Spectrometer Lens Segmentation for Simpler Mechanical Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers, particularly Dyson-type spectrometers, are complex to produce and integrate mechanically, limited by a magnification of 1, and do not offer sufficient image quality for certain applications, especially in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design comprising a slit, detector, diffraction grating, forward and return lenses, and a return mirror, where at least one optic is optimized to improve image quality, allowing for mechanical adjustability and varying magnification, using Freeform optics to correct aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a Dyson-type spectrometer with a single lens and grating directly deposited on a power mirror is used, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the complex grating production and mechanical integration difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The single lens is divided into two separate lenses: a first lens for sending light from the slit onto the grating, and a second lens for focusing diffracted beams onto the detector. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex freeform grating deposition while maintaining compactness through the separated optical path arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating is extracted from the power mirror substrate, allowing it to be produced as a separate, simpler component. This removes the complexity of depositing freeform gratings directly on curved mirrors, while the optical system maintains compactness through the use of two lenses and a separate mirror arrangement.
2Volume of moving object
If a Dyson-type spectrometer with integrated detector near the slit is used, then compactness is improved, but mechanical integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a slit assembly, a detector assembly, a first lens, a second lens, and a mirror. This modular segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and positioned independently, reducing mechanical integration complexity while maintaining overall compactness through optimized spacing and arrangement.
3Volume of moving object
If a Dyson-type spectrometer configuration is used, then compactness is improved, but magnification is limited to 1, reducing adaptability for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables variable magnification by adjusting the focal lengths and positions of the first and second lenses. By changing these optical parameters, the magnification can be varied beyond the fixed value of 1, providing adaptability for different applications while maintaining compactness through the optimized optical path.
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 design achieves improved image quality, mechanical simplicity, and flexibility in magnification, enabling compact and efficient operation suitable for hyperspectral applications, particularly in satellite imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A disperser (prism or grating) spectrally separates the beam coming from the collimator
Implementation Method 2
a forward lens suitable for sending the light beam from the slit onto the diffraction grating
Implementation Method 3
a return mirror suitable for reflecting the plurality of diffracted beams
Implementation Method 4
a return lens suitable for receiving the plurality of diffracted beams reflected by the return mirror and for focusing the plurality of diffracted beams onto the detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spectrometer (10) comprising: - a slit (12) suitable for receiving a light beam, - a detector (14), - a diffraction grating (16) having at least one curvature, - a forward lens (18) suitable for sending the light beam coming from the slit (12) onto the diffraction grating (16) so as to obtain a plurality of diffracted beams, - a deflection mirror (20) suitable for reflecting the plurality of diffracted beams, and - a return lens (22) suitable for receiving the plurality of reflected diffracted beams and focusing them onto the detector (14), at least one optic, called optimized optic, among the forward lens (18), the deflection mirror (20) and the return lens (22), having been optimized so as to improve the image quality of the image generated by the detector (14) from the plurality of diffracted beams.