Tiltably Mounted Narrowband Interference Filter for Wavelength Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Narrow interference filters used in astronomy and surveillance suffer from the need for multiple filters for different wavelengths and performance degradation when placed in fast converging beams, which shifts their central wavelength and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A telescope and imager design that includes a tiltably mounted narrowband interference filter positioned along the optical axis, allowing the filter to be placed in the entrance pupil and adjusted to alter its wavelength, maintaining performance across the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a narrowband interference filter is placed in a fast converging beam, then the filter can be positioned in the focal plane, but its performance degrades and its central wavelength shifts according to the location in the focal plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the filter mountable on a tilting mechanism that allows adjustment of the filter's angle relative to the optical axis. This dynamic positioning enables the filter to be optimized for different field locations, resolving the contradiction between ease of positioning and performance reliability by allowing the filter to adapt its orientation to maintain consistent performance across the focal plane.
2Manufacturing precision
If a narrowband interference filter is used, then the bandwidth is narrow (∼1 nm), but a different filter has to be made for every wavelength of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single narrowband interference filter that can serve multiple wavelength selection functions through angular adjustment. By tilting the filter at different angles, the same physical filter can be tuned to different central wavelengths, eliminating the need to manufacture separate filters for each wavelength of interest while maintaining the narrow bandwidth precision.
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
Enables efficient, scalable, and high-performance narrowband imaging with large-aperture optical systems, capable of isolating specific wavelengths without significant degradation, enhancing applications in astronomy and remote sensing.
Implementation Method 1
Narrow (∼1 nm) interference filters have numerous applications in astronomy, surveillance, and remote sensing
Implementation Method 2
The narrowband wavelength can be alterable based on tilting the narrowband interference filter
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a telescope including: at least one lens or mirror arranged to receive collimated light defining an optical axis at a first end and form an image at a last end; and a narrowband interference filter positioned along the optical axis prior to the first end. The narrowband interference filter is tiltably mounted with respect to the optical axis. Another aspect of the invention provides an imager including: an optical collimator; a plurality of lenses or mirrors arranged relative to the optical collimator to receive collimated light from the optical collimator defining an optical axis at a first end and form an image at a second end; and a narrowband interference filter positioned along the optical axis between the optical collimator and the first end. The narrowband interference filter is tiltably mounted with respect to the optical axis.