Wavelength-Selective Optical Rod Assembly for Rapid Focal Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face limitations in adjusting focal length speed, particularly when observing fast-moving objects, as mechanical movement of lens assemblies can be delayed.
Innovation Solution
An optical element assembly that utilizes a transparent rod with temperature-controlled refractive index distribution to adjust focal position without mechanical movement, achieved by absorbing and emitting light of different wavelength regions to induce refractive index changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical movement of lens assembly is used to adjust focal length, then focal length adjustment is achieved, but adjustment speed is delayed and limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens assembly movement system with an optical element assembly that uses refractive index changes. By controlling the refractive index of optical elements through non-mechanical means (such as thermal or electrical control), the system eliminates mechanical inertia and friction, enabling instantaneous focal length adjustment without physical movement delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of optical elements to adjust focal length. Instead of moving physical components, the system modifies the optical properties (refractive index) of the elements, allowing rapid focal adjustment by changing material properties through thermal or electrical control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical lens assembly movement is used, then focal length adjustment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the complex mechanical lens assembly structure by substituting it with an optical element assembly that relies on refractive index control. This replacement removes mechanical components such as motors, gears, and positioning mechanisms, significantly simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining focal length adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical movement subsystem from the optical system. By separating and eliminating the mechanical lens assembly components, the system retains only the essential optical elements and their control mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while preserving the core focal adjustment function.
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 rapid adjustment of focal position and image formation across various distances without mechanical components, facilitating high-speed image acquisition and processing.
Implementation Method 1
The rod transmits light of a first wavelength region and absorbs light of a second wavelength region
Implementation Method 2
adjusting a focal position of the first light beam by changing a refractive index in the rod
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(A)~3(C)
Figure 4
AI summary
According to one example, an optical element assembly includes a transparent rod, a mirror and a light emitting element. The rod transmits light of first wavelength region made incident on a first end of the rod and emits the light of the first wavelength region from a second end of the rod. The rod absorbs light of a second wavelength region falling out of the first wavelength region. The mirror is disposed on a side of the first end. The mirror transmits one of the light of the first and second wavelength regions, reflects the other. The light of the first and second wavelength regions are made incident on the first end of the rod. The light emitting element emits light of the second wavelength region made incident on the first end of the rod through the mirror.