Three-Mirror Imaging Optical System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging optical systems face a trade-off between achieving a larger field of view and higher resolution, as increasing one parameter typically decreases the other, making it difficult to design systems with both enhanced observation range and improved resolution simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The design of an imaging optical system that utilizes a freeform surface three-reflecting mirror configuration with a specific arrangement of primary, secondary, and tertiary mirrors, along with an aperture stop, allows for a larger field of view and focal length while maintaining a consistent field of view entrance pupil number, resulting in improved resolution across the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the focal length is increased to improve resolution, then the resolution rate increases, but the field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into three separate reflecting mirrors (primary, secondary, and tertiary mirrors) with different functions. The primary mirror collects light and provides a large field of view, while the secondary and tertiary mirrors work together to extend the focal length and improve resolution. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function rather than compromising both parameters in a single-element system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-mirror system to a three-reflecting mirror system, adding an additional dimensional element to the optical path. This extra dimension in the optical configuration enables the system to achieve both a large field of view and long focal length by creating a more complex light path that can simultaneously satisfy both requirements.
2Area of moving object
If the field of view is increased to expand observation range, then the imaging range increases, but the resolution rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into three separate reflecting mirrors (primary, secondary, and tertiary mirrors) with different functions. The primary mirror collects light and provides a large field of view, while the secondary and tertiary mirrors work together to extend the focal length and improve resolution. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function rather than compromising both parameters in a single-element system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of three reflecting mirrors into a single integrated optical system. The primary mirror provides wide light collection and field of view, while the secondary and tertiary mirrors are merged with the primary mirror to extend the effective focal length. This merging of multiple optical elements allows the system to achieve both large field of view and high resolution simultaneously.
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 configuration enables the imaging optical system to achieve a larger field of view, longer focal length, and higher resolution compared to conventional systems, with the resolution at the center being twice that at the edges, while maintaining consistent performance across the field of view.
Implementation Method 1
The light from the object enters the primary reflecting mirror (102) and is reflected on the primary reflecting mirror (102), to form a first reflected light beam
Implementation Method 2
The first reflected light beam irradiates the secondary reflecting mirror (104) and is reflected, to form a second reflected light beam
Implementation Method 3
The second reflected light beam irradiates the tertiary reflecting mirror (106) and is reflected, to form a third reflected light beam, and the third reflected light beam reaches an image surface (110) for imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A method for designing an imaging optical system is a point-by-point calculation method based on characteristic light rays (FLR) and characteristic data points (FDP). The basic function of the point-by-point calculation method includes the following steps: according to the given object-image relationship, based on Fermat's principle and the law of retraction and reflection, calculating the propagation path of the FLR passing through a system and the FDP on each optical surface, to obtain a surface shape equation of each optical surface by fitting; and repeating the above process, to solve the surface shape equation of each optical surface one by one, and finally complete the design and solution of the entire imaging optical system.