JPH01503576A - Concentrator for conducted light rays having optical density with large gradient, lenses with large shapes and compound lenses, and methods of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Conduction with large gradient optical density Light concentrators, large-form lenses and compound lenses, and These manufacturing methods Technical field TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to devices for directing radiant energy, and more particularly to devices for directing radiant energy. using an optically refractive medium with a gradient of optical density or a three-dimensional refractive index. The present invention relates to a device and a compact optical system for centering a transmitted light beam.

Background technology Many devices that direct incident electromagnetic radiation to a light-receiving element, such as a photovoltaic cell, have been reported to For example, Shuan, Shi, Minano, Yose, Echi, Ruiz, and Ann. Published by Tonio Roots in "Applied Light Characters", Lord Yu, 3960 (1983) An ideal two-dimensional concentrator with a collector immersed in a dielectric tube In ``The Design of Ta,'' the author describes a composite 抚! Geometry of Ill+ class concentrator When this concentrator is filled using a dielectrically permeable medium, the It states that it can be increased by the factor of refractive index. Furthermore, 19 ``Has a refracting screw'' granted to Roland Winston on September 19, 1978. No. 4,114,592 entitled "Cylindrical Radiant Energy Directing Device" , the inventor has proposed an optical system with opposing refractive sides operable in energy mode. A radiant energy transfer device is used to transfer the energy incident on the incident region. The energy flows toward the exit area, which is smaller in size than the input area, and is concentrated there. It explains. All devices described here have three refracting walls. Of particular relevance to the invention is the discussion of Figure 2 in column 4, lines 50-68, Here, Winston was able to curve the incident light beam, thereby shortening the overall length of the device. therefore, the use of non-homogeneous optical materials with graded refractive indices is described. this eye The best slope to achieve the target is generally greater along the axis of a cylindrical device. It has a high refractive index, and this refractive index decreases as it moves away from this axis. It is described as having a steep slope. This is known as a purely radial gradient. Ru. In addition to this radial change, no longitudinal change in optical density has been taught. not present.

Also relevant to the present invention is FIG. 3 of this US patent, which shows a non-homogeneous refractive medium. The combination of body and refractive wall is taught. Two mediums are shown, but there are countless medium is possible. In this medium, the optical density increases as a function of the radius of the device. Ru. The stated purpose of using such a distribution is to reduce the overall cost of the equipment. It is. That is, water may leak in the innermost area.For example, in the fifth column See column 64-68 and column 6, lines 1-34.

“Energy Grant” granted to Roland Winston on December 23, 1980. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,240.692 entitled ``Conduction of Discloses a radiant energy transfer device capable of selectively operating in an emission mode There is. Continuing with the Winston patent No. 4,114,592, here: As mentioned above, the mirrored refractive interface is used to define the conductive and guiding surfaces. It is formed at the boundary between media having different refractive indices.

Radial optical refraction gradients formed in plastic and glass samples There is. “Refractive index” granted to Roba-1-, Nis Muir on February 7, 1973. U.S. Pat. No. 3,718, entitled "Plastic Optical Element with a Gradient of No. 383, the inventor describes the optical axis of a polymer matrix formed into a certain shape. for this matrix to form a continuous gradient of refractive index in the direction perpendicular to It explains that the diluent is dispersed by This diluent and polymeric material have different Special table 11-503576 (5) an angularly symmetric half-direction with an index of refraction that is substantially proportional to the radial distance perpendicular to The gradient of the diluent has a lower refractive index than the plastic matrix material. formed by radiating into the matrix from the central core of this matrix. It will be done. Similarly, for a positive lens whose refractive index must decrease outward in the radius, In this case, it is necessary to diffuse the diluent from the outside of the plastic rod towards the inside.

“Refractive index gradient” granted to Mitsuji and Yoshagawa on January 7, 1975. In U.S. Pat. No. ml, 859.103 for ``Optical Glass Body with The inventor proposed that the thallium ions contained in the glass be replaced by external alkali metal ions. From the solid axis of the glass body obtained as a result of substitution by The fabrication of a continuously decreasing refractive index for a surface is described. Contains Tl2O The glass was selected because thallium ions have a high reactivity with the glass. This is because it gives a refractive index. The process of replacing the necessary ions is carried out using glass objects. contact with the selected molten salt for a sufficient period of time for sufficient dissipation to occur. That is. The refractive index distribution according to the relationship N=N (1-ar2) is the distribution of the glass rod. , where r is the distance from the radial center and a is a positive constant. and No is at the center of the cross section of this glass body perpendicular to the solid axis of the glass body. It is the refractive index.

“Dispersion Award” granted to Stuart, Yi and Miller on October 11, 1977. No. 4,053,204 and 197, entitled Optical Fiber J with Less Frank Vincent Guimarse and John Charles on February 28, 2008 ``Optical fiber with a gradient refractive index'' given to Williams No. 4,076,380 entitled U.S. Pat. discloses an optical fiber having a Iteratively varying discontinuous longitudinal regions are used to improve the dispersion properties of pulses of light. It has a gradient in the radial direction within the area. For the former patent, these areas are The optical index of refraction is achieved by varying the thickness of each layer of a constant material; In the case of the latter patent, layers with different refractive indices are used along the length of the optical fiber. They are arranged in a spiral shape. In any optical fiber, these debris are Chemical vapor phase methods are used to achieve this.

Granted to Shun, Haratori, Shigeyuki, and Suda on September 29, 1987. U.S. Patent No. 4.696゜5 for ``Projector Apparatus Having a Gradient Index Lens'' In No. 52, these inventors describe a lighting system for illuminating a symmetrical object and a symmetrical A projection device having a gradient index lens for projecting an image of an object is disclosed.

