Artificially curved optical detector, and methods and systems of making and using
AssigneeUniversity of Rochester
InventorsDavid Henry Lippman, Duncan T. Moore, Greg Richard Schmidt
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This application uses an image detector to mitigate field curvature but without the need to curve the detector surface. Gradient-index (GRIN) media, which possesses spatially varying refractive index, is used as “cover piece” for planar detectors or internal images. Field curvature correction can be made at the detector or internal image using plane-parallel GRIN cover piece with a planar detector or an internal image. GRIN cover piece imparts a transversely varying image shift. In doing so, the number of elements in an optical system may be reduced since field curvature can be corrected at the detector, allowing for smaller and more lightweight systems.
Claims20
An artificially curved optical detector consisting essentially of:
- a planar detector, and
- a single gradient index (GRIN) lens cover piece having an exterior surface and an interior surface,
- wherein the interior surface of the GRIN lens cover piece is directly adjacent to the planar detector,
- wherein the GRIN lens cover piece is capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation from a source on the exterior surface
- and further wherein the range of refractive index of the GRIN lens cover piece field flattens the received electromagnetic radiation as said radiation passes through the GRIN lens so as to reduce optical aberrations and form a planar image on a planar image surface of the planar detector.
A method of correcting field curvature aberrations in imaging electromagnetic radiation on a planar detector, comprising the steps of:
- producing a gradient index (GRIN) lens cover piece with a range of refractive index variation;
- positioning the GRIN lens cover piece adjacent to a planar detector, wherein the GRIN lens cover piece has an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein said interior surface is directly adjacent to the planar detector, wherein a single GRIN lens cover piece is associated with the planar detector;
- field flattening electromagnetic radiation received by the exterior surface of the GRIN lens cover piece so as to reduce optical aberrations and form a planar image on a planar image surface of the planar detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.