configured to re-image the plurality of beamlets received from the spectral filter assembly so that the beamlets of the plurality will mutually overlap in an illumination plane
Implementation Method 4
a dichroic mirror configured to transmit respective portions of the plurality of beamlets and reflect other portions of the plurality of beamlets
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods for retrofitting known solar simulator systems to allow the exit beam to be changed in size and location without changing the other fundamental functions of the main optical elements. The solar simulator system is provided with means for de-magnifying the exit beam to provide higher power densities at the illumination plane. By adding or replacing one final optical element, the system user can change the location of the illumination plane and the size of the illumination area. This change in size can increase or decrease the power density of the exit beam.