The refractive index distribution is substantially proportional to the square of the distance between the two and changes monotonically in the direction of this optical axis. It has a refractive index distribution of The features of this lens are approximately 18mm in length and diameter. is 0.5 mm <perpendicular to the optical axis) and a change in refractive index of less than 0°05 It is in.

For purposes of this specification, the term "optical axis J" will be used to refer to A temporary that stretches and passes through both the entrance and exit surfaces of this material used for the passage of light. For selected embodiments of the invention, the line is defined as meaning There may be more than one optical axis, but in general this first axis depends on the geometry of the material. is defined by scientific symmetry. In either case, the change in the refractive index of the refractive material is formed relative to the optical axis.

Also, for purposes of this specification, we use the term "bidirectional gradient" to refer to It is defined as the gradient of refractive index that occurs along each of two orthogonal directions. most in debt , [The term light j refers to the frequency spectrum from infrared through visible light to ultraviolet light. Toru's! Defined as faraway radiation.

Conspicuously missing from these patent and scientific and technical literatures are the a device that concentrates light, directs this light, or both and the refractive index varies in three dimensions with substantial thickness in the direction of variation. This is a description of a device having a refractive index of . Furthermore, the refractive index changes considerably. The distribution of optical density varies monotonically over a significant axial dimension. This is not explained in the above-mentioned haft tree, etc., where the slope changes in both directions. discloses a lens having a refractive index of Substantial thickness as the term is used here There is no change in the refractive index.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to obtain a large gradient in the refractive index, i.e. at least 0. 1 and a large shape, i.e. at least about 5 in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The object of the present invention is to provide a beam directing device having a size of mm.

Another object of the present invention is to provide non-tracking conducted light with greater gain than existing devices. The purpose of the present invention is to provide line concentration and aggregation equipment.

Yet another object of the present invention is to create a transmission optical system that is smaller and lighter than existing devices. The aim is to provide a

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide non-tracking conducted solar energy with a wide range of tolerance angles. The objective is to provide a collection device.

Another object of the invention is to provide an image reduction or enlargement device for conducted light beams. That is.

A further object of the present invention is to create an integral flI31 glass structure with a large bi-directional slope. Process of manufacturing products and special table 1,1-503576 (6) The goal is to provide a process for

Another object of the invention is to provide at least two individual lenses cooperating as a compound lens. produces in one integrated lens the same conduction properties as given by It is to let

Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention are set forth in part in the following description. Therefore, it will become clear, and in part, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art after considering the following explanation. 0 This invention that will become clear or be acquired by carrying out the invention The objects and effects of It can be realized and achieved through combination.

The clouds In accordance with the objectives of the present invention, as carried out and extensively described herein, the above-mentioned and and other purposes, a beam directing device is provided, which device It has a conductive refractive material with a bidirectional gradient in index. Such a beam directing device Examples of equipment include imaging and non-imaging devices such as lenses, concentrators, etc. Contains.

A feature of the beam directing device of the present invention is that there is a large gradient in the refractive index. big A gradient, ie, a significant gradient, is defined as a change in refractive index of at least about 0.1. do. Furthermore, these devices can also have refractive index gradients greater than 0.3. and furthermore, made of glass according to the prior art having a gradient of refractive index such as 0.5. It is also possible for the product to have a value that has never been used before.

Another feature of the light beam directing device of the invention is its large shape, i.e. the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The substantial thickness of the manufactured device has dimensions of at least about 5 mm.

In one embodiment of the invention, the non-tracking conducted beam concentrator of the invention comprises: Generally, it has flat entrance and exit surfaces and has a refractive index gradient in both directions. containing a conductive refractive material with a gradient that varies generally perpendicular to the optical axis Both are generally parallel to this optical axis in the direction from the entrance surface to the exit surface of the refractive medium. change. In some situations, this refractive material is incident on the plane of incidence and the refractive material The energy directed to the input surface by is effectively directed to the exit surface of the refractive material. Similarly, this may have reflective boundaries as side walls contoured to The reflective boundary of , the boundary between the entrance surface and the exit surface is arranged symmetrically around the extending optical axis. The incident surface has a larger area than the exit surface due to the refractive material. It may be generally contoured to form a device that is

In another embodiment of the invention, a non-tracking conducted beam concentrator device of the invention generally has flat entrance and exit surfaces, and its refractive index is bidirectional. The gradient includes a conductive refractive material with a gradient.

generally decreases in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and from the entrance surface to the exit surface of the refractive medium. generally increases in the direction parallel to this axis.

In other features of the invention, in accordance with the objects and objectives of the invention, an image reduction device is provided. The device or image magnifier has a conductive refractive material, which is generally It has a flat entrance surface and exit surface, as well as a bidirectional slope of the refractive index. The tilt generally decreases or increases in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, respectively, and the incident From the incident surface of the refractive medium toward the exit surface within a range of approximately 1/2 the length of the optical axis from the surface. generally increases or decreases, respectively, with respect to this forward axis in the direction of Directions along the optical axis and halfway from the optical axis in the range from approximately the center position to the exit surface of the device. It has substantially opposite changes in refractive index in both radially apart directions. 1! Huh? In this situation, this refractive material has a substantially constant refractive index along its optical axis. Good too.

