JP2014035920A - Illumination optical system, measuring device and diffractive optical element used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable efficient and uniform light irradiation in a predetermined projection range without increasing the size of an illumination optical system.SOLUTION: An illumination optical system of the present invention has a diffractive optical element formed with an uneven pattern layer for generating a group of diffracted light that has a two-dimensional distribution when parallel light is made incident, and divergent light or convergent light is made incident in the uneven pattern layer of the diffractive optical element for generation of a group of diffracted light made of divergent light with a main light beam having a two-dimensional distribution. The illumination optical system may also have the diffractive optical element and a diffusion element provided on a light incidence side or a light emission side of the diffractive optical element so as to generate a group of diffracted light made of divergent light with a main light beam having a two-dimensional distribution by making divergent light, which is obtained by conversion in the diffusion element, incident in the diffractive optical element or by converting each diffracted light, which is emitted from the diffractive optical element and included in the group of diffracted light having a two-dimensional distribution, into divergent light by the diffusion element.

Description

  The present invention relates to an illumination optical system, a measurement apparatus, and a diffractive optical element used therefor.

  There is an apparatus that performs three-dimensional measurement by irradiating a measurement object with predetermined light and detecting light scattered by the measurement object. An apparatus using a time-of-flight method is known as one of such three-dimensional measurement apparatuses. The time-of-flight method is a method for obtaining distance information by measuring the time of flight of light until the light reflected from the subject is received by a light receiving unit after the illumination light is irradiated on the subject. In order to improve the S / N ratio of distance detection by the time-of-flight method, it is necessary to efficiently and uniformly irradiate light in a predetermined projection range.

  Patent Document 1 describes an illumination optical system that improves the accuracy of depth information by using a beam shaping element such as an integrator rod in a measurement apparatus using a time-of-flight method. Patent Document 2 describes a three-dimensional mapping apparatus that realizes uniform illumination using a diffusion plate, a diffractive optical element, and an axicon.

JP 2012-128425 A Special table 2009-531655 gazette

  However, when the integrator rod is used as in the illumination optical system described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to reflect the light beam introduced into the integrator rod a plurality of times, which generally increases the illumination optical system. There is. If the illumination optical system is large, the entire three-dimensional measurement apparatus also becomes large, which causes problems such as being unable to be mounted on a device with a limited size and being unable to be attached to a device that is not preferred, such as a security device.

  The three-dimensional mapping apparatus described in Patent Document 2 combines a diffusing plate and a diffractive optical element. However, the diffractive optical element is used to reduce diffusion by the diffusing plate or light emitted from the diffusing plate. It is used to correct the light intensity distribution of the light, and is not intended to widen the light irradiation range by the diffractive optical element.

  In addition, the method described in Patent Document 2 has a problem that speckle is likely to occur when a diffusion plate having a large scattering angle is used.

  In addition, regarding the light irradiation technique for a predetermined projection range, for example, if the irradiation range of incident light is widened using a concave lens, the predetermined projection range can be irradiated with light. However, in the method of expanding the light irradiation range using a lens, when a round light beam is emitted from the light source, depending on the shape of the projection range, the periphery of the projection range (for example, if the projection range is rectangular, There is a problem in that useless irradiation is performed on the upper, lower, left, and right areas), and the light use efficiency decreases. In addition, just widening the light irradiation range using the lens, the intensity distribution of the incident light becomes the intensity distribution of the irradiation light as it is, so it is necessary to mold the light to make the intensity distribution uniform, Therefore, there is a problem that the lens system becomes large.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an illumination optical system, a measuring apparatus, and a diffractive optical element used therein that can irradiate light efficiently and uniformly to a predetermined projection range without increasing the size of the illumination optical system.

  An illumination optical system according to the present invention includes a diffractive optical element on which a concavo-convex pattern layer that generates a diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution when parallel light is incident, and diverges in the concavo-convex pattern layer of the diffractive optical element. A diffracted light group of diverging light in which chief rays have a two-dimensional distribution is generated by entering light or convergent light.

  In addition, the illumination optical system has a divergent or convergent light spreading angle incident on the concavo-convex pattern layer of the diffractive optical element as φ, and an angle between adjacent chief rays of diffracted light included in the generated diffracted light group as Δθ. Then, it may be configured to satisfy φ> 0.5Δθ.

  Further, the illumination optical system may have a divergent light or a convergent light having a divergence angle smaller than 16 ° incident on the concavo-convex pattern layer of the diffractive optical element.

  In addition, the illumination optical system according to the present invention includes a diffractive optical element on which a concavo-convex pattern layer that generates a diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution when parallel light is incident, and parallel light is incident. A diffusing element that converts incident parallel light into diverging light, and the diffusing element is provided on the light incident side or light emitting side of the diffractive optical element, and the divergent light converted by the diffusing element is incident on the diffractive optical element. Alternatively, each diffracted light included in a diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution emitted from the diffractive optical element is converted into a divergent light by a diffusing element, so that the principal ray is diffracted by the divergent light having a two-dimensional distribution. Light groups may be generated.

  The measuring device according to the present invention is any one of the illumination optical systems described above, and is a light source that emits divergent light or convergent light having a predetermined spread angle, or light emitted from the light source has a predetermined spread angle. Detecting scattered light generated by irradiating a measurement object with an illumination optical system including an element that emits as diverging light or convergent light having a diffracted light and a diffracted light group of diverging light emitted from the illumination optical system And a detector.

  In the diffractive optical element according to the present invention, a concavo-convex pattern layer that generates a diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution when parallel light is incident is formed. Then, a diffracted light group of diverging light having a two-dimensional distribution of chief rays is generated, and the concavo-convex pattern layer is included in the generated diffracted light group having a divergence angle of incident diverging light or convergent light of φ. When the angle between the principal rays of adjacent diffracted lights is Δθ, a diffracted light group of diverging light satisfying φ> 0.5Δθ is generated.

