X-Ray Imaging Mirror System Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray microscope optical systems face challenges in reducing energy loss and increasing numerical aperture and field of view due to the need for multiple mirrors, which limits space and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An imaging device configuration using a combination of elliptical and hyperbolic mirrors, along with a one-dimensional detector with superconducting strips, to minimize wavefront aberration and enhance image quality, allowing for a three-mirror system that reduces light intensity loss and increases the numerical aperture and field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If four mirrors are used in the optical system, then wavefront aberration can be corrected, but energy loss increases due to multiple reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple mirrors into a single mirror with specific surface shapes. The single mirror integrates both wavefront correction capabilities and light collection functions, eliminating the need for separate correction mirrors and reducing the total number of reflection surfaces from four to one, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining aberration correction
2Measurement precision
If four mirrors are used in the optical system, then imaging quality can be maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components into a single integrated mirror structure. By combining wavefront correction and light collection functions into one component with specifically designed surface profiles, the system reduces the number of parts from four mirrors to one, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The single mirror in the patent performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects light from the X-ray source, corrects wavefront aberrations, and directs light to the detector. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate correction and collection mirrors, reducing device complexity while maintaining performance
3Length of stationary object
If the length of the optical system is limited, then space for arranging mirrors is small, but numerical aperture and field of view need to be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mirrors with specific curved surface profiles (including elliptical and paraboloidal shapes) that enable compact optical path folding. These curved surfaces allow the optical system to achieve the required numerical aperture and field of view within a limited axial length by strategically directing light paths through controlled reflections, maximizing space utilization
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
The solution effectively reduces wavefront aberration, minimizes light intensity loss, and enlarges the numerical aperture and field of view, improving image contrast and resolution without the need for a conventional four-mirror system.
Implementation Method 1
a first image forming element that collects components of the imaging light in the first direction and forms an image on the light receiving surface with a first wave front aberration amount, and a second image forming element that collects components of the imaging light in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction
Implementation Method 2
a one-dimensional detector including a plurality of superconducting strips arranged parallel to each other
Implementation Method 3
when photons are incident on the superconducting strip, a part of the superconducting region transitions to a normal conducting state
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device of an embodiment comprises an aperture that transmits imaging light applied to a sample, a detector including a linear sensor comprising a linear light receiving surface extending in a first direction, a first image forming element that collects components of the imaging light in the first direction and forms an image on the light receiving surface with a first wave front aberration amount, and a second image forming element that collects components of the imaging light in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and forms an image on the light receiving surface with a second wave front aberration amount smaller than the first wave front aberration amount.