In other features of the invention, in accordance with the objects and objectives of the invention, The process of manufacturing products with a glassy, decreasing refractive index producing a series of powdered glass samples having the same coefficient of expansion; Maximum or minimum refractive index in the bottom region of the crucible with the selected shape The process of placing a part of a powdered glass sample with a The process of compressing the crucible using a cylindrical tube with a thin wall thickness and a selected outer diameter Start on the wall and powder glass sample layer with maximum or minimum refractive index The process of forming an annular region between the center space of the crucible, the formed annular region Form successive layers of powdered glass sample each having a selected height in the area, each layer The process of mechanically compressing each layer before the next layer is applied on top of the The layer is made of a glass having a refractive index less than or greater than the refractive index of the layer directly below it. Each is composed of lath powder and has a minimum refractive index or a maximum refractive index. The above process where the powdered glass samples each occupy the top layer of the annular region In the process of removing the cylindrical tube, the center space has the maximum refraction* or the minimum refraction index. Fill each sample with a powdered glass sample and mechanically compress the sample. The process of assembling the powdered glass samples produced in this way.

When the temperature is selected to be above the maximum softening temperature of the powdered glass sample being used. The process of heating the molten glass for a period of time and cooling the molten glass at a rate that results in a significant degree of annealing. and removing the molten glass from the crucible. medium refractive index A glass powder with a maximum refractive index and a powder glass material with a minimum refractive index Preferably, it is obtained from a mixture of materials.

The advantages and effects of the present invention include greater concentration than similar existing devices. non-tracking conducted ray concentrators and directors with large dimensions and small overall dimensions. providing equipment and interfaces to achieve the functionality of current compound lenses. The objective is to provide the ability to design single lenses without the use of Furthermore, the present invention The process provides monolithic glass products with large changes in refractive index. be done.

Brief description of the drawing The four embodiments of the invention are included in and form part of this specification, and together with this description. The accompanying drawings, illustrating examples, serve to provide a detailed explanation of the invention, and the discussion that follows will be omitted. Although qualitatively applicable to troughs with cylinder symmetry and more general shapes, , all gains are quoted for the trough shape for simplicity.

Figure 1 shows a sample of glass produced according to the process of the invention (Figure 1a). Digitized camera image of HeNe laser radiation passing through the pull The trace drawn from H is passed through a homogeneous glass sample (Fig. 1b). A comparison is shown with a similarly derived image of the eNe laser radiation.

along the axis of symmetry of the concentrator, at any five points along that axis. The algorithm chosen to show the dependence of the refractive index on the distance from its axis of symmetry The shape of the rhythm function is shown graphically. Figure 2a shows 3! ! Continuously set up stages 5 selected along the axis of the concentrator shape selected with a slope Figure 2b shows the position of the point as a function of radial distance from the axis of symmetry of the lens. the refractive index values at these positions, but the axis of symmetry of this lens is also It is also the core of This algorithm is shown below to aid in understanding the invention. Some of the calculated curves were used in , but other functional forms have also been improved. The characteristics of the concentrator can be given as follows.

Figures 38 to 3c have the same physical dimensions and are hereinafter referred to as conical and cylindrical. A series of refractive elements with conical and cylindrical cross sections called combined elements Figure 3a shows a computer-generated comparison of the passage of light through the Figure 3b illustrates a refractive element made of a material with a high refractive index; FIG. Bidirectional bending according to the algorithm shown in Figure 2 above for an incident ray of 0°. Elements of the same shape with refractive indices are described. The calculated gains are respectively , 1.3±0.1.4° Figures 4a to 4e show curves with cross sections on the parabolic line. A computer-generated comparison of groups of folding elements is shown in Figures 4f to 4f. Figure 4g shows an example of a gradient profile in a particular three-dimensional shape.

Section 4a [2 describes a refractive element with a homogeneous refractive index, Section 4b describes a refractive index describes a similarly shaped refractive element with a purely radial distribution, and the fourth all are both values that change according to the algorithm shown in Figure 2 for incident light at 10°. A refractive element having a refractive index in the direction will be described. The calculated gains are respectively , 2.9±0.1, 4.1±0.1, and 6.9±0.1. 4th d12 is the same refractive index distribution as the refractive index distribution of the refractive element in section 4c. Effect and demonstration of slightly changing the shape of the refractive boundary wall of an element with a line shape This gain increases by 8.5±0.12. Figure 4e shows the refraction boundary on the parabola The effect of increasing the refractive index on a homogeneous refractive index refractive element with walls is shown. This gain increases as expected (in fact 3.9 and 0.1), and Figure 4f shows that Profiles of all the slopes of the elements of the 3D conical shape 4a[l to 4e] 5th gl showing the il! 4a to 4e stretched into a trough shape. Shows the gradient profiles of all the elements in the figure.

Figure 5a has a conical cross section and follows the algorithm shown in 1. The computer-generated solution for a refractive element with a complex bidirectional refractive index is shown below. This compound refractive element has a calculated gain of 7.0±0.1. Acts as an image reducer.

Sections 6a and 6b are for the purpose of identifying the effect of the longitudinal gradient of the refractive index. Computer-generated comparison of two refractive elements with cylindrical cross-sections of Figure 6a shows a refractive element with a purely radial index gradient. 6b shows a similarly shaped refractive element with bidirectional refractive index distribution. Explain. The radial index gradients for these two figures are chosen similarly. It was done.

Elf-meno no no Briefly, the present invention provides a light directing device made of glass having a selected refractive index gradient. The manufacturing process of the device, i.e. the photoconductive device, and the bidirectional (radial direction relative to the optical axis) fabricated with a selected refractive index gradient either in the longitudinal direction) or in three dimensions. teach the goods. Such products are used in the optical industry, fiber optic industry and solar energy industry. It has various applications in the energy technology industry, the purpose of which is to produce a single integral lens. Use the phi special table 1-503576 (8) It emits light into the air and emits energy like a photovoltaic cell. or energy direct light into or toward a device that converts or both The purpose of this invention is to design a compound lens system, and the device of the present invention can be used in a variety of applications. There is a way.