  According to the present invention, light can be efficiently and uniformly irradiated to a predetermined projection range without increasing the size of the illumination optical system.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the measuring device of 1st Embodiment. 3 is a schematic plan view illustrating a configuration example of a diffractive optical element 30. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a diffractive optical element 30. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a diffracted light group 12 emitted from a diffractive optical element 30. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the position in a projection surface, and the number of light spots about the example of the light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30, and the light spot pattern. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the ratio of area ratio and intensity distribution according to the outgoing angle of the light beam of diverging light. 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the diffractive optical element 30. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows distribution of the light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30 in the measuring apparatus of Example 1, and the light quantity within a projection range. It is explanatory drawing which shows distribution of the light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30 in the measuring apparatus of Example 2, and the light quantity within a projection range. It is explanatory drawing which shows distribution of the light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30, and the light quantity in a projection range in the measuring apparatus of Example 3. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a light spot pattern of a diffractive optical element 30 and a light amount distribution within a projection range in the measurement apparatus of Example 4. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a light spot pattern of a diffractive optical element 30 and a light amount distribution within a projection range in the measurement apparatus of Example 5. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a light spot pattern of a diffractive optical element 30 and a light amount distribution within a projection range in the measurement apparatus of Example 6. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a light spot pattern of a diffractive optical element 30 and a light amount distribution within a projection range in the measurement apparatus of Example 7. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a light spot pattern of a diffractive optical element 30 and a light amount distribution within a projection range in the measurement apparatus of Example 8. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a light spot pattern of a diffractive optical element and a light amount distribution within a projection range in the measurement apparatus of Example 9. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows distribution of the light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30 in the measuring apparatus of Example 10, and the light quantity in a projection range. It is explanatory drawing which shows the parameter of each example collectively. It is explanatory drawing which shows collectively the distribution of the irradiance of the horizontal direction of Examples 1-7, 9, and 10. FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the same member etc., the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment. A measuring apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a light source 20, a diffractive optical element 30, and a detection element 50.

  When the light beam 11 emitted from the light source 20 is incident, the diffractive optical element 30 generates a diffracted light group 12 as inspection light. In addition, the detection element 50 detects the scattered light 13 generated when the inspection light composed of the diffracted light group 12 emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 is irradiated onto the measurement objects 40a and 40b. The detection element 50 may be an imaging element for imaging the measurement objects 40a and 40b irradiated with the diffracted light group 12 emitted from the diffractive optical element 30.

  The diffractive optical element 30 includes a portion having a diffractive action that generates a plurality of diffracted lights when parallel light is incident thereon. In the measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 1, divergent light or convergent light is incident on a diffractive optical element 30 including such a portion having a diffractive action, and a divergent light beam group is emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 as a diffracted light group 12. Thus, uniform illumination over a predetermined illumination range is realized.

  When the convergent light is incident, the position of the minimum beam diameter of the convergent light in the absence of the diffractive optical element 30 is the diffractive optical element 30 and the measurement object (in the example shown in FIG. What is necessary is just to make it locate between the target objects 40a). In other words, convergent light that has a spread in the traveling direction at the time of projection onto the measurement object may be incident. Thereby, the light irradiated to the measuring objects 40a and 40b becomes divergent light.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the measuring object 40b plays the role of a projection plane that defines a projection range. The projection range is preferably within ± 50%, more preferably within ± 10% with respect to the range of the angle of view seen by the detection element 50, that is, the detection range, and more preferably a range that substantially matches.

  The light emitted from the light source 20 is subjected to predetermined modulation. For example, the intensity of light emitted from the light source 20 may be modulated with a sine wave or a rectangular wave. By measuring the time lag between the phase of the predetermined modulation and the phase of the scattered light reflected by the measurement objects 40a and 40b detected by the detection element 50, the distance between the measurement objects 40a and 40b, Information such as a three-dimensional shape can be acquired.

  When the diffracted light group 12 emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 is regarded as one light beam, the emission angle α of the light beam is preferably 15 ° or more, and more preferably 30 ° or more. This enables measurement over a wide range.

Next, the diffractive optical element 30 of the present embodiment will be described more specifically. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating a configuration example of the diffractive optical element 30 of the present embodiment. The diffractive optical element 30 of the present embodiment has a portion having a diffractive action. As shown in FIG. 2A, the portion has a pitch P _{x in} the X-axis direction and a pitch P _{y in the} Y-axis direction. Basic units 31 are periodically arranged in a two-dimensional manner. 2A is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of the diffractive optical element 30, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the phase distribution of the basic unit 31 included in the diffractive optical element 30. is there. FIG. 2B shows an example of the basic unit 31 having a binary phase distribution. For example, the diffractive optical element 30 basically has a concavo-convex pattern in which a black area in FIG. 2B is a convex portion and a white area is a concave portion to generate the phase distribution shown in FIG. As the unit 31, the periodic structure of such an uneven pattern of the basic unit 31 may be formed on the surface of a member 32 that transmits light, such as glass or a resin material. Further, instead of passing the light beam 11, the diffracted light group 12 may be generated by reflecting the light beam 11 in the diffractive optical element.

  Note that the diffractive optical element 30 is not limited to a structure that forms a concavo-convex pattern on the surface of a transparent member as long as it can generate a phase distribution. For example, the diffractive optical element 30 is formed on a transparent member on which a concavo-convex pattern is formed. May have a structure in which members having different refractive indexes are bonded together and the surface is flattened, or a structure in which the refractive index is changed in a transparent member. That is, here, the concavo-convex pattern does not mean only a structure having a concavo-convex surface shape, but includes all structures that can give a phase difference to incident light.

  Note that the number of the basic units 31 in the diffractive optical element 30 is not necessarily an integer, and it is only necessary that one or more basic units are included in the concavo-convex pattern of the diffractive optical element 30. For example, the boundary between a region such as a peripheral portion that does not have a concavo-convex pattern and a region that has a concavo-convex pattern may not coincide with the boundary of the basic unit.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the diffractive optical element 30. FIG. 3 shows a diffractive optical element 30 having a structure having a concavo-convex pattern by forming convex portions 33 on the surface of a transparent substrate 32 made of glass or the like. In the diffractive optical element 30, a region where the convex portion 33 is not formed becomes a concave portion 34 on the surface of the transparent substrate 32. Hereinafter, for convenience, the layer constituting the concavo-convex pattern on the transparent substrate 32 is referred to as the concavo-convex pattern layer 35.

  The transparent substrate 32 only needs to be transparent to incident light, and various materials such as a resin substrate and a resin film can be used in addition to a glass substrate. However, optically isotropic materials such as glass and quartz are used for transmitting light. It is preferable because there is no influence of birefringence. The transparent substrate 32 can reduce light reflection due to Fresnel reflection, for example, by forming an antireflection film or the like by a multilayer film at the interface with air. Although FIG. 3 shows that the concave / convex pattern is formed on one surface of the transparent substrate 32, the diffractive optical element 30 may form the concave / convex pattern on both surfaces of the transparent substrate 32.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30. The diffractive optical element 30 is formed with a portion having a diffractive action so that, when parallel light is incident, a light spot generated by the diffracted light group 12 has a two-dimensional distribution on the projection surface. In other words, a part having a diffractive action is formed such that when parallel light is incident, the light is separated and emitted in two or more directions by the diffractive action. 4 indicate the positions of the light spots 121 of the respective diffracted lights emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 when the parallel light 11 ′ is incident on the diffractive optical element 30. In the present invention, the distribution of the light spot 121 when such parallel light is incident is referred to as a light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30.

