Surface Characterization Optics with a Common Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser speckle photometry (LSP) devices require two separate lenses to focus the incident and reflected laser beams, complicating construction, operation, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a common lens to direct both the incident and reflected laser beams, simplifying the construction and operation by integrating confocal optics, which can be part of a stereomicroscope system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate lenses are used to focus incident and reflected laser beams, then the laser beam can be properly focused on the sample surface and detector, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the function of two separate lenses (one for incident beam focusing and one for reflected beam focusing) into a single common lens. This common lens serves dual purposes: focusing the incident laser beam onto the sample surface and focusing the reflected laser beam onto the detector, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable beam focusing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The common lens is designed to perform multiple functions within the LSP device. It acts as both the objective lens for illuminating the sample and the collecting lens for capturing reflected light, making a single optical element universal for both beam paths, thus simplifying the overall device structure
2Measurement precision
If two separate lenses are used with independent focusing control, then precise focusing can be achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to independent control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the focusing control mechanisms for both beam paths into a single control system. By using one common lens instead of two separate lenses with independent controls, the system achieves precise focusing while significantly improving ease of operation, as only one lens position needs to be adjusted rather than coordinating two independent focusing mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate lenses are used, then the laser beams can be directed independently, but the ease of manufacture and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of optical components from two lenses to one common lens, directly simplifying the manufacturing process, assembly procedures, and maintenance requirements. The single lens design eliminates the need to align and coordinate two separate lens systems, making the device easier to manufacture and maintain while preserving the capability to properly direct laser beams
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
Simplifies the construction, operation, and maintenance of LSP devices by eliminating the need for separate lenses, enabling efficient surface characterization with high-resolution speckle pattern generation and real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a laser (106) and a detector (108), wherein the laser (106) is configured to irradiate the surface (102) of the sample (104) with an incident laser beam (118)
Implementation Method 2
the detector (108) is configured to detect at least a portion of the laser beam reflected from the surface (102) of the sample (104)
Implementation Method 3
the incident laser beam (118) and the reflected laser beam (120) are each directed through the common lens (112)
Implementation Method 4
at least a portion of the laser beam reflected from the surface (102) of the sample (104)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for characterizing a surface (102) of a sample (104), comprising: a laser (106) configured to irradiate the surface (102) of the sample (104) with an incident laser beam (118); a detector (108) configured to detect at least a portion of the laser beam (120) reflected by the surface (102) of the sample (104); characterized in that the device (100) further comprises at least one common lens (112), wherein the incident laser beam (118) and the reflected laser beam (120) are each directed through the common lens (112).