A detailed description will now be given of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying figures. Now, turning to the drawings, 1st al1g is He passing through a sample of glass produced according to the process of the present invention. Showing a trace obtained from a digitized camera image of the Ne laser, A beam of light 10 from a helium neon laser is shown in cross section and its refractive index is both When shown in cross section with a slope in the direction (radially and longitudinally), it is a nearly rectangular bend. As it passes through the folded glass element, it becomes one curve 12. within the medium The traveling direction of the light ray kK can be controlled independently of the surface properties of the refractive material. can. The emitted light 30 is T! It progresses like L&I. This behavior is shown in Figure 1b. A similarly obtained sample of HeNe laser radiation passing through a homogeneous glass sample compared to the trace that was created. The light beam passing through this homogeneous glass sample is 0 Sunglasses manufactured according to the process of the present invention which are clearly not bent. There is no evidence that separate boundaries exist for pull.

The index of refraction has been investigated as an example of a desirable property for a refractor with a gradient in both directions. The form of the refractive index function is shown below.

r+-a-b* [x/B (z)] 2 umbrella [1-z/D (tot)], (1) where X is the distance from the selected optical axis of the refractive index element and 2 is the distance from the selected optical axis. , where 2=0 is located at the plane of incidence of this element and a is the maximum refraction where b is selected to give a predetermined maximum difference (a-b) in the refractive index, and B (z> is the form given by the function of the boundary of the refractive index element, and D (to t) The lens designer positions the lens in two directions to achieve a specific effect. of a lens with zero cylindrical symmetry, which is an adjustable parameter that allows It must be stated that the refractive index is expressed three-dimensionally by the form of the function in Equation 1. A non-tracking solar concentrator with a hollow trough shape is useful if The reason for this is that the seasonal change of the sun in the temperature zone is about 45 degrees. On the other hand, the daily change in the direction perpendicular to this seasonal change is 180°. Because there is. Therefore, the structure of a concentrator with such a shape In this case, substantial refractive index material can be saved. In such cases, Equation 1 becomes general The cross section of this trough at right angles to what is the long axis of the trough, i.e. the plane of symmetry. Explains changes in refractive index.

Equation 1 describes a conduction concentrator with a combination of cylindrical and conical shapes. Figure 2a, which graphically illustrates the functional form of the algorithm, Figure 2b shows the positions of five points selected along the optical axis of the shape of the lens. The value of the refractive index at these locations as a function of the radial distance from the optical axis of the As mentioned above, the optical axis is generally the axis of symmetry of a cylindrical lens + I-L axis of symmetry or simply to form a path for the rays to pass through the refractive element. The selected axis is 0. were used in all of the calculated curves, but other function shapes can also be used with other desired concepts. It is possible to give the characteristics of lens 1 to lens and compound lens.

Although the present invention has been described generally, it has considerable dimensions and a refractive index shown in Equation 1. The following characteristics are used to produce a refractive element that refracts the conducted light while approximating the change: Certain examples are given to further illustrate the invention.

Manufactures an integrated lens that has the characteristics of a compound lens system made up of multiple lenses. Basically the same process can be applied to do so.

Eh, once in a while Bi-directionally sloped glass sample with controlled profile. Two glass compositions with different properties were obtained to create a refractive index of

Each glass is made of a blend (fr) ground to a Grit size of 350. It was in the shape of ``it''. The first glass, that is, the forceps-borate glass is basically It consists of the following oxides, namely lead oxide, boron oxide, and aluminum oxide. Ta. This glass contains a small amount of silicon oxide along with an additive used as a refining agent. .

Contains calcium oxide and sodium oxide. This glass is smooth. Tsharity Glass Company (acquired by Oarsman, Philadelphia) .

The refractive index is 1.97, the softening temperature is 350°C, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is 10102 X10-7/am/”C.The second glass, namely sodium porcelain Iric acid glass is mainly made of the following oxides: silicon dioxide, boron oxide, Composed of sodium, aluminum oxide and potassium oxide. This second gala The solution also contained small amounts of calcium oxide and n-oxide.

This glass was also purchased from Specialty Glass Company. This moth The refractive index of the lath is 1.57, the softening temperature is 950°C, and the coefficient of thermal expansion is 97. X10 7cm/cm/'C.

The powdered glass is mixed by weight and labeled as follows: It was.

#l Glass 1.00% with refractive index 1.97 Special table 11-503576 (g) #2 Fp, 90% glass with refractive index 1.97, 10% glass with refractive index 1.57 #3 80% glass with a refractive index of 1.97, 20% glass with a refractive index of 1.57 #4 70% glass with a refractive index of 1.97, 30% glass with a refractive index of 1.57 #5 60% glass with a refractive index of 1.97, 40% glass with a refractive index of 1.57 #6 40% glass with a refractive index of 1.97, 60% glass with a refractive index of 1.57 #7 30% glass with Etfr ratio 1.97, 70% glass with refractive index 1.57 #8 20% glass with a refractive index of 1.97, 80% glass with a refractive index of 1.57 #9 10% glass with a refractive index of 1.97, 90% glass with a refractive index of 1.57 #10 1ml of 100% #1 glass powder with a refractive index of 1.57 is 25m It has a capacity of 1, a top diameter of 3cm, a bottom diameter of 2cm, and a height of 4cm. This metal is placed in the bottom of a typically cylindrical platinum-gold alloy crucible. The powder was compacted using a tamper. A thin-walled cylinder with an outer diameter of approximately 2 cm. A shaped sleeve is then placed within the crucible so that it contains the compressed #1 gas. On the layer of lath [two lines became the same]. This sleeve will contain the next consecutive numbered each mixture is surrounded by successive layers of about 0.5 cc each, and each mixture is then surrounded by a large Mechanically compressed to a height of approximately 0.4 cm before adding the graded glass mixture It was done. This crucible will melt when #10 glass powder is added and compacted. It's full. This sleeve is removed secondarily and the center is filled with #1 glass powder. filled and its compressed height was finally the same as the level of #10 powder . The refractive index of these glass powders depends on the percentage of the components of these glasses. is expected to change, and as a result, the resulting mixture is dissolved. It was expected that the refractive index would have a gradient in both directions. fi final slope The distribution ranges from a height of 1,97 in the axial section to a lower value outside of this sample. and increases from the top of the sample to its bottom. This melting pot is electric kill The gas absorbed on the surface of the glass powder is released while controlling the WI. Therefore, it was gradually heated to 1000°C. This sample was held at this temperature for approximately 10 hours. It was done. longer time or depending on the overall dimensions of the crucible used. A shorter time is used; if the sample is large, a longer time is used. Ta. This temperature is slow enough that all the glass used is annealed. It was lowered. After the common sample reached temperature M, it was removed from the crucible.

