Three-Plate Prism Layout for Flexible Multi-Wavelength Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses using multi-plate prisms face limitations in maximizing light intensity and flexibility in sensor arrangement due to restrictions imposed by the use of dichroic mirrors and half mirrors, leading to suboptimal performance in capturing different wavelengths of light.
Innovation Solution
A three-plate prism configuration with specific splitting surfaces that allow for partial transmission and reflection of wavelengths, enabling independent optimization of light intensity and sensor placement for each wavelength, using a first splitting surface that partially transmits and reflects visible light and a second splitting surface that selectively transmits or reflects infrared light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a half mirror is used as the first splitting surface to separate wavelengths, then sensor placement flexibility is improved, but light intensity at the second wavelength is reduced to half
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the first splitting surface by using a dichroic mirror configuration that transmits the second wavelength with high transmittance (larger than both first transmittance and first reflectivity) while partially reflecting the first wavelength. This parameter optimization allows the second wavelength to maintain high intensity at the sensor while still enabling flexible sensor placement through the wavelength separation function.
2Measurement precision
If a dichroic mirror is used as the first splitting surface to separate wavelengths, then wavelength separation is achieved, but sensor placement flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic wavelength separation system where the first splitting surface (dichroic mirror) and second splitting surface work in combination to achieve flexible sensor placement. The second splitting surface can be configured as a half mirror or dichroic mirror, allowing the system to adapt to different sensor arrangements while maintaining wavelength separation precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to capture different wavelengths, then imaging capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional light splitting element that can handle multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The first splitting surface separates the first wavelength, while the second splitting surface further divides the remaining light. This universal design allows multiple sensors to capture different wavelengths through a single integrated optical path, improving imaging capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
Maximizes light intensity for each sensor while providing greater flexibility in sensor arrangement, allowing for larger sensor sizes and improved performance across different wavelength capture capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first splitting surface is configured to partially transmit a first wavelength with a first transmittance, partially reflect the first wavelength with a first reflectivity, and transmit a second wavelength different from the first wavelength with a second transmittance having a larger value than both the first transmittance and the first reflectivity
Implementation Method 2
The second splitting surface is configured to transmit one of the first wavelength and the second wavelength and reflect the other of the first wavelength and the second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a light splitting element that includes a first splitting surface adapted to split an incident light into a first reflected light and a first transmitted light and a second splitting surface adapted to split the first transmitted light into a second reflected light and a second transmitted light; a first sensor that images the first reflected light; a second sensor that images the second reflected light; and a third sensor that images the second transmitted light. The first splitting surface is configured to partially transmit a first wavelength with a first transmittance, partially reflect the first wavelength with a first reflectivity, and transmit a second wavelength with a second transmittance. The second splitting surface is configured to transmit one of the first wavelength and the second wavelength and reflect the other of the first wavelength and the second wavelength.