Optics simulations and microoptics
Modelling is the basis for a deeper understanding and thus allows a targeted optimisation. Therefore, we supplement the optical design by ray tracing with wave-optical simulations if necessary. By combining this with the simulation of the light propagation in scattering objects,
the entire system consisting of optical device, measurement object (e.g. tissue) and, if necessary, light-scattering medium (e.g. fog) can be modelled continuously.
To simulate the beam path in optical instruments and to calculate light propagation and scattering in inhomogeneous media, we use a variety of mainly proprietary software:
Wherever possible, we design new optics in micro-optical construction to save space and costs. Prototypes can be produced directly using a 2-photon lithography system and can be functionally characterized with our measuring equipment. Refractive, diffractive and hybrid components can be realized, e.g. aspheres, Fresnel lenses, prisms. In the near future, micro-optics can also be printed directly on light guide ends.
The calculation of light propagation in an object (e.g. tooth crown) or a medium (e.g. fog) requires knowledge of the optical properties (absorption and scattering coefficient, scattering phase function). These are rarely known. For this reason, the ILM has built specialised measurement set-ups for their determination. Phantoms with defined optical properties were developed for their verification and are now available as test standards.
