Uniform Lighting via Multi-Reflection and Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical inspection and microscope systems face challenges in achieving uniform light intensity distribution over a predetermined ray angle, which affects detection sensitivity and image quality due to non-uniform illumination patterns caused by factors like shadow effects and low reflectance of mirrors in current lighting systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a lighting apparatus with a light source, an optical device with concentric transmissive regions of varying transmittances, a multi-reflection device, and a light diffusion device, which together adjust and diffuse light to achieve a uniform intensity distribution over a predetermined ray angle, using a point light source and a reflector to focus light onto the multi-reflection device, and a diffuser to prevent interference patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional light source is used for illumination, then the lighting system is simple, but the light intensity distribution is non-uniform affecting detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device is divided into multiple concentric transmissive regions (first, second, third regions) with different transmittances. Each region independently adjusts the light intensity for its specific angular range, allowing precise control of the overall light distribution without requiring a completely complex lighting system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different transmissive regions are assigned different transmittance values tailored to their specific functions: the first region (central) has lower transmittance to reduce shadow effects, the second region (intermediate) has moderate transmittance, and the third region (outer) has higher transmittance to maintain brightness at larger angles. This local optimization achieves uniform light distribution while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
2Loss of energy
If mirrors with low reflectance are used in the lighting system, then the system structure is simple, but light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
A multi-reflection device with high reflectance surfaces is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and the object. This device efficiently redirects light multiple times to reach the illumination target, significantly reducing light loss compared to using simple mirrors, while maintaining a relatively compact system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-reflection device enables continuous redirection of light through multiple reflections, ensuring that light energy is continuously utilized rather than being lost after a single reflection. This continuous useful action of light redirection minimizes energy loss while keeping the optical path relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If light is focused tightly onto the multi-reflection device, then light concentration is high, but interference patterns are generated affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A light diffusion device is introduced as an intermediary between the focused light and the object to be illuminated. This diffuser scatters the concentrated light, eliminating interference patterns while maintaining sufficient light intensity for high-quality imaging, thus resolving the contradiction between light concentration and image quality.
4Illumination intensity
If the central region of the optical device has high transmittance, then central brightness is high, but shadow effects increase due to non-uniform distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The central (first) transmissive region is designed with lower transmittance compared to outer regions, intentionally creating a non-uniform local property that compensates for shadow effects. This local adjustment ensures that the central area receives appropriate light intensity without creating excessive shadows, achieving overall uniform illumination distribution.
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 enhances detection sensitivity and image quality by ensuring a uniform light intensity distribution across the illuminated area, improving detection sensitivity and reducing light loss while preventing interference patterns from affecting the inspection or observation process.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device that outputs light that is more uniformly intense over a predetermined ray angle distribution than light input thereto, the optical device including a plurality of concentric transmissive regions, adjacent transmissive regions having different transmittances
Implementation Method 2
a multi-reflection device that reflects light multiple times, the multi-reflection device having a light incident surface that receives light and a light emission surface that emits multiply-reflected light
Implementation Method 3
a light diffusion device that diffuses light emitted from the light emission surface of the multi-reflection device
Implementation Method 4
a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the light source and focuses the reflected light onto the light incident surface of the multi-reflection device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a lighting apparatus, and an optical inspection apparatus and an optical microscope using the lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus includes a light source that emits light, an optical device that outputs light that is more uniformly intense over a predetermined ray angle distribution than light input thereto; a multi-reflection device that reflects light multiple times, the multi-reflection device having a light incident surface receiving light and a light emission surface that emits multiply reflected light, and a light diffusion device that diffuses the light emitted from the light emission surface of the multi-reflection device. The light source, the optical device, the multi-reflection device, and light diffusion device share an optical path.