In FIG. 4, the optical axis direction of a light beam (incident light) incident on the diffractive optical element 30 is defined as the Z axis, and the axes that intersect with the Z axis and are perpendicular to the Z axis are defined as the X axis and the Y axis. If the diffraction angle of each diffracted light included in the diffracted light group 12 generated when the parallel light 11 ′ is incident on the light, that is, the angle formed by each diffracted light and the diffraction grating normal line, is θ, It is distributed within a predetermined angle range in the Y-axis direction. Further, the diffraction angle θ of the diffracted light emitted to the minimum position in the X-axis direction is the minimum angle θx _min , and the diffraction angle θ of the diffracted light emitted to the maximum position in the X-axis direction is the maximum angle θx _max , When the diffraction angle θ of the diffracted light emitted to the minimum position in the Y-axis direction is the minimum angle θy _min , and the diffraction angle θ of the diffracted light emitted to the maximum position in the Y-axis direction is the maximum angle θy _max , The irradiation range of the diffracted light group 12 formed from the minimum angle θx _min to the maximum angle θx _{max in} the X-axis direction and the minimum angle θy _min to the maximum angle θy _max in the Y-axis direction is a desired projection range, that is, detection by the detection element 50. The range is approximately the same as the range.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, in the light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30, a straight line parallel to the Y axis passing through the light spot whose angle in the X direction is θx _max with respect to the Z axis is the short side, and Y with respect to the Z axis. A rectangular area having a long side as a straight line parallel to the X axis passing through a light spot having a direction angle θy _max is an irradiation range of the diffracted light group 12. Hereinafter, the angle between the intersection of the short side and the long side (for example, P _d in the figure) and the straight line connecting the diffractive optical element and the Z axis is θ _d, and this angle θ _d is the diffraction angle in the diagonal direction. Called.

Here, the above-described emission angle α may be replaced with an angle range in the X-axis direction = | θx _max −θx _min | ÷ 2 or an angle range in the Y-axis direction = | θy _max −θy _min | ÷ 2. In that case, either one of these angle ranges is preferably 15 ° or more, and more preferably 30 ° or more.

  In general, the cross section of the diffractive optical element 30 is formed in a concavo-convex shape, a blazed shape, or the like, but when the cross section of the diffractive optical element 30 is formed in a shape other than a continuous blazed shape, or the cross section is a blazed shape. However, if there are variations in manufacturing, stray light may be generated in addition to the desired diffracted light. However, such stray light is not intended in the design stage and is not desired diffracted light, and therefore is not included in the light distributed within the above angle range.

  The diffractive optical element 30 is preferably formed such that the light intensity of stray light is 70% or less with respect to the average light intensity of desired diffracted light. In addition, the diffractive optical element 30 is preferably formed so that the sum of the amount of diffracted light emitted in a desired projection range with respect to the amount of incident light is 50% or more. Thereby, projection light can be formed with high light use efficiency.

Next, the design method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the diffracted light group 12 emitted when the parallel light 11 ′ is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 and the light spot 121 group generated thereby. At this time, each diffracted light is shown as light diffracted to an angle θ _{xo in} the X direction and an angle θ _yo in the Y direction with reference to the Z-axis direction in the grating equation shown in the following formula (1).

In the formula (1), m _x is the diffraction order in the X direction, m _y is the diffraction order of the Y-direction, lambda is the wavelength of the light beam _11, P x, P _y is formed on the diffractive optical element The pitch of the basic unit in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, θ _xi is the incident angle to the diffractive optical element in the X direction, and θ _yi is the incident angle to the diffractive optical element in the Y direction.

  When diffracted light group 12 emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 is irradiated onto a projection surface such as a screen or a measurement object when collimated light is incident, a plurality of lights are irradiated on the irradiated region as shown in FIG. A spot 121 is generated.

  The diffractive optical element 30 that emits the diffracted light group 12 that can generate such a plurality of light spots 121 can be designed by an iterative Fourier transform method or the like. That is, in the diffractive optical element 30 of the present embodiment having a configuration in which the basic units 31 that generate a predetermined phase distribution are periodically arranged, the distribution of the diffraction orders of the diffracted light in the distance is obtained by Fourier transform in the basic unit 31. Can be obtained. This is explained by scalar diffraction theory as follows.

The electromagnetic field is a vector quantity, but can be represented by a scalar quantity in an isotropic medium. Here, the scalar function u (A, t _m ) at time t _m and point A is represented by the following equation (2). Equation (2) shows the case where the incident light is monochromatic light, U (A) is the complex amplitude at point A, and ω is the angular frequency.

  Moreover, the scalar function shown in Formula (2) satisfies the wave equation shown in Formula (3) below in the entire space.

  By substituting the scalar function shown in Equation (2) into the wave equation shown in Equation (3), the Helmholtz equation shown in Equation (4) below can be obtained.

  Here, k is the wave number, and k = 2π / λ. By solving the wave equation shown in Equation (3), the distribution of the scalar function in the space is calculated.

Further, a sufficiently thin flat screen giving a certain phase distribution is denoted by Σ, a point on Σ is A _1, and a scalar function at a point A ₀ when a plane wave is transmitted through Σ is described above using Kirchhoff's boundary condition. The following equation (5) is obtained when r ₀₁ is the distance between the point A ₀ and the point A ₁ .

Further, the coordinates at the point A ₀ are (x ₀ , y ₀ , 0), the coordinates at the point A ₁ are (x ₁ , y ₁ , z), and z is | x ₀ −x ₁ |, | y ₀ −y. Assuming that the value is sufficiently larger than ₁ |, by expanding r ₀₁ , the Fraunhofer approximation expressed by the following expression (6) can be obtained.

The Fraunhofer approximation shown in equation (6) corresponds to the Fourier transform of the phase distribution given by the screen. In particular, when the phase distribution u (A ₁ ) after the screen has a periodicity of the pitch P _{x in} the X-axis direction and the pitch P _{y in} the Y-axis direction, u (A ₀ ) can be expressed by the above equation (1). (M _x , m _y ) order diffracted light is generated.

At this time, the diffraction efficiency η _mn of the (m _x , m _y ) _-order diffracted light is expressed by the following formula (7) using the phase distribution u ′ (x ₁ , y ₁ ) of the periodic basic unit. Represented. _{Incidentally, m x,} m _y are integers.

  Therefore, if the phase distribution of the basic unit is obtained, the intensity distribution in the diffracted light can be calculated by the Fourier transform. Therefore, by optimizing the phase distribution of the basic unit, a diffractive optical element that generates diffracted light having a desired distribution can be obtained. can get.

  Thus, the diffractive optical element 30 in the present embodiment can be manufactured using a technique such as an iterative Fourier transform method. More specifically, since the phase distribution of the basic unit 31 in the diffractive optical element 30 and the electric field distribution of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 are in a Fourier transform relationship, the inverse Fourier transform of the electric field distribution of the diffracted light is performed. Thus, the phase distribution in the basic unit 31 can be obtained.

