In a study published in Sensors, researchers from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences investigated how the dynamic characteristics of an optical bench influence imaging quality in optomechanical systems under vibration conditions, which offers insights into improving the performance of optical devices used in dynamic environments. Optomechanical systems, such as those used in aerospace and mobile platforms, often operate under vibration-prone conditions. While efforts have been made to stabilize optical axes using motion control mechanisms, the structural properties of optical benches themselves have received limited attention. This study addresses a crucial question: How do the dynamic properties of optical benches affect imaging quality when subjected to external vibrations?
The researchers examined the effects of sinusoidal vibrations on the modulation transfer function (MTF) of optical systems, a key parameter in assessing image clarity. Through simulation and experimental analysis, they demonstrated that low-frequency vibrations introduce randomness in imaging effects, leading to blurring and contrast loss, and high-frequency vibrations, on the other hand, exhibit predictable patterns of degradation based on exposure time and vibration amplitude.
To verify their theoretical predictions, the researchers designed a visible-light optical system, and conducted a series of vibration tests. The experiments confirmed that even minor structural displacements in the optical bench can significantly impact imaging performance. They also found that the choice of optical bench material plays a vital role in mitigating vibration effects. High-stiffness materials, such as titanium alloys and SiC composites, proved to be more effective in reducing image distortion compared to traditional materials.
The study provides a foundation for designing more robust optical systems capable of maintaining high imaging performance in dynamic environments. Moving forward, the researchers aim to explore advanced damping techniques and optimized bench geometries to further minimize vibration-induced image degradation, which will contribute to the development of high-precision optical instruments that can operate reliably in extreme conditions.
