Stepped Modified-Schmidt Corrector Lens for Lower Optical System Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical-based imaging systems in communication systems are weight-sensitive, with traditional Schmidt corrector lenses increasing system weight and limiting performance due to their thickness and weight, even when made from lightweight materials.
Innovation Solution
A modified-Schmidt corrector lens with a stepped backside surface and anti-reflective features, fabricated using a 3-axis CNC machine, maintains a constant thickness and reduces weight while optimizing performance for specific frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional Schmidt corrector lens is used, then optical performance is maintained, but system weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The backside surface of the corrector lens is divided into multiple stepped zones at different depths, creating a segmented structure that reduces material volume and weight while maintaining optical performance. The segmentation allows selective removal of material from less critical regions of the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens backside are given different depths (local qualities) based on their optical importance. The stepped zones create varying thicknesses in different areas, optimizing the balance between weight reduction and optical function by preserving material where needed and removing it where less critical.
2Weight of moving object
If the corrector lens thickness is reduced, then weight decreases, but optical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly thinning the lens, the segmentation principle applies localized thickness variations through stepped zones. This allows the lens to be thinner overall (reducing weight) while maintaining adequate thickness in critical optical regions to preserve performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens thickness parameter is varied across different zones rather than being uniform. By changing the thickness parameter locally in stepped zones, the design achieves weight reduction while maintaining the optical performance requirements that depend on adequate material thickness in key areas.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-reflective features are added, then electromagnetic radiation reflections are minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflective features (holes) are merged with the existing stepped zone structure on the lens backside. Rather than adding separate anti-reflective elements, the design combines both functions into a single integrated structure, reducing manufacturing complexity while achieving reflection minimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-reflective features are implemented as an array of holes creating a porous structure on the lens surface. This porous configuration reduces reflections through multiple scattering events while being manufacturable using standard drilling or machining processes integrated with the stepped zone fabrication.
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 modified-Schmidt corrector lens achieves similar performance to traditional lenses while reducing weight by up to 45%, enabling compact and fast optical speed in communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first side having a curved surface configured to direct electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
the second side includes an anti-reflective layer to minimize electromagnetic radiation reflections
Data Source
AI summary
A modified-Schmidt corrector lens including a first side having a curved surface configured to direct electromagnetic radiation, and a second side having a stepped surface including one or more stepped zones positioned to maintain a substantially constant thickness along a radius of the corrector lens.