Solid-State Waveguide Optical Imaging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional active optical imaging systems face challenges with high power consumption, weight, and cost, particularly in mobile, maritime, airborne, and space applications, due to the need for continuous illumination and mechanical zoom assemblies or gimbal systems, which compromise speed and practicality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-mechanical beamsteering waveguide and a fused fiber focusing assembly that directs and focuses optical radiation using a solid-state liquid crystal waveguide and a fused fiber bundle, reducing size, weight, and power consumption while enabling rapid imaging scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional active optical imaging systems use mechanical zoom assemblies or gimbal systems for beam steering, then imaging coverage and flexibility are improved, but weight, size, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical zoom assemblies and gimbal systems with an acoustic radiation pressure-based optical element positioning system. Acoustic fields are used to manipulate and position optical elements without mechanical contact, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining imaging coverage and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic acoustic waves to achieve continuous optical element positioning. By modulating acoustic fields at specific frequencies, the system can dynamically adjust optical element positions to scan different fields of view, replacing mechanical scanning with acoustic-based periodic actuation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional active optical imaging systems use mechanical zoom assemblies or gimbal systems, then imaging flexibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical actuation systems with acoustic field-based manipulation. Acoustic radiation pressure provides contactless positioning of optical elements, eliminating the high power consumption associated with mechanical motors and actuators while maintaining imaging flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic field system enables self-positioning of optical elements through acoustic radiation pressure without requiring external mechanical drive systems. The acoustic fields automatically manipulate optical elements to desired positions, reducing power consumption by eliminating complex mechanical control systems.
3Speed
If conventional active optical imaging systems use mechanical components for beam steering, then scanning capability is improved, but system size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning components with acoustic field-based optical element manipulation. This substitution reduces system complexity by eliminating mechanical linkages, gears, and moving parts while maintaining or improving scanning speed through rapid acoustic field modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic acoustic wave modulation to achieve rapid optical element positioning and scanning. By controlling acoustic frequency and amplitude, the system can quickly reposition optical elements to scan different regions, achieving high scanning speeds without mechanical inertia limitations.
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 results in a lightweight, low-power, and cost-effective optical imaging system capable of rapid imaging scans, suitable for various environmental applications by using a solid-state waveguide and fused fiber bundle to steer and focus optical radiation efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide configured to direct optical radiation generated by the optical source over a first area of a scene
Implementation Method 2
a fused fiber focusing assembly including a fused fiber bundle, a plurality of lenses, the plurality of lenses being coupled together and positioned to receive and focus the reflected optical radiation from the first area of the scene directly onto the fused fiber bundle
Implementation Method 3
a microlens array interposed between the fused fiber bundle and the optical sensor, the microlens array being positioned to receive the reflected optical radiation from the fused fiber bundle
Data Source
AI summary
Imaging systems and method of optical imaging. One example of an imaging system includes an optical scanning subsystem including an optical source and a waveguide, the waveguide being configured to direct optical radiation generated by the optical source over an area of a scene, a detection subsystem including an optical sensor configured to collect reflected optical radiation from the area of the scene, and a fused fiber focusing assembly including a fused fiber bundle, a plurality of lenses coupled together and positioned to receive and focus the reflected optical radiation from the area of the scene directly onto the fused fiber bundle, a microlens array interposed between the fused fiber bundle and the optical sensor and positioned to receive the reflected optical radiation from the fused fiber bundle, and a focusing lens positioned to direct the reflected optical radiation from the microlens array onto the optical sensor.