Wavefront Modulator for Optical Flow Measurement Disturbance Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow measurement methods face significant challenges in correcting optical disturbances caused by fluctuating interfaces between fluids with different refractive indices, particularly in large-scale, optically flat, and continuous phase transition interfaces, where rigid correction optics are inadequate and software-based corrections are limited in real-time responsiveness.
Innovation Solution
A wavefront sensor-free and wavefront sensor-based arrangement using a controllable wavefront modulator, integrated with a signal processing platform, iteratively optimizes the image quality by adjusting the wavefront modulator settings to correct optical interference caused by interfaces, enabling real-time, hardware-based correction of optical disturbances through Fresnel reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid correction optics are used to correct optical disturbances, then static optical interference can be compensated, but the correction is not adapted when visual conditions change and cannot handle fluctuating disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a deformable mirror that can dynamically change its surface shape in real-time to adapt to fluctuating optical disturbances. The mirror's surface can be continuously adjusted through actuator control, transforming a static correction system into a dynamic one that responds to changing visual conditions and interface fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a wavefront sensor to continuously measure optical disturbances and feeding this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the deformable mirror accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts to changing conditions and maintains optimal correction.
2Measurement precision
If software-based correction methods like BOS are used, then computational correction of measurement images can be performed, but instantaneous corrections of fluctuating disturbances cannot be made and real-time responsiveness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based computational correction with a hardware-based optical correction system. Instead of processing images computationally after acquisition, the system uses a deformable mirror to physically correct wavefront distortions in real-time within the optical path, enabling instantaneous correction of fluctuating disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by correcting optical disturbances before they affect the measurement image acquisition. The wavefront sensor and deformable mirror system proactively compensate for distortions in real-time, preventing degradation of image quality rather than correcting it afterward through software processing.
3Reliability
If wavefront sensors and modulators are used for adaptive optics correction, then optical path control can be achieved, but complex calibration and adjustment work are required and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the deformable mirror to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the correction element and the modulation element, eliminating the need for separate wavefront modulators. The single device handles both wavefront sensing feedback and active correction, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable optical path control.
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 solution allows for instantaneous, large-scale correction of optical disturbances across optically flat and large-area interfaces, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of flow measurement methods by maintaining image quality and responsiveness to fluctuating disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
A controllable wavefront modulator is provided, which interacts with the light serving to illuminate the flowing fluid or with the light serving to illuminate the flowing fluid and interacting with the flowing fluid or reflected from the interface
Implementation Method 2
enabling real-time, hardware-based correction of optical disturbances through Fresnel reflection
Implementation Method 3
A wavefront sensor is provided, which is designed to detect the light reflected from the interface
Implementation Method 4
fluids with different refractive indices that are separated from one another by an interface or boundary layer. This interface is i.d. R. designed to change over time. The resulting refractive index fluctuations represent a time-varying, fluctuating optical disturbance
Data Source
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AI summary
A generally time-varying boundary surface between multiple flowing fluids with different refractive indices, for example the boundary surface between water and air with a free water surface, represents an optical disturbance. Optical flow measuring processes that take place through the boundary surface are influenced by this disturbance, which leads to significant measurement deviations or even completely prevents measurement. The invention contributes to solving this technical measurement problem by proposing arrangements (1, 1a, 1') and processes for the instantaneous, hardware-based correction of the optical disturbances caused by a fluctuating boundary surface (211). For this purpose, a wavefront modulator (5) is introduced into the beam of the optical measuring process and, by means of a feedback control, actively compensates for the optical disturbance that is caused. The invention makes it possible to perform optical flow measurements through a fluctuating boundary surface. It is at the same time not restricted to a single flow measuring process but can be implemented in all known imaging processes. The invention can be used in a large number of technical applications. To be mentioned by way of example are: liquid-air boundary surfaces, for example in water channels with an open surface; film flows, for example in chemical process engineering for cooling, cleaning or distillation; liquid jets with the surface fluctuating on all sides; measurements in levitated drops or drops adhering on an opaque underlying surface or gas bubbles occurring in liquids. The invention is also suitable for the correction of disturbances due to temperature gradients in combustion processes, pressure gradients, for example in the case of pressure surges, or concentration gradients, for example in the case of electrolytic processes.