Wavefront Tracing for Diffractive Spectacle Lenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to perform precise wavefront tracing for optical elements with phase-modifying components, such as diffraction gratings, leading to incomplete utilization of their optical properties, especially in determining image formation properties like refractive power and aberrations in spectacle lenses.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that extends the local wavefront tracing equations by an additive term PK(k) to include phase-modifying optical elements, allowing for precise determination of optical properties by considering the phase function's derivatives, enabling accurate assessment of optical elements with phase-modifying components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional refraction-based wavefront tracing methods are used for optical elements with diffraction gratings, then the calculation process is simpler, but the precision of optical property determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the wavefront tracing method by introducing a hybrid approach that combines refraction calculations with diffraction calculations. The method uses different mathematical models (refraction vs. diffraction) depending on the optical element being analyzed, allowing precise determination of optical properties for complex systems while maintaining manageable computational complexity through parameter-based method selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite computational method that integrates two different physical models (refraction and diffraction) into a unified wavefront tracing framework. This composite approach allows the system to handle optical elements with both refractive and diffractive properties by applying the appropriate physical model to each component, thereby achieving high precision in optical property determination
2Object-affected harmful factors
If diffraction gratings are introduced into spectacle lenses to reduce color fringe, then chromatic aberration is reduced, but the ability to perform precise wavefront tracing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational framework that bridges refraction-based and diffraction-based optical calculations. This intermediary method allows the system to account for both refractive power and diffractive effects simultaneously, enabling precise wavefront tracing for spectacle lenses with diffraction gratings while maintaining the ability to correct chromatic aberration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal wavefront tracing method that can handle multiple types of optical elements (refractive surfaces, diffractive gratings, and combinations thereof) within a single computational framework. This multi-functional approach allows the same method to be applied to various optical systems regardless of whether they contain refractive, diffractive, or hybrid elements
3Manufacturing precision
If phase-modifying optical elements are added to optical systems, then optical properties can be optimized, but the complexity of calculating image formation properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calculation process into distinct stages: refraction calculation at refractive surfaces, diffraction calculation at diffractive elements, and wavefront propagation between elements. This segmentation allows each physical effect to be calculated separately using appropriate mathematical models, then combined to give the complete image formation properties, thereby managing computational complexity while achieving precise optimization
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 fast and efficient determination of optical properties in complex optical systems, including those with phase-modifying elements, allowing for precise optimization and quality assurance of spectacle lenses and other optical elements.
Implementation Method 1
it has not been possible so far to perform a precise wavefront tracing... in the case of an optical element with at least one diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
Method for assessing an optical property of kth order of an optical element at an evaluation point. The optical element has a boundary surface formed of a refractive base surface and a phase-modifying optical element. The method includes determining the properties of a wavefront in the local surrounding of the evaluation point by means of a local wavefront tracing, anddetermining the optical property at the evaluation point based on the properties of the wavefront in the local surrounding of the evaluation point,wherein the local wavefront tracing has a local wavefront tracing upon passage through the boundary surface, and the local wavefront tracing upon passage through the boundary surface is performed according to the equation for the local wavefront tracing through the refractive base surface, the equation being supplemented by an additive additional term PK(k).