Electromagnetic Wave Detection Using Multi-Surface Propagation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic wave detection systems using digital micromirror devices face issues with vignetting and light level variations due to small angles between incident and reflected light, leading to reduced image quality and restricted lens sizes, which can be mitigated by controlling the propagation direction of reflected light without lengthening the back focus of the first lens.
Innovation Solution
The electromagnetic wave detection apparatus includes a first propagation unit with a reference surface and pixels that control the direction of incident electromagnetic waves, and a second propagation unit with intersecting surfaces that redirect and refract waves to ensure proper incidence on a detector, allowing for secure light levels and reduced vignetting without enlarging the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the angle between incident and reflected light is small in conventional electromagnetic wave detection systems, then the system structure is simple, but vignetting occurs and light level variations reduce image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second propagation unit with multiple surfaces (first surface, second surface, third surface) that redirects light propagation in multiple dimensions. The third surface intersects the first and second surfaces, creating a complex spatial arrangement that controls light paths to prevent vignetting while maintaining system compactness. This multi-dimensional light control resolves the contradiction by adding spatial complexity only where needed for light management.
Solution Approach 2:
The second propagation unit acts as an intermediary between the first propagation unit and the detector. It includes intermediate optical paths with multiple surfaces that redirect and refract light, ensuring proper incidence on the detector while maintaining light levels. This intermediary structure prevents direct harmful interactions between the incident light and detector, resolving the vignetting issue.
2Illumination intensity
If the back focus of the first lens is lengthened to mitigate vignetting, then light levels are improved, but the optical system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lengthening the back focus in one dimension, the patent uses multiple surfaces (first, second, and third surfaces) arranged in intersecting configurations to control light paths in multiple dimensions. This allows light to reach the detector with proper intensity without increasing the overall optical system length.
Solution Approach 2:
The second propagation unit is nested within the existing optical system structure, with its multiple surfaces arranged to fit within the available space. The third surface intersects the first and second surfaces, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides effective light control without enlarging the overall system.
3Length of stationary object
If the optical system is downsized, then compactness is improved, but vignetting and light level variations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the downsized optical system by introducing multi-dimensional light control through the second propagation unit's intersecting surfaces. The third surface intersects both the first and second surfaces, creating efficient light redirection paths that maintain light levels despite the reduced system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the propagation direction parameters of light through the multiple surfaces of the second propagation unit. By precisely controlling the angles and directions at which light interacts with the first, second, and third surfaces, the system maintains proper light levels and prevents vignetting even in a compact configuration.
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 maintains light levels and improves imaging performance by controlling the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves, preventing vignetting and allowing for a downsized and widened optical system while maintaining image quality across various angles of view.
Implementation Method 1
a first propagation unit includes a reference surface and a plurality of pixels arranged along the reference surface and causes electromagnetic waves incident on the reference surface to propagate in a particular direction using each of the pixels
Implementation Method 2
The third surface causes electromagnetic waves propagating in a first direction intersecting the third surface to propagate in a second direction intersecting the first surface
Implementation Method 3
The detector includes a detection surface and detects electromagnetic waves incident on the detection surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus causes electromagnetic waves incident on a reference surface to propagate in a particular direction using each of the pixels, a detector to detect electromagnetic waves incident on a detection surface, and a second propagation unit that includes a first surface opposing the reference surface, a second surface opposing the detection surface, and a third surface intersecting the first and second surface. The third surface causes electromagnetic waves propagating in a first direction to propagate in a second direction. The first surface causes electromagnetic waves propagating in a second direction to be incident on the reference surface and causes electromagnetic waves re-incident from the reference surface to propagate in a third direction. The third surface causes electromagnetic waves propagating in the third direction to propagate in a fourth direction. The second surface emits electromagnetic waves propagating in the fourth direction to the detection surface.