Two-Lens Uniform Illumination for Flat-Field Light Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in achieving uniform illumination across a sample plane due to non-uniform light distribution, which can result in artifacts and inaccurate observations, particularly in applications like microscopy and display projection.
Innovation Solution
A lens system comprising a first and second lens aligned along a central optical axis, with a housing and an aperture, designed to project parallel or non-divergent light output, producing a selected illumination profile that is uniform or flat field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If critical illumination is used to project light from a source onto a screen, then the source structure is imaged onto the screen, but non-uniform brightness and artifacts appear in the illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single lens system into two separate lenses: a first lens that collects light from the source and a second lens that projects the illumination. This segmentation allows each lens to perform a specific function - the first lens captures light regardless of source structure, while the second lens creates the uniform illumination profile on the screen, thereby eliminating artifacts from the source structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lens acts as an intermediary between the light source and the second lens. It collects light from the source and transfers it to the second lens without imaging the source structure. This intermediary component breaks the direct imaging relationship that causes artifacts, allowing the second lens to create uniform illumination independent of the source's brightness distribution.
2Illumination intensity
If a small light source like an LED is used, then the device size is reduced, but the illumination profile becomes domed with brighter center and darker corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using two lenses with specific focal lengths and separation distances. The first lens collects light from the small LED source, and the second lens, positioned at a predetermined distance, projects a uniform illumination profile. This parameter adjustment allows the system to overcome the inherent domed profile problem of small sources while maintaining compact dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from direct projection (one-dimensional source-to-screen mapping) to a two-lens optical path that introduces an intermediate dimensional transformation. The first lens creates an intermediate light distribution, and the second lens transforms this into a uniform profile, effectively adding an optical dimension that corrects the domed shape without requiring a larger source.
3Illumination intensity
If a single lens is used to project light, then the system is simple, but it cannot produce parallel or non-divergent light output with uniform illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical function into two distinct lenses, each with a specific role. The first lens is responsible for collecting and conditioning the light from the source, while the second lens is responsible for projecting the final uniform illumination profile with parallel or non-divergent output. This functional segmentation achieves the desired optical performance while keeping each lens relatively simple in design.
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 lens system achieves a uniform or flat field illumination profile, correcting non-uniformities and ensuring consistent fluorescence signals, thereby enhancing the accuracy of observations in applications such as microscopy and display projection.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens and a second lens that are aligned along a central optical axis... the first and second lenses are selectively paired and positioned in the housing to project a light output that is parallel or non-divergent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a lens system having a LED, a first lens and a second lens that are aligned along a central optical axis, a housing, and an aperture positioned within the housing, which enables the lens system to provide an illuminated plane having a selected illumination profile in a region of interest, namely an illumination profile that is a uniform or flat field. The present first and second lenses are selectively paired and positioned in the housing to project a light output that is parallel or non-divergent. In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method that generates light from a light source that passes through a first lens and then a second lens, and determines a location of an illuminated plane that is positioned a specified distance from a proximal surface of the second lens to produce a selected illumination profile.