Configurable Wavefront Tester With Lens Selection for Multi-Scale Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavefront testers are limited by their inability to provide multiple configurable features with automatic calibration or measurement processes, requiring multiple setups for different applications and sample sizes, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multi-configurable wavefront tester with a lens selection system and 2D linear stage allows for insertion or removal of optical lenses to adjust the optical path, enabling measurement of wavefronts with varying resolutions and sizes using a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wavefront tester is used for multiple sample sizes, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for lens selection systems and multiple optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The wavefront tester is divided into modular optical components including a lens selection system with multiple interchangeable lenses, a beam splitter, imaging lenses, and a wavefront sensor. Each component can be independently selected or adjusted based on the measurement requirements, allowing the system to adapt to different sample sizes and measurement configurations without requiring a completely different device setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavefront tester is designed as a universal measurement platform capable of handling multiple sample sizes and types through a lens selection system. The same base device can measure wavefronts of different dimensions by selecting appropriate lenses from the plurality of optical lenses, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated testers and providing multi-functional capability within a single instrument.
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavefront testers are used for different sample sizes, then measurement precision is maintained, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring separate wavefront testers for different sample sizes, this invention provides a universal tester with a lens selection system that includes multiple optical lenses with different focal lengths and field of view. The user selects the appropriate lens based on the sample size and desired measurement precision, allowing a single device to replace multiple dedicated testers while maintaining measurement accuracy across different scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains measurement precision across different sample sizes by changing optical parameters through lens selection. Different lenses provide different focal lengths, magnification factors, and field of view, allowing the same wavefront sensor to achieve optimal resolution for various sample dimensions. This parameter adjustment through lens selection eliminates the need for multiple fixed-configuration testers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual lens selection and calibration is performed, then adaptability is improved, but measurement time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing a reference image of the sample without a wedge present before actual wavefront measurements. This preliminary step establishes baseline optical path characteristics, allowing subsequent measurements to be quickly processed without requiring full recalibration. The reference image is stored and used for comparison during the measurement process, reducing the time needed for each measurement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavefront tester incorporates feedback mechanisms where the captured images and wavefront measurements are processed to provide information about optical path deviations. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust or guide manual adjustments, reducing the time and complexity of calibration and configuration changes when switching between different sample sizes or measurement conditions.
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 high-resolution wavefront measurements across different sample sizes without the need for multiple testers, facilitating data fusion, real-time data visualization, and efficient scanning of large areas with adjustable focal lengths and resolutions.
Implementation Method 1
a light source directed in a first direction through the optical path by the beam splitter
Implementation Method 2
through the optical lens and the sample to the mirror such that the light source is redirected
Implementation Method 3
the light source is redirected in a second direction opposite the first direction through the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
A wavefront tester for measuring the wavefront of a sample via an optical path, the wavefront tester including a mirror, an imaging lens, an aperture, a beam splitter, a wavefront sensor, a lens selection system including a plurality of optical lenses, a suitable optical lens of which is commensurate with the sample and selected to be disposed in the optical path and a light source directed in a first direction through the optical path by the beam splitter through the suitable optical lens and the sample to the mirror such that the light source is redirected in a second direction opposite the first direction through the optical path and the beam splitter, the aperture and the imaging lens to be received at the wavefront sensor.