  Further, when the diffractive optical element 30 is manufactured, only the intensity distribution of the diffracted light is a limiting condition, and the phase condition is not included. Therefore, the phase distribution of the basic unit 31 is arbitrary. In the iterative Fourier transform method, information on the phase distribution of the basic unit 31 is extracted from the inverse Fourier transform of the light intensity distribution of the desired diffracted light, the obtained phase distribution is used as the phase distribution of the basic unit 31, and further Fourier transform is performed. . By repeating the above calculation using the difference between the result of Fourier transform and the distribution of the light intensity of the desired diffracted light as an evaluation value, the phase distribution of the basic unit 31 that minimizes the evaluation value can be obtained as an optimal design. .

  In addition to the above, there are various design algorithms for diffractive optical elements as described in Bernard Kress, Patrick Meyrueis, “Digital Diffraction Optics” (Maruzen). As a Fourier transform method, a fast Fourier transform algorithm or the like can be used.

  The diffractive optical element 30 may have a plurality of surfaces having a diffractive action. In this case, it may be composed of two elements, or one element may be provided with a plurality of surfaces having a diffractive action. When there are two or more surfaces having diffractive action, the direction of diffracted light generated by each surface may be different. Thereby, the interference between the diffracted lights caused by the two surfaces can be reduced.

  Next, the state of incident light on the diffractive optical element 30 in the measurement apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the diffracted light group 12 emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 when the incident light 11 ′ that is parallel light is incident. When the parallel light 11 ′ is incident on the diffractive optical element 30, the incident light 11 ′ is divided into a plurality of light beams by the diffractive action of the concavo-convex pattern which is the periodic structure of the basic unit 31 provided in the diffractive optical element 30, and FIG. ) And emitted as a plurality of diffracted lights 122 (see reference numerals 122-1 and 122-2 in the figure). Therefore, the light amount distribution on the projection surface 40c is discrete.

  On the other hand, FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram schematically showing an example of the diffracted light group 12 emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 when the incident light 11 as diverging light is incident. When the incident light 11 that is divergent light is incident on the diffractive optical element 30, divergent light diffracted light having the respective diffracted lights 122 shown in FIG. 5A as chief rays is generated. In FIG. 5B, the principal ray 123 of each diffracted light of the divergent light generated in this example is indicated by a one-dot chain line (see reference numerals 123-1 and 123-2 in the figure). Each diffracted light generated in this example irradiates the projection surface 40c while spreading by being diverged. If the spread angle φ of the incident light 11 and the light spot interval in the light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30 are adjusted so that the diffracted lights overlap each other, the light quantity distribution on the projection surface 40c becomes continuous.

  Here, the continuous light amount distribution is used as a contrast expression with each diffracted light 122 having a discrete light amount distribution as shown in FIG. 5A, and the light amount integrated by a finite area is used. It shows that the light quantity distribution is continuous when measured. For example, when a laser or the like is used as the light source, speckles may occur due to interference between the diffracted lights included in the diffracted light group 12, and a small amount of light and darkness may occur on the projection surface. In this way, even if the light amount distribution is not strictly continuous due to speckle effects, it is considered continuous if the light amount distribution integrated by a finite area is not discrete. be able to. The finite area where the amount of light is integrated is preferably a rectangular area having horizontal and vertical lengths corresponding to the horizontal and vertical resolutions of the measuring device.

  In the diffractive optical element 30, it is preferable that the ratio of the integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range with respect to the integrated value of the amount of light of each diffracted light is greater than 0.7, and the maximum within the projection range. The ratio of the minimum irradiance to the irradiance is preferably greater than 0.15.

The spread angle φ of the incident light 11 is included in the diffracted light group 12 generated when the principal rays 123 of the adjacent diffracted lights included in the diffracted light group 12 in FIG. When the angle between adjacent diffracted beams 122 is Δθ, it is preferably larger than 0.5 times Δθ, more preferably larger than 0.7 times Δθ, and even more preferably larger than Δθ. This is because if the divergence angle φ of the incident light beam with respect to Δθ is too small, the light overlap between adjacent diffracted lights becomes insufficient, resulting in non-uniform light quantity. In the present invention, the divergence angle φ of the incident light 11 refers to the divergence angle of the light beam with the intensity of the incident light being 1 / e ² with respect to the central intensity as a Gaussian distribution. In FIG. 5B, only the angle Δθ formed by the principal ray 123-1 of one diffracted light and the principal ray 123-2 of another diffracted light adjacent thereto is shown. In the case where the angle Δθ formed by the adjacent principal ray 123 of each diffracted light is not uniform, the maximum value of each Δθ in the diffracted light group 12 distributed within the angle range is the value of Δθ in the diffracted light group 12. May be considered. Note that the diffracted light to be calculated for each Δθ does not include diffracted light that is not distributed within the angular range, that is, stray light generated due to manufacturing variations.

Further, the spread angle φ of the incident light 11 is preferably smaller than the diagonal diffraction angle θ _d generated by the diffractive optical element 30, more preferably smaller than 16 °, still more preferably smaller than 6.5 °, The angle is more preferably less than 5 °, more preferably less than 3.5 °, and further preferably less than 1.5 °. This is because if the spread angle φ of the incident light 11 is too large, the amount of light emitted outside the boundary area of the projection surface increases when light is incident on the projection range with good uniformity. This leads to a decline.

In addition, when a light beam emitted from a semiconductor laser or the like does not pass through a beam shaping element or the like, the spread angle may be different between a direction perpendicular to a light emitting layer of the semiconductor laser and a direction parallel to the light emitting layer. When these divergence angles are defined as a horizontal divergence angle φ _x and a vertical divergence angle φ _y, it is assumed that light emitted from the semiconductor laser has a larger divergence angle φ _{x in the} horizontal direction, that is, φ _x > φ _y . The angle Δθ _x formed by the chief ray 123 of the adjacent diffracted light in the horizontal direction and the angle Δθ _y formed by the chief ray 123 of the adjacent diffracted light in the vertical direction are designed so that Δθ _x > Δθ _y. May be. Preferably the meet _{Δθ x> 0.5φ x, Δθ y} > 0.5φ y Even in this case, Δθ _x> 0.7φ _x, more preferably satisfies the _{Δθ y> 0.7φ y, Δθ x} > More preferably, φ _x and Δθ _y > φ _y are satisfied.

Next, the light quantity distribution of diffracted light will be described. For example, the order distribution of diffracted light is (-i, -j), (-i + 1, -j), ..., (i, -j), (-i, -j + 1), ... (i, j). In the case of having a uniform degree distribution of (2i + 1) × (2j + 1) points, the density distribution of diffracted light on the projection surface is proportional to cos ⁴ β with respect to the angle β measured from the optical axis. This is because when the angles formed by adjacent orders of diffracted light are approximately uniform, projecting these diffracted lights onto a plane increases the flight distance of the diffracted light farther from the optical axis, creating a pincushion-type distortion. It is to do. When divergent light is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 that generates such diffracted light and uniform illumination is performed, the intensity distribution on the projection surface of the diffracted light group 12 is at an angle β measured from the optical axis. On the other hand, it is proportional to cos ⁴ β.

