Variable Bandpass Filter for Light with Orthogonal Cut-off Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bandpass filters for light lack the ability to easily set a wavelength range with regard to both position and bandwidth, making it difficult to select specific wavelength ranges in applications like laser-scanning microscopy.
Innovation Solution
A bandpass filter comprising an areal long-pass filter with varying lower cut-off wavelengths in different area regions and an areal short-pass filter with varying upper cut-off wavelengths, connected in series, allowing for spatially fixed and orthogonal orientation to select wavelength ranges by shifting the light beam transversely relative to the filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional bandpass filter is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to easily set wavelength range position and bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple area regions with different optical properties, where each region has specific lower and upper cut-off wavelengths. This segmentation allows independent control of wavelength range position and bandwidth by selecting different area regions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different area regions of the filter are assigned different optical characteristics (cut-off wavelengths). By directing light to specific area regions, users can select different wavelength ranges without changing the overall filter structure, achieving high adaptability with a single filter component.
2Measurement precision
If a single filter is used for wavelength selection, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of spectral composition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The filter transitions from a single uniform wavelength selection to a two-dimensional area structure where both position and bandwidth can be independently controlled. By selecting different area regions, users achieve precise spectral composition analysis without requiring multiple separate filters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cut-off wavelengths are fixed in each area region, then the manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the adaptability for different wavelength ranges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cut-off wavelengths are designed to vary continuously across different area regions rather than being uniformly fixed. This parameter change approach allows the filter to provide multiple wavelength range options while maintaining manufacturability through controlled gradient variations in the optical coating layers.
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 precise selection of wavelength ranges with variable position and bandwidth, improving the capability to analyze spectral compositions and detect specific light intensities in laser-scanning microscopy and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a variable lower cut-off wavelength which is defined by an areal long-pass filter (5), wherein the long-pass filter has different lower cut-off wavelengths in different first area regions
Implementation Method 2
a variable upper cut-off wavelength which is defined by an areal short-pass filter (6), wherein the short-pass filter has different upper cut-off wavelengths in different second area regions
Data Source
AI summary
A bandpass filter for light has variable lower and upper cut-off wavelengths. The bandpass filter comprises an areal long-pass filter defining the variable lower cut-off wavelength and an areal short-pass filter defining the variable upper cut-off wavelength. The long-pass filter has different lower cut-off wavelengths in different first area regions which follow to one another in a first direction, and the short-pass filter has different upper cut-off wavelengths in different second area regions which follow to one another in a second direction. The long-pass filter and the short-pass filter are connected in series and spatially fixed relative to one another. The first direction and the second direction are oriented crosswise to one another.