This glass can be placed on the wall of the crucible by simply creating a small rack on top of the sample. It was easily removed.

This area was removed by grinding. Flat entrance and exit surfaces (above the sample) part and bottom part) were also made by polishing. Ken r! This glass sa after ji The size of the sample is approximately 2.5 cm thick, the diameter of the top is approximately 2.5 cm, and the diameter of the bottom is approximately 2.5 cm. was approximately 2.0 cm.

Methods that inventors can use to determine changes in refractive index when samples are large The exact distribution of the refractive index could not be determined because it does not currently exist. but, The hardness of a sample of glass produced according to the method described above is increases approximately monotonically outward in the radius from the center of the sample, parallel to the axis of this sample. along this sample, but approximately monotonically downward away from the axis of this sample has decreased to This behavior is expected, but the reason is that higher A glass with a lower refractive index has a lower hardness than a glass with a lower refractive index. This is because The refractive index along the axis of this product is approximately constant.

As explained above, products manufactured according to the process of the invention include the observation There is no limit to the extent that A refractive element with a functional shape is selected by selecting a suitable glass sample. can be easily manufactured by If similarity is desired, use many glasses with intermediate refractive indices. be able to. Furthermore, glasses with intermediate refractive indices can be This can be achieved by combining powder glasses with a smaller refractive index in an appropriate ratio. can be manufactured from glass such as related to the individual refractive index of the lath and the desired intermediate refractive index in a substantially linear manner. ing.

The number of layers in a formulation in a particular application depends on the resistance of the glass to melting and the desired bending. Determined by the change in refractive index (gradient). If two constructs tend to separate, or more with different refractive indices if a larger gradient is desired. layers are required. El! Can be manufactured by melting the base The thinnest product perpendicular to the optical axis is estimated to be approximately 5 mm.

Better understand the properties of refractive elements with bidirectionally graded refractive index Therefore, a computer model was developed that allowed input of this element. Visually displaying the path of the rays incident on the incident surface for various parameters Can be done. The path of the light ray that follows this light is described by Moore (J, Opt, S.

c, Am. (10) The solution to the equation is the radial and azimuthal derivatives of the refractive index profile. It was performed by an exact numerical algorithm that takes both into account. yJ-examined various The numbers representing the advantages for the shape and refractive index distribution are given by the equation below: This is the gain or concentration factor.

Gain; (Input area/Output area)* (number of arrivals/number of incidences), (2) Here, the number of arrivals is the number of rays that actually reached the exit surface, and it depends on the angle of incidence of the rays. There is a significant number of reflections from the refractive element. The calculations reported here All gains given are for trough shapes.

For devices with cylindrical symmetry, the gain is higher.

Therefore, the relative gain is - much more significant for these systems.

Another figure expressing the advantage is the shift of the output beam as the angle of the incident ray changes. In all situations investigated, this output robot has a predetermined shape and optical For a range of densities, fl also did not shift in the presence of bidirectional gradients. Pure For pigeonholes with a purely radial distribution, the shift is even greater. For example, in Figure 6 below. The argument for contrast is that the refractive index is changing in the axial direction. The beneficial effect is that as the angle of incidence of the light changes, the emitted light becomes very There may be situations where it is effective to control the shift of the output beam far away. I have to say that there is.

The device of the invention makes it possible to carry out such control. optical system This additional degree of freedom in designing systems and lenses makes the key features of our invention Returning to the 0-section surface we are representing, the algorithm used to generate the bidirectional gradient is The refractive index range and concentrator or The size and shape of the compound lens have been studied to obtain optimal performance. There are various considerations when designing a concentrator or compound lens. This includes the desired spot size and the conductivity needed to distinguish between the two. This includes reducing absorption in the process. The shape of the refractive element depends on the angle of incidence. It turns out that it is not important for small cases, but the reason is that in the case of acute angles, This is because almost no light hits the boundary area. For the same reason, when the angle of incidence is small, Refractive coatings are not necessary in most cases; in fact, refractive coatings are not necessary in most cases. Most rays are refracted by the refractive element unless the angle for the sum of internal reflections is exceeded. Furthermore, upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the optics field will understand that , our invention has other features that are even more effective when using inlets and outlets with curved surfaces. W4'; Figures 3a to 3C are formed by a set of conical and cylindrical cross sections. A computer-generated path of light passing through the refraction element l-u FIG. 3a shows a comparison of refractive elements made of a material with a homogeneous refractive index. Figure 3b shows a refractive element with a purely radially graded refractive index. FIG. 3C is shown in FIG. 2 above for an angle of incidence of 10°. According to the algorithm, similarly shaped elements with bidirectional refractive index are Explaining. The size of the output cell L is the refraction when the incident angle is normally 10°. Make sure that all light hitting the element does not reflect off this refractive element. has been selected. The calculated gains are respectively.