As an example of the above, FIG. 6 shows an example of a light spot pattern of the diffractive optical element 30 in which the angles formed by adjacent orders of diffracted light are approximately uniform, and the position in the projection plane and the number of light spots for the light spot pattern. Shows the relationship. In FIG. 6A, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction of the basic unit 31 is 50.7 μm, the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 47.6 μm, and the order of the diffracted light (m _x , m _y ). When collimated light 11 ′ having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 that generates 65 × 49-point diffracted light having −32 to 32nd order in the X direction and −24 to 24th order in the Y direction. 4 shows the distribution (light spot pattern) of the light spot appearing on the projection surface 40c at the position of z = 2000 mm. FIG. 6B shows an angle measured from the optical axis by dividing the projection surface 40c into a plurality of regions each having a rectangular area of 153.8 mm × 115.4 mm as shown as R _ij in FIG. The number of light spots 121 included in each rectangular area Rij, that is, the number of projected diffracted lights 122 with respect to β is standardized by the number of light spots 121 included in the rectangular areas near the optical axis, that is, the projected diffracted light 122. The converted value is shown. In FIG. 6B, cos ⁴ β at β = 0 °, 5 °, 10 °, 15 °, 20 °, 25 °, and 30 ° is shown at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 6A, it can be seen that the pincushion type distortion is generated in the distribution of the light spot by the diffracted light group 12 on the projection surface 40c. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6B, it can be seen that the distribution of the number of diffracted light, that is, the density distribution, substantially coincides with the value of cos ⁴ β. Then, when divergent light is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 that generates such diffracted light and uniform illumination is performed, the intensity distribution on the projection surface of the diffracted light group 12 is also at an angle β measured from the optical axis. On the other hand, it is proportional to cos ⁴ β.

As one method of correcting such an intensity distribution, C _s (β), which is the ratio of the number of diffracted lights at an angle β to the number of diffracted lights at the central portion of the projection surface 40c, is at least one of the projection surfaces. In some cases, C _s (β)> cos ⁴ β may be satisfied. As another method, C _p (β), which is the ratio of the intensity of the diffracted light at the angle β to the intensity of the diffracted light at the center, is expressed as C _p (β)> cos ⁴ β at least in a part of the projection plane. It is good. Moreover, you may combine these methods. The number and intensity of the diffracted light may satisfy the above-mentioned formula as an average value. In such a case, the projection range is divided into several regions R _ij as shown in FIG. You may consider the average value of the number and intensity of light.

Further, when the detection element 50 includes an optical element such as a lens, there arises a problem that the amount of light detected by the detection element 50 from a position with a large angle of view is reduced by the cosine fourth law. Therefore, it is more preferable that cos ⁴ β <C _s (β) <1 / cos ⁴ β and cos ⁴ β <C _p (β) <1 / cos ⁴ β are satisfied. As a result, divergent light or convergent light is incident on the diffractive optical element 30, and the diffracted light group 12, which is a luminous flux group of divergent light generated by the diffractive optical element 30, is normalized by the light quantity at the center when projected onto the projection surface 40c. The obtained light quantity distribution I (β) can satisfy cos ⁴ β <I (β) <1 / cos ⁴ β in at least a part of the projection plane.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the area ratio and the intensity distribution ratio according to the emission angle of the divergent light beam. As shown in FIG. 7, for example, it is assumed that a divergent light beam A is emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 toward a flat projection surface 40 c at a distance z at an emission angle β. Similarly, it is assumed that a divergent light beam B is emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 toward the projection surface 40c at an emission angle of 0 °. The light beams A and B are both light beams having a divergence angle Φ _o . The distance of the luminous flux A to the projection surface 40c is r. For the light beams A and B, only the exit angle and the divergence angle are defined, and it does not matter whether the actual light beam is a light beam group of a plurality of diffracted lights or one diffracted light.

(1) At this time, the area ratio (S0 / S2) of the surfaces perpendicular to the traveling phrases of the light beams A and B irradiated to the projection surface 40c is proportional to (z / r) ² = (cos β) ² .

  (2) For the luminous flux A, the area ratio (S2 / S1) between the plane perpendicular to the traveling direction and the plane projected onto the projection plane is proportional to cos β.

  (3) Also, when the diffractive optical element 30 generates the diffracted light group 12 in which the angles formed by adjacent orders of diffracted light are approximately uniform, sin θ = mλ / P is established from the grating equation. The angle interval Δθ with the next order in the group 12 can be obtained from sin (θ + Δθ) = (m + 1) λ / P. If the second and higher order terms of Δθ are ignored, the above equation can be approximated by sin θ + Δθ cos θ = (m + 1) λ / P. Therefore, Δθ = λ / P / cos θ holds when the difference from the original equation is taken. Therefore, it can be seen that the diffraction angle near the angle β is 1 / cos β times larger than the angle interval Δθ = λ / P of the diffracted light near the center, and the density decreases in proportion to cos β.

It can be seen that due to the above (1) to (3), the number distribution of the diffracted light group having the equidistant order distribution is proportional to cos ⁴ β with respect to the angle β measured from the optical axis. Therefore, the ratio of the number of diffracted light groups irradiated to other portions of the same size relative to the number of diffracted light groups irradiated near the center of the order distribution of diffracted light included in the generated diffracted light group 12 is expressed as an angle. If it is adjusted so as to approach 1 regardless of β, uniform illumination can be performed on the entire surface.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 6, when the number distribution of the diffracted beam group when the incident parallel light is proportional to cos ⁴ beta, since in proportion to cos ⁴ beta changes the number of spots, diverging it Even if it is expanded by using light, the intensity distribution is proportional to cos ⁴ β.

  As already described, if the incident light 11 has a spread with respect to the traveling direction at the time of projection onto the measurement object, the same function can be given even with convergent light. For example, the incident light 11 can be used if the convergent light has a condensing position between the diffractive optical element 30 and the projection surface 40c.

  As a method for changing the incident light 11 into divergent light or convergent light, a diffractive lens such as a lens or a Fresnel lens is arranged on the incident side of the diffractive optical element 30 so that the spread angle φ of the incident light 11 to the diffractive optical element 30 is set. You may adjust. In addition to the diffractive lens, a diffusion plate having a predetermined diffusion angle may be used. Further, a diffractive optical element or a hologram element may be used.

