On-axis monolithic ellipsoidal lens for optical coupling systems
US8511876B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4206
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The instant invention teaches a compact collection lens with finite conjugates for use in coupling the collected energy from a broadband source into a multi-mode fiber. The lens is reflective in nature and provides finite conjugate imaging in one piece. The entrance and exit surfaces are made concentric with the object and image so that on-axis imaging is completely free of chromatic aberrations. The primary is nominally elliptical and is the only surface with optical power in the lens. The secondary is planar and serves to fold the progressing rays back in the original direction. In summary, the invention comprises a monolithic lens composed of four optical surfaces (two reflective and two transmissive) such that the primary and secondary mirrors are annular and the entrance and exit surfaces are predominantly spherical with their centers located at the front and back focal points.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.