Spreading Optics System Using Offset Concave Convex Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems are inadequate in efficiently distributing electromagnetic waves in a controlled, divergent manner for applications such as range finding, navigation, and illumination, as they lack effective mechanisms to redirect beams at precise angles while maintaining uniformity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The proposed spreading optics system employs a combination of concave and convex reflective surfaces, including hemiconic reflectors, to redirect electromagnetic waves in a fanned distribution at a predetermined angle, such as 90°, using reflective surfaces that are laterally and axially offset, with an optional third reflector or absorber to optimize beam redirection and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical systems are used to distribute electromagnetic waves, then the system structure is simple, but the beam distribution is not controlled and uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional components: a first reflective surface for initial beam redirection, a second reflective surface for further distribution, and optionally a third reflective surface or absorber for optimization. Each segment performs a specific function in the beam distribution sequence, enabling controlled and uniform electromagnetic wave distribution through modular functional division.
2Measurement precision
If conventional reflective surfaces are used, then the device complexity is low, but the beam redirection angle precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Each reflective surface is designed with specific local geometric properties optimized for its position in the optical path. The first reflective surface has curvature and orientation tailored for initial beam redirection at a predetermined angle, the second reflective surface has geometry optimized for fanned distribution, and the third surface or absorber provides local optimization. This local quality approach enables precise beam redirection angles while maintaining reasonable system complexity.
3Productivity
If a single reflective surface is used, then the device complexity is minimal, but the electromagnetic wave distribution efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The first reflective surface performs preliminary action by redirecting the electromagnetic waves from the emitter at a predetermined angle before the waves reach the second reflective surface. This preliminary redirection optimizes the incident angle and distribution pattern for subsequent reflection, enhancing overall distribution efficiency. The sequential arrangement of multiple reflective surfaces allows each to perform optimized preliminary action for the next, collectively achieving high distribution efficiency.
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 enables efficient and uniform distribution of electromagnetic waves, allowing for precise beam redirection and distribution, enhancing the performance of optical systems in various applications by ensuring consistent optical parameters across the redirected beam.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective surfaces are configured to redirect the EM waves in a fanned distribution (e.g. divergent) having a vector fan at a predetermined angle relative to the emission vector
Data Source
AI summary
A spreading optics system distributes electromagnetic (EM) waves emitted by an emitter having an emission vector. The spreading optics system includes reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces include concave first reflector having a concave cross section in a plane substantially perpendicular the emission vector. The reflective surfaces further include a convex second reflector arranged further from the emitter than the concave first reflector. The convex second reflector has a convex cross section in a second plane substantially parallel the first plane. The reflective surfaces are configured to divergently redirect the EM waves into a vector fan at a predetermined angle relative to the emission vector.