  In addition to the method in which the incident light 11 is divergent light or convergent light, an element that changes the spread angle of light such as a diffusion plate may be disposed on the exit side by allowing parallel light to enter the diffractive optical element 30. Good. Further, even when divergent light or convergent light is incident on the diffractive optical element 30, these elements may be arranged on the exit side of the diffractive optical element 30. The element arranged on the emission side converts each diffracted light included in the diffracted light group 12 emitted from the diffractive optical element 30 into divergent light or convergent light having a predetermined divergence angle, thereby diffractive optical element 30. The same effect as when diverging or converging light having a predetermined divergence angle is incident on the incident light can be obtained.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, an element having such a divergence function or a convergence function and the diffractive optical element 30 may be integrally formed. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the concave lens 36a and the diffractive optical element 30 are integrated. The concave / convex pattern layer 35 imparting a diffraction function is formed on one surface of the transparent substrate 32, and the other surface is formed. A concave lens 36a that imparts a diverging function is formed. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the convex lens type Fresnel lens 36b and the diffractive optical element 30 are integrated, and the concave / convex pattern layer 35 imparting a diffraction function is formed on one surface of the transparent substrate 32. In addition, a convex lens type Fresnel lens 36b that provides a converging function on the other surface is formed. In the example shown in FIG. 8C, the diffusing plate and the diffractive optical element 30 are integrated, and the concave / convex pattern layer 35 imparting a diffractive function is formed on one surface of the transparent substrate 32. A diffusion plate 36c that imparts a diverging function to the surface is formed. When the element having the divergence function or the convergence function and the diffractive optical element 30 are integrated, the incident light 11 to the diffractive optical element 30 may be parallel light. The concave lens 36a, the Fresnel lens 36b, and the diffusion plate 36c may be formed by processing the transparent substrate 32, or may be provided by processing a transparent material different from the transparent substrate 32 on the transparent substrate 32.

  8A to 8C show an example in which a diffraction function is given to one surface and a divergence function or a convergence function is given to the other surface, the diffraction function and the divergence function or It is good also as a structure which superimposes a convergence function on one surface. This can be realized by adding the phase distribution necessary for providing the diffractive function and the phase distribution necessary for providing the divergence function, and forming an uneven pattern corresponding thereto. The superimposed phase distribution has a structure that does not have a periodic basic unit as shown in FIG. The phase distribution of the diffraction function can be analyzed by taking the difference of the phase distribution of the divergence function from the superimposed phase distribution. Also in this case, the incident light 11 can use parallel light.

  Hereinafter, the measurement apparatus 10 described above will be described using specific numerical values and the like. Note that the measuring devices in the following examples perform distance measurement in a range of ± 31 ° in the horizontal direction and ± 24 ° in the vertical direction. The projection range at the position of z = 2000 mm is 2400 mm in the horizontal direction and 1800 mm in the vertical direction. In each example, since the angle Δθ between the principal rays of adjacent diffracted light and the angle of the first-order diffracted light with respect to the 0th-order diffracted light approximately coincide, the value of Δθ is used as the diffraction of the first-order diffracted light in the X direction or Y direction. The larger of the angles is used. Here, examples 1 to 8 are examples, and examples 9 and 10 are comparative examples.

(Example 1)
First, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 1 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -1-order and 1-order in the X direction, distributed -1st order to 1 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing region of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, that is, the region where the phase distribution is expressed is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm region, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 2.4 μm and in the Y-axis direction. pitch _{P y} is the basic unit 31 of 3.0μm is arranged two-dimensionally.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of the present example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so as to generate a distribution of diffracted light as shown in FIG. 9A on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 9 (a) shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a lattice pattern of three rows vertically and three rows horizontally.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is as follows. First, a quartz substrate is used as the transparent substrate 32, and a resist pattern is formed on the surface of the quartz substrate 32. Then, a concavo-convex pattern is formed on the surface of the quartz substrate 32 by repeating a dry etching process such as RIE (Reactive Ion Etching) on the resist pattern a plurality of times. Thus, the diffractive optical element 30 in this example is produced in which the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light is 12 ° and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 16 ° in the light having a wavelength of 830 nm.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, incident light having a wavelength of 830 nm with a divergence angle φ of 20.0 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. In this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the amount of light of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 9A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 9B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 square size 40 mm) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. × 30 mm rectangle).

  As shown in FIG. 9B, in the measuring apparatus 10 of the present example, the distribution of the light amount within the projection range changes smoothly. FIG. 9B shows a distribution in which the amount of light increases from the outer peripheral portion toward the central portion. In FIG. 9B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.15. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.17. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.73W.

(Example 2)
Next, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 2 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -2nd to 2-order in the X direction, distributed -1st order to 1 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing area of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm area, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 4.0 μm and the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 3.0 μm. Basic units 31 are two-dimensionally arranged.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of this example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so as to generate a distribution of diffracted light as shown in FIG. 10A on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 10 (a) shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a lattice pattern of three rows vertically and five rows horizontally. In this example, the pincushion type distortion of the light spot pattern is left as it is, but it is also possible to correct the order distribution and remove the distortion.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is the same as that of the diffractive optical element 30 in Example 1. In the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light with respect to light having a wavelength of 830 nm is 20 °, and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 16 °.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, incident light having a wavelength of 830 nm with a divergence angle φ of 16.0 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. Also in this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 10A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 10B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 square) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 10B, in the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, the distribution of the light amount within the projection range changes smoothly. FIG. 10B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a horizontally long rectangular shape with chamfered corners, and the amount of light increases toward the center. In FIG. 10B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.18. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.20. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.77W.

(Example 3)
Next, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 3 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -4 to fourth order in the X direction, distributed - tertiary to 3 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing area of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm area, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 7.1 μm and the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 7.0 μm. Basic units 31 are two-dimensionally arranged.

  FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of the present example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so that a diffracted light distribution as shown in FIG. 11A is generated on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 11 (a) shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a grid of 7 rows vertically and 9 rows horizontally. In this example, the pincushion type distortion of the light spot pattern is left as it is, but it is also possible to correct the order distribution and remove the distortion.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is the same as that of the diffractive optical element 30 in Example 1. In the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light with respect to light having a wavelength of 830 nm is 6.7 °, and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 6.9 °.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, incident light having a wavelength of 830 nm with a divergence angle φ of 6.9 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. Also in this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 11A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 11B shows the distribution of irradiance of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm (unit: W / cm ² , 1 cell). A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 11B, in the measurement apparatus 10 of the present example, the distribution of the light amount within the projection range changes smoothly. FIG. 11B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a pincushion shape, that is, a shape in which the center part of each side in a horizontally long rectangle is slightly recessed, and the light amount increases toward the center. Yes. In FIG. 11B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.30. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light amount in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light amount in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.34. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.86W.

(Example 4)
Next, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 4 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -8-order 8-order in the X direction, distributed -6 primary 6 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing area of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm area, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 13.5 μm and the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 12.9 μm. Basic units 31 are two-dimensionally arranged.

  FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of this example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so as to generate a distribution of diffracted light as shown in FIG. 12A on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 12 (a) shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a grid of 13 rows vertically and 17 rows horizontally. In this example, the pincushion type distortion of the light spot pattern is left as it is, but it is also possible to correct the order distribution and remove the distortion.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is the same as that of the diffractive optical element 30 in Example 1. In the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light with respect to light having a wavelength of 830 nm is 3.5 °, and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 3.7 °.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of the present example, incident light having a wavelength of 830 nm with a spread angle φ of 3.7 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. Also in this example, the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 12A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 12B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 cell) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 12B, in the measurement apparatus 10 of the present example, the distribution of the light amount within the projection range changes smoothly. FIG. 12B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a pincushion shape, that is, a shape in which the center part of each side in a horizontally long rectangle is slightly depressed, and the light amount increases toward the center. Yes. In FIG. 12B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.38. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light amount in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light amount in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.40. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.89W.

(Example 5)
Next, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 5 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -16 order to 16-order in the X direction, distributed -12 primary 12 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing area of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm area, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 26.2 μm, and the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 24.8 μm. Basic units 31 are two-dimensionally arranged.

  FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of this example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of the present example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so as to generate a distribution of diffracted light as shown in FIG. 13A on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 13A shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a lattice form of 25 rows vertically and 33 rows horizontally. In this example, the pincushion type distortion of the light spot pattern is left as it is, but it is also possible to correct the order distribution and remove the distortion.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is the same as that of the diffractive optical element 30 in Example 1. In the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light with respect to light having a wavelength of 830 nm is 1.8 °, and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 1.9 °.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, incident light having a wavelength of 830 nm with a spread angle φ of 1.9 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. Also in this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 13A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 13B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 square) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 13B, in the measurement apparatus 10 of the present example, the distribution of the light quantity within the projection range changes smoothly. FIG. 13B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a pincushion shape, that is, a shape in which the center part of each side in a horizontally long rectangle is slightly recessed, and the light amount increases toward the center. Yes. In FIG. 13B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.40. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.43. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.90W.

(Example 6)
Next, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 6 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -32 order to 32-order in the X direction, distributed -24 primary 24 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing area of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm area, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 51.5 μm, and the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 48.5 μm. Basic units 31 are two-dimensionally arranged.

  FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of this example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so as to generate a distribution of diffracted light as shown in FIG. 14A on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 14A shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a lattice form of 49 rows vertically and 65 rows horizontally. In this example, the pincushion type distortion of the light spot pattern is left as it is, but it is also possible to correct the order distribution and remove the distortion.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is the same as that of the diffractive optical element 30 in Example 1. In the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light with respect to light having a wavelength of 830 nm is 0.9 °, and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 1.0 °.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, incident light with a wavelength of 830 nm having a spread angle φ of 1.0 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. Also in this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 14A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 14B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 cell) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 14B, in the measurement apparatus 10 of the present example, the distribution of the light amount within the projection range changes smoothly. FIG. 14B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a pincushion shape, that is, a shape in which the center part of each side in a horizontally long rectangle is slightly recessed, and the amount of light increases toward the center. Yes. In FIG. 14B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.39. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.43. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.90W.

(Example 7)
Next, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 7 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -16 order to 16-order in the X direction, distributed -12 primary 12 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing area of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm area, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 26.2 μm, and the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 24.8 μm. Basic units 31 are two-dimensionally arranged.

  FIG. 15A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of this example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so as to generate a distribution of diffracted light as shown in FIG. 15A on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 15A shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a lattice form of 25 rows vertically and 33 rows horizontally. In this example, the pincushion type distortion of the light spot pattern is left as it is, but it is also possible to correct the order distribution and remove the distortion.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is the same as that of the diffractive optical element 30 in Example 1. In the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light with respect to light having a wavelength of 830 nm is 1.8 °, and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 1.9 °.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, incident light with a wavelength of 830 nm having a spread angle φ of 1.4 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. Also in this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 15A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 15B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 square) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 15B, in the measurement apparatus 10 of the present example, the distribution of the light amount within the projection range changes in a vibrational manner. FIG. 15B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a pincushion shape, that is, a shape in which the center part of each side in a horizontally long rectangle is slightly recessed, and the light amount increases toward the center. However, the shape of the boundary region where the amount of light changes is not a beautiful circle but a circle drawn with a zigzag line, indicating a distribution in which the ratio of the amount of change from the center to the periphery is not constant. From a fine point of view, even if the ratio of the amount of change from the center to the periphery is not constant, the difference in light intensity between neighboring regions is not so large. It can be regarded as a distribution in which the amount of light increases with time. In FIG. 15B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.34. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.44. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.84W.

(Example 8)
Next, the measurement apparatus 10 of Example 8 will be described. Order of the diffracted light generated by the diffractive optical element 30 measuring apparatus 10 of the present embodiment comprises _(m x, m _y) is -16 order to 16-order in the X direction, distributed -12 primary 12 between: the Y direction ing.

The grating processing area of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is 4 mm × 4 mm, and within this 4 mm × 4 mm area, the pitch P _x in the X-axis direction is 26.2 μm, and the pitch P _y in the Y-axis direction is 24.8 μm. Basic units 31 are two-dimensionally arranged.

  FIG. 16A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of the present example. The phase distribution in the basic unit 31 of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is determined by an iterative Fourier transform method so as to generate a diffracted light distribution as shown in FIG. 16A on the projection surface when parallel light is incident. Has been calculated. FIG. 16 (a) shows a light spot pattern in which light spots are arranged in a grid of 25 rows vertically and 33 rows horizontally. In this example, the pincushion type distortion of the light spot pattern is left as it is, but it is also possible to correct the order distribution and remove the distortion.

  The manufacturing method of the diffractive optical element 30 of this example is the same as that of the diffractive optical element 30 in Example 1. In the diffractive optical element 30 of this example, the diffraction angle in the X direction of the first-order diffracted light with respect to light having a wavelength of 830 nm is 1.8 °, and the diffraction angle in the Y direction is 1.9 °.

In the measurement apparatus 10 of this example, when a light beam having a wavelength of 830 nm, which is parallel light, is incident on the above-described diffractive optical element 30, and the parallel light is incident on the exit side, the spread angle φ is 1.9 °. Arrange the diffuser. Also in this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 16A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 16B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 cell) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 16B, in the measurement apparatus 10 of the present example, the distribution of the light amount within the projection range changes smoothly. FIG. 16B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a pincushion shape, that is, a shape in which the center part of each side in a horizontally long rectangle is slightly recessed, and the amount of light increases toward the center. Yes. In FIG. 16B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.40. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.44. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.90W.

(Example 9)
Next, the measuring apparatus of Example 9 will be described. The measurement apparatus of this example uses a diffractive optical element that emits a single diffracted light instead of the diffractive optical element 30 to irradiate light in a predetermined projection range.

  FIG. 17A is a diagram showing a distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element of this example. FIG. 17A shows a light spot pattern in which one light spot is arranged at the center of the region.

