Freeform array projection

D. Michaelis; P. Schreiber; C. Li; A. Bräuer; H. Gross

doi:10.1117/12.2191221

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23 September 2015 Freeform array projection

D. Michaelis, P. Schreiber, C. Li, A. Bräuer, H. Gross

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Proceedings Volume 9629, Optical Systems Design 2015: Illumination Optics IV; 962909 (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191221
Event: SPIE Optical Systems Design, 2015, Jena, Germany

Abstract

The concept of multichannel array projection is generalized in order to realize an ultraslim, highly efficient optical system for structured illumination with high lumen output, where additionally the Köhler illumination principle is utilized and source light homogenization occurs. The optical system consists of a multitude of neighboring optical channels. In each channel two optical freeforms generate a real or a virtual spatial light pattern and furthermore, the ray directions are modified to enable Köhler illumination of a subsequent projection lens. The internal light pattern may be additionally influenced by absorbing apertures or slides. The projection lens transfers the resulting light pattern to a target, where the total target distribution is produced by superposition of all individual channel output pattern. The optical system without absorbing apertures can be regarded as a generalization of a fly’s eye condenser for structured illumination. In this case light pattern is exclusively generated by freeform light redistribution. The commonly occurring blurring effect for freeform beamshaping is reduced due to the creation of a virtual object light structure by means of the two freeform surfaces and its imaging towards the target. But, the remaining blurring inhibits very high spatial frequencies at the target. In order to create target features with very high spatial resolution the absorbing apertures can be utilized. In this case the freeform beamshaping can be used for an enhanced light transmission through the absorbing apertures. The freeform surfaces are designed by a generalized approach of Cartesian oval representation.

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D. Michaelis, P. Schreiber, C. Li, A. Bräuer, and H. Gross "Freeform array projection", Proc. SPIE 9629, Optical Systems Design 2015: Illumination Optics IV, 962909 (23 September 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2191221

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