Causes of Water Ripples on Optical Dome

The phenomenon of water ripple on the optical dome is the result of multiple factors working together. Below are a few main reasons, each exploring the formation mechanism of water ripple from different perspectives.

Defects in the Manufacturing Process

During the manufacturing process of optical devices, improper human operation or insufficient machine precision may lead to issues such as uneven surface processing and uneven pressure distribution. These manufacturing defects can create irregular areas on the material's surface, which refract and scatter light as it passes through, forming the water ripples we see. To avoid this issue, the manufacturing process needs to be strictly controlled, with improvements in processing precision and craftsmanship.

The Introduction of Material Impurities

During the production of the optical dome, various impurities might get mixed into the material. These impurities, due to their different density compared to the main material, can create protrusions and depressions inside the material, affecting the uniform propagation of light. When light passes through these irregular areas, refraction and scattering occur, leading to the formation of water ripples. Therefore, during material selection and processing, the impurity content needs to be strictly controlled to ensure the material's purity and uniformity.

The Influence of Temperature Changes

The working environment of the optical dome is variable, particularly when there are frequent temperature changes that significantly affect the material. In high-temperature environments, the material is prone to expand, while in low-temperature environments, it contracts. This thermal expansion and contraction phenomenon can cause slight deformations on the material surface, thus forming water ripples. Additionally, temperature changes may affect the material's refractive index, causing light to deviate during propagation and further intensifying the formation of water ripples. Therefore, in the design and use process, the impact of temperature on material performance needs to be considered, with corresponding measures taken for compensation and correction.

In summary, the formation of water ripples on the optical dome results from a combination of factors including manufacturing process defects, the introduction of material impurities, and temperature changes. To eliminate or mitigate the impact of water ripples, improvements and optimizations should be made from multiple aspects including manufacturing process, material selection, and usage environment. Only in this way can we ensure that the optical dome has excellent light transmission performance and stable imaging quality, meeting the needs of various complex application scenarios.