1.3±0.1, 4.1±0.1, and 6.9±0.1. Shown in Figure 3a. In the device shown in Figure 3, seven strands of light escape, but in the other devices shown in Figure 3, only 7 rays of light escape. Not a single one exists.

Figures 43 to 4e show a group of refractive elements each having a parabolic cross section. The fourth atl has a homogeneous refractive index. FIG. 4b illustrates a refractive element with a purely radial index distribution. Fig. 4C illustrates a refractive element of similar shape, and shows the ・The bicalculated gain that changes according to the algorithm explained in Figure 2 is They are 2.9±0.1, 4.1±0.1, and 6.9±0.1, respectively. 4th d The figure shows a section of a parabolic line having the same distribution of refractive index as that of the refractive element in Figure 4c. Obtained by slightly changing the shape of the reflective boundary wall of the element with a surface Effectively, this gain increases to 8.5 to 0.1. The 4th ell is the parabolic line. Increasing this refractive index for a homogeneous refractive index refractive element with reflective boundary walls This gain increases as expected (fact 3.9±O,l) , in the device shown in Fig. 4a, three rays escaped, but in the other devices in Fig. 4, No rays escaped.

Figures 4f and 4g show all the slopes of Figures 48 to 4e in three dimensions. Shows the profile of the person.

The fourth flZ is created by rotating the gradient profile around the vertical line. Figure 4g shows the resulting three-dimensional conical object by applying a gradient profile to it. A three-dimensional trough-shaped object obtained by transforming along an axis perpendicular to Show your body.

FIG. The obtained answer and the second section reversed as shown in Figure 5b for the normal entrance aperture. Composite bidirectional refractive index according to the algorithm shown in is shown.

The compound refractive element reduces image reduction with a calculated gain of 7.0 ± 0°1. Operates as a device.

Special Table Sen1-503576 (11) Figures 6a and 6b are for the purpose of identifying the effect of longitudinal gradients of refractive index. , two refractive elements with cylindrical cross-sections, Figure 6a shows a comparison of the refractive index with purely radially graded refractive index. Figure 6b illustrates a similar shape with a bidirectionally distributed index of refraction. describes the refractive element. Radial index gradient in these two drawings are chosen to be the same and have the form of the function shown below.

n==A(z>+B (z) umbrella x2 (3) Here, A and B are 2, that is, a cylinder It is a function of distance along the axis, where X is the radius measured from this axis.

The size of the purely radial refractive index focus is approximately 0.0353 (0.14 inch) in diameter. inch), and the exit face has a diameter of approximately 0.233 (0.91 inch); The focal spot is shifted by 0.193 cm (0.7 finch). both The similar parameters for the slope in the direction are 0.0453 (0.18 in. ) and 0.1933<0.7 finch), and the focal spot is 0.15cn ( 0.59 inches). Use a gradient of refractive index along this axis It can be observed that this results in two effects. First, the size of the spot increases slightly. More importantly, the angle of incidence of the incident ray is from +10° to -11°. There is something wrong with 0°. When used as a light concentrator, it has a refractive index of Affects overall gain. The gains for these two elements are The beam directing device of the present invention can be used, for example, in the optical industry, the fiber optic industry and the solar industry. In the energy technology industry, for example, light beams are connected to fibers and energy harvesting, such as photovoltaic cells, or energy conversion from sources that are In order to concentrate the light on a device that does both of these things and direct the light in that direction, For the purpose of designing compound lens systems using physical lenses, We have a way to go.

The foregoing description of some preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is something that was given. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the precise form disclosed herein. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made in light of the above teachings, rather than a 1+2 It is possible. For example, axial and radial directions propagating perpendicular to the optical axis Trough-shaped concentrators with a refractive index gradient are also within the scope of the invention. It is within the range. As another example, transmission optics may be used in conjunction with curved entrance and exit surfaces. By using a bidirectionally or three-dimensionally graded index of refraction with respect to the The range of possible applications of the invention is increased. These examples are based on the WpJ of the present invention and its It has been selected and described to best clarify its practical application; This will enable those skilled in the art to understand the invention in its various embodiments and specific applications contemplated. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. should be defined by the range of

Fig, 1b.

Fig, 3c.

Fiq, 4b.

Fia, 6a.

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Claims (62)

