Optical System Evaluation with Wavefront and Off-Axis MTF Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for evaluating optical performance of image pickup optical systems are limited in their ability to measure various aberrations and require adjustments for different specifications, such as angles of view and sensor sizes, leading to inefficiencies in measurement accuracy and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus and evaluation method that utilizes a combination of a ring light source and a laser light source, along with a Shack-Hartmann sensor and intensity sensor, to measure on-axis transmitted wavefronts and off-axis modulation transfer functions (MTFs) of optical systems, allowing for flexible evaluation of optical performance across different specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source and sensor configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different optical system specifications (angles of view, sensor sizes) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal measurement system that can evaluate multiple types of optical systems (different angles of view, sensor sizes) using a single apparatus. The system achieves this by incorporating both a ring light source and a laser light source, along with sensors positioned to measure both on-axis and off-axis wavefronts, enabling the same device to adapt to various optical specifications without requiring reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and light sources are used to measure various aberrations, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement capabilities into a unified system. Specifically, it merges the ring light source (for illuminating the entire field) and the laser light source (for on-axis measurements) into a single apparatus, and integrates multiple sensors (intensity sensor and wavefront sensor) to simultaneously or sequentially measure different aberration types. This consolidation achieves comprehensive aberration measurement while maintaining a compact, integrated device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor and light source positions are changed for different specifications, then the adaptability is improved, but the measurement time and operation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions multiple light sources and sensors to cover various measurement requirements simultaneously. The ring light source and laser light source are both positioned to illuminate different field regions, and multiple sensors are placed to detect on-axis and off-axis wavefronts without requiring physical repositioning. This preliminary arrangement of measurement components enables the system to evaluate different optical specifications immediately without time-consuming adjustments.
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 accurate and efficient evaluation of optical performance, including aberrations like astigmatism, coma, and spherical aberration, across various optical systems with different angles of view and sensor sizes, enhancing measurement flexibility and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a wavefront sensor acquires a transmitted wavefront
Implementation Method 2
an intensity sensor receives the light
Implementation Method 3
light emitted from a light emitting system is transmitted through the target optical system
Data Source
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Figure 3~4D
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AI summary
An optical apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, a chart, an optical system, and a light receiving system. The chart is configured to guide light emitted from the first light source to a target optical system. The optical system is configured to form a point image by using light emitted from the second light source. The light receiving system is configured to receive first light emitted from the chart via the target optical system and second light emitted from the point image via the target optical system. The first light and the second light enter different positions of the target optical system.