In the measuring apparatus of this example, divergent light having a wavelength of 830 nm and a divergence angle φ of 37.5 ° is incident on the above-described diffractive optical element. In this example, the integrated value of the light quantity of the single diffracted light 122 in FIG. FIG. 17B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 cell) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 17B, in the measurement apparatus of this example, the distribution of the amount of light within the projection range changes smoothly. Note that FIG. 17B shows a distribution in which the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a circular shape, and the amount of light increases toward the center. In FIG. 17B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.16. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.17. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.67W.

  In this example, a lot of useless irradiation is performed around the projection range, so that it can be seen that the light use efficiency is reduced as compared with Examples 1 to 8 described above. Further, it can be seen that the region range where a strong light amount can be obtained in the center is narrower and the amount of change in the region near the center is larger than in Examples 1 to 8 described above.

(Example 10)
Next, the measurement apparatus of Example 10 will be described. In this example, the diffractive optical element 30 used in Example 5 is used.

  FIG. 18A is a diagram showing the distribution of diffracted light projected on the projection surface when parallel light having a wavelength of 830 nm is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 of this example. The distribution of diffracted light shown in FIG. 18A is the same as the distribution of diffracted light shown in FIG.

In the measurement apparatus of this example, incident light having a wavelength of 830 nm with a divergence angle φ of 1.0 ° is incident on the diffractive optical element 30 described above. Also in this example, it is assumed that the integrated value of the light amount of each diffracted light 122 in FIG. 18A is 1 W, and the intensity of each diffracted light 122 is uniform. FIG. 18B shows the irradiance distribution (unit: W / cm ² , 1 square) of light irradiated in the range of x = −2000 mm to 2000 mm and y = −1500 mm to 1500 mm at z = 2000 mm. A rectangle having a size of 40 mm × 30 mm).

  As shown in FIG. 18B, in the measurement apparatus of this example, the distribution of the amount of light within the projection range changes in a vibrational manner. In FIG. 18B, the outer peripheral shape of the irradiation range is a pincushion shape, that is, a shape in which the center part of each side in a horizontally long rectangle is slightly recessed, and a light and dark stripe pattern (horizontal stripe) is generated in the region. The distribution is shown. In FIG. 18B, the ratio of the minimum irradiance to the maximum irradiance within the projection range is 0.12. Further, in the projection range at z = 2000 mm, the ratio of the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the four corners to the average value of the light quantity in the 80 mm square region at the center is 0.46. The integrated value of the amount of light incident on the projection range is 0.84W.

  In this example, since the divergence angle of the light incident on the diffractive optical element 30 is insufficient, it can be seen that the intensity distribution has a large intensity difference between neighboring regions even in the central portion.

  In addition, FIG. 19 is explanatory drawing which shows the parameter of each example collectively. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram collectively showing the distribution of irradiance in the horizontal direction in Examples 1 to 7, Example 9, and Example 10. 20A collectively shows the distribution of horizontal irradiance in Examples 1 to 6, and Example 9, and FIG. 20B shows the horizontal radiation in Examples 5, 7, and 10. The illuminance distribution is shown together.

  As shown in FIG. 20A, in order to reduce the amount of light leaking out of the projection range, the number of diffracted lights to be generated should be larger than 15 points that is the number of diffracted lights in Example 2. I can say that. Further, the spread angle φ of the incident light is preferably smaller than the spread angle 16 ° in Example 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 20B, the intensity distribution of the light irradiated to the projection range can be made more uniform when the incident light spread angle φ sufficiently satisfies φ> 0.5Δθ. For example, in Example 10, since φ> 0.5Δθ is satisfied, the irradiance of approximately 1.50E-05 or more is maintained within the range of −1200 mm to 1200 mm where the horizontal position is within the projection range. Compared to Examples 5 and 7, the intensity distribution has a large intensity difference between neighboring regions. Note that Example 5 has an intensity distribution with a smaller intensity difference between neighboring regions than Example 10. Further, Example 7 has an intensity distribution in which the intensity difference between neighboring regions is smaller than that of Example 5.

  The present invention is not limited to the measurement apparatus, and can be suitably applied to any apparatus that requires uniform illumination. In particular, the present invention can be suitably applied to devices with size restrictions.

10 Measuring Device 11 Incident Light 12 Diffracted Light Group (Inspection Light)
13 Scattered light 20 Light source 30 Diffractive optical element 40a, 40b, 40c Measurement object (including projection surface)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Detection element 31 Basic unit 32 Transparent substrate 33 Convex part 34 Concave part 35 Concave pattern layer 36a Concave lens 36b Fresnel lens 36c Diffusing plate 121 Light spot 122 Diffracted light 123 Main light of diffracted light

Claims (6)

A diffractive optical element having a concavo-convex pattern layer for generating a diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution when parallel light is incident thereon;
An illumination optical system, wherein divergent light or convergent light is incident on the concavo-convex pattern layer of the diffractive optical element to generate a diffracted light group of divergent light having a principal ray having a two-dimensional distribution. Φ> 0, where φ is the divergence angle of the diverging or converging light incident on the concavo-convex pattern layer of the diffractive optical element, and Δθ is the angle between the principal rays of adjacent diffracted lights included in the diffracted light group to be generated. The illumination optical system according to claim 1, wherein .5Δθ is satisfied.   The illumination optical system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a divergence angle of diverging light or convergent light incident on the concavo-convex pattern layer of the diffractive optical element is smaller than 16 °. A diffractive optical element on which a concavo-convex pattern layer for generating a diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution when parallel light is incident;
When parallel light is incident, it comprises a diffusing element that converts the incident parallel light into divergent light,
The diffusing element is provided on the light incident side or the light emitting side of the diffractive optical element,
The divergent light converted by the diffusing element is incident on the diffractive optical element, or each diffracted light included in the diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution emitted from the diffractive optical element is diverged by the diffusing element. An illumination optical system characterized by generating a diffracted light group of divergent light in which chief rays have a two-dimensional distribution by conversion. 5. The illumination optical system according to claim 1, wherein the light source emits diverging light or convergent light having a predetermined divergence angle, or light emitted from the light source is predetermined. An illumination optical system including an element that emits divergent or convergent light having a divergence angle of
A measuring device comprising: a detection unit that detects scattered light generated when the diffracted light group of diverging light emitted from the illumination optical system is irradiated on a measurement object. A concavo-convex pattern layer for generating a diffracted light group having a two-dimensional distribution when parallel light is incident is formed,
The concavo-convex pattern layer generates a diffracted light group of diverging light having a two-dimensional distribution of chief rays when diverging light or convergent light is incident thereon,
The concavo-convex pattern layer has a diameter of φ> 0.5Δθ, where φ is a divergence angle of incident diverging light or convergent light, and Δθ is an angle formed with a principal ray of adjacent diffracted light included in a generated diffracted light group. A diffractive optical element characterized by generating a diffracted light group of diverging light satisfying the above.