[Claims] 1. Conductivity that has an optical axis, an entrance surface, and an exit surface, and the optical axis passes through the entrance surface and the exit surface. (a) bidirectional refractive index of the conductive refractive material; A gradient that changes in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and from the entrance surface to the exit surface of the refractive medium. (b) the gradient that varies in the direction parallel to this optical axis and (b) perpendicular to the optical axis. a beam directing device having a minimum width of at least about 5 mm in the direction of . 2. A beam directing device according to claim 1, wherein the entrance surface is generally planar. 3. A beam directing device according to claim 1, wherein the exit surface is generally planar. 4. The light of claim 1, wherein both the entrance surface and the exit surface are generally flat. Line directing device. 5. The ray of claim 1, wherein the radial gradient is a generally monotonic gradient. Directional device. 6. 2. The light of claim 1, wherein the radial gradient generally has the form of a quadratic function. Line directing device. 7. The ray finger of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal gradient is a generally monotonic gradient. direction equipment. 8. Where both the radial and longitudinal slopes are generally monotonic slopes, A beam directing device according to claim 1. 9. Claims in which the refractive material has substantially cylindrical symmetry about the optical axis. The light beam directing device according to item 1. 10. A ray according to claim 1, wherein the refractive index is substantially constant along the optical axis. Directional device. 11. The light according to claim 1, wherein the light is constituted by a light beam concentrator. Line directing device. 12. The gradient generally decreases in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and generally decreases in the direction parallel to the optical axis. 12. The beam directing device according to claim 11, wherein the beam directing device increases. 13. energy incident on a plane of incidence and directed to said plane of incidence by said refractive material; a refractor contoured such that energy is directed substantially toward the exit face of the refractive material; 13. The beam directing device of claim 12, further comprising a radiation boundary. 14. The reflective boundary is symmetrical about the optical axis extending to the boundary between the entrance surface and the exit surface. , and the incident surface is larger than the exit surface due to the refractive material. The area is generally contoured so that a device with a region is formed. A beam directing device according to claim 13. 15. The refractive material has substantially cylindrical symmetry about the optical axis. 15. The light beam directing device according to claim 14. 16. The refractive material has substantially plane symmetry about the optical axis, and this plane symmetry is propagating through the refractive material described above to form a generally trough-shaped device; The light beam directing device according to claim 14. 17. The reflective boundary is coated with a reflective material. 15. The light beam directing device according to claim 14. 18. The ray directing according to claim 1, constituted by an image reduction device. Device. 19. The gradient generally decreases in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis and increases from the entrance surface to the exit surface. generally increases in the direction parallel to the optical axis to a position about 1/2 the length of the optical axis in the direction, Along the optical axis in the range from approximately the center of the optical axis to the exit surface of the above device have substantially opposite changes in refractive index both in the direction and in the direction radially away from the optical axis , but the light beam directing device according to claim 18. 20. The beam directing according to claim 1, constituted by an image magnification device. Device. 21. The gradient generally increases in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, approximately 1 optical axis length from the plane of incidence. /2, parallel to the optical axis in the direction from the entrance surface to the exit surface of the refractive medium. generally decreases over a range from approximately the center of the optical axis to the exit surface of the above device. Opposite changes in refractive index both along the optical axis and radially away from the optical axis 19. A beam directing device according to claim 18, comprising substantially the following. 22. Conduction has an optical axis, an entrance surface, and an exit surface, and the optical axis passes through the entrance surface and the exit surface. (a) bidirectional refractive index of the conductive refractive material; The gradient of and the slope which generally increases in the direction of the exit surface from and parallel to this optical axis and (b) non-tracking conduction having a minimum width of at least about 5 mm in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Concentrator for light beams. 23. 23. The light outlet of claim 22, wherein the entrance surface is generally flat. Traitor. 24. 23. The light outlet of claim 22, wherein the exit surface is generally flat. Traitor. 25. Claim 22, wherein both the entrance surface and the exit surface are generally flat. Concentrator for light rays. 26. Energy incident on an incident surface and directed to said incident surface by said refractive material a refractor contoured so that energy is directed substantially toward the exit face of the refractive material; The light beam concentrator according to claim 22, further comprising a radiation boundary. Data. 27. The reflective boundary is symmetrical about the optical axis extending to the boundary between the entrance surface and the exit surface. , and the incident surface is larger than the exit surface due to the refractive material. The area is generally contoured so that a device with a region is formed. A light concentrator according to claim 26. 28. The refractive material has substantially cylindrical symmetry about the optical axis. 28. The light concentrator according to claim 27. 29. The refractive material has substantially plane symmetry about the optical axis, and this plane symmetry is propagating through the refractive material described above to form a generally trough-shaped device; The light concentrator according to claim 27. 30. The reflective boundary is coated with a reflective material. 28. The light concentrator according to claim 27. 31. 23. The radial gradient of claim 22, wherein the radial gradient is a generally monotonic gradient. Concentrator for light beams. 32. 32. The radial gradient of claim 31, wherein the radial gradient generally has the form of a quadratic function. Concentrator for light rays. 33. 23. The light of claim 22, wherein the longitudinal gradient is a generally monotonous gradient. Line concentrator. 34. This means that both the radial and longitudinal slopes are generally monotonic. The light concentrator according to claim 22. 35. 23. The light of claim 22, wherein the refractive index is substantially constant along the optical axis. Line concentrator. 36. having an entrance surface and an exit surface, and (a) bidirectional refractive index of the conductive refractive material; The gradient of generally increases in the direction parallel to the optical axis up to about 1/2 the length of the optical axis in the direction of the surface, Direction and light along the optical axis in the range from approximately the center of the optical axis to the exit surface of the device The above having substantially opposite changes in refractive index in both directions radially away from the axis bidirectional slope, and (b) a minimum width of at least about 5 mm in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Image reduction characterized in that it is constituted by the above-mentioned conductive refractive material having Device. 37. 37. The image reduction device of claim 36, wherein the entrance surface is generally flat. Place. 38. 37. The image reduction device of claim 36, wherein the exit surface is generally flat. Place. 39. Claim 36, wherein both the entrance surface and the exit surface are generally flat. image reduction device. 40. The refractive material has substantially cylindrical symmetry about the optical axis. 37. The image reduction device according to claim 36. 41. 37. The radial gradient of claim 36, wherein the radial gradient is a generally monotonic gradient. Image reduction device. 42. 42. wherein the radial gradient generally has the form of a quadratic function. Image reduction device included. 43. 37. The method according to claim 36, wherein the longitudinal gradient is a generally monotonous gradient. Image reduction device. 44. This means that both the radial and longitudinal slopes are generally monotonic. 37. The image reduction device according to claim 36. 45. 37. The lens of claim 36, wherein the refractive index is substantially constant along the optical axis. Image reduction device. 46. (a) Bidirectional gradient of the refractive index of a conductive refractive material, the direction perpendicular to the optical axis generally increases in the direction from the entrance surface to the exit surface of the refractive medium. It generally decreases in the direction parallel to the optical axis within a length range of about 1/2 of the optical axis length, and the optical axis The direction along the optical axis and the optical axis in the range from approximately the central position to the exit surface of the device. furthermore has substantially opposite changes in refractive index in both directions radially away from and (b) a minimum width of at least about 5 mm in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. An image magnification device constructed of conductive refractive material. 47. 47. The image magnification device of claim 46, wherein the entrance surface is generally flat. Place. 48. 47. The image magnifying device of claim 46, wherein the exit surface is generally flat. Place. 49. Claim 46, wherein both the entrance surface and the exit surface are generally flat. image enlarger. 50. The refractive material has substantially cylindrical symmetry about the optical axis. 47. The image enlarging device according to claim 46. 51. 47. The radial gradient of claim 46, wherein the radial gradient is a generally monotonic gradient. Image magnifier. 52. 52. The radial gradient of claim 51, wherein the radial gradient generally has the form of a quadratic function. Image enlarger included. 53. 47. The method according to claim 46, wherein the longitudinal gradient is a generally monotonous gradient. Image magnifier. 54. This means that both the radial and longitudinal slopes are generally monotonic. 47. The image enlarging device according to claim 46. 55. 47. The lens of claim 46, wherein the refractive index is substantially constant along the optical axis. Image magnifier. 56. Manufacture of refractive glass products with an intermediate refractive index from the components of refractive glass products method of manufacturing two glass-like materials having the same coefficient of expansion as the selected refractive index. Selecting a sample of glass, powdering said sample to a selected grit The process of According to the appropriate weight proportion of said powder, substantially the refractive index of the selected glass formed in a ratio that reflects the desired final refractive index of the refractive product in combination. Mixing these two powders on a weight basis, mechanically compressing the sample process, the mixture of powdered glass samples thus produced is used. temperature above the higher softening temperature of the powdered glass sample for a selected period of time. a heating step, and cooling the molten glass at a rate that results in a significant degree of annealing; A method of manufacturing a refractive glass product comprising: 57. 1. A method of manufacturing a refractive glass product having a gradient refractive index, the method comprising: at least two powdered powders that are glassy and have different refractive indices and the same coefficient of expansion. The process of manufacturing glass samples Place a first powdered glass sample in one area of a crucible with a selected shape mechanically compressing the sample; compressing the second powdered glass sample; placing the second sample in the vicinity of and in contact with the first powdered glass sample; The process of mechanically compressing the pull, the powdered glass sample produced in this way assembly above the highest softening temperature of the powdered glass sample being used. heating to a temperature for a selected time; cooling the molten glass at a rate that results in a significant degree of annealing; and A method for producing a refractive glass product comprising the step of removing molten glass from a crucible. 58. Glass powder with intermediate refractive index, powder with maximum and minimum refractive index 58. A method according to claim 57, wherein the method is obtained from a mixture of powdered glass materials. 59. 1. A method of manufacturing an article having a bidirectionally graded refractive index, the method comprising: A set of powdered glasses with a glassy and decreasing refractive index and the same expansion coefficient the process of manufacturing a sample of having a selected shape and further having a generally cylindrical cross section up to a selected height placing a powdered glass sample with a maximum refractive index in the bottom region of the crucible; Mechanically compressing the sample into a cylinder with a thin wall thickness and a selected outer diameter Using a tube, start on the wall of the crucible and on the powdered glass sample with the highest index of refraction. forming an annular region between the center space of the round crucible; A series of powdered glass samples each having a selected height in an annular region formed forming layers and mechanically compressing each layer before the next layer is placed on top of it a process in which each layer is made of glass having a refractive index less than that of the layer immediately below it. The powdered glass sample, which is composed of glass powder and has the lowest refractive index, is a step of occupying the top layer of the shaped region, a step of removing the cylindrical tube; Fill the central space with the powdered glass sample with the highest refractive index, and the process of mechanically compressing the pull; The assembly of powdered glass samples thus produced was used heating to a temperature above the maximum softening temperature of the powdered glass sample for a selected period of time. process, cooling the molten glass at a rate that results in a significant degree of annealing; and removing the molten glass from the crucible. 60. Glass powder with intermediate refractive index is maximum and powder with minimum refractive index 60. A method according to claim 59, wherein the method is obtained from a mixture of glass materials. 61. 1. A method of manufacturing an article having a bidirectionally graded refractive index, the method comprising: A set of powdered glasses with a glassy and decreasing refractive index and the same expansion coefficient the process of manufacturing a sample of having a selected shape and further having a generally cylindrical cross section up to a selected height placing a powdered glass sample with the lowest refractive index in the bottom region of the crucible; , Mechanically compressing the sample into a cylinder with a thin wall thickness and a selected outer diameter Using a tube, place it on the wall of the crucible and on the powdered glass sample with the lowest refractive index. The step of forming an annular region between the space in the center of this crucible begins, A series of powdered glass samples each having a selected height in an annular region formed In this process of forming layers and mechanically compacting each layer, each layer is placed on top of the next. glass powder in which each layer has a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the layer immediately below it The powder glass sample with the largest refractive index is composed of an annular region The process that occupies the top layer of the process of removing the cylindrical tube; Fill the central space with a powdered glass sample with the lowest refractive index, and the process of mechanically compressing the pull; The assembly of powdered glass samples thus produced was used heating to a temperature above the maximum softening temperature of the powdered glass sample for a selected period of time. process, cooling the molten glass at a rate that results in a significant degree of annealing; and removing the molten glass from the crucible. 62. Glass powder with intermediate refractive index is maximum and powder with minimum refractive index 62. The process according to claim 61, wherein the process is obtained from a mixture of glass materials.