2-group lens-on-mirror hybrid TELE camera

Abstract

A camera including a lens with N ≥ 4 lens elements Li where the lens elements are divided into two groups G1 and G2, the camera having an effective focal length EFL, where a first lens element L1 faces an object side of the camera, an optical path folding element OPFE for folding a first optical path (OP1) to a second optical path (OP2), and an image sensor, wherein the camera is included in a camera module having a height (HM) measured along OP 1, G1 is located at an object side of the OPFE, a height of G1 is measured along OP1, G2 is located at an image side of the O-OPFE, 8mm<EFL<50mm, the camera is a folded camera, one of the lens elements is a metalens, the other lens elements are refractive, and the metalens element is in G1 thereby reducing HM. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Description

[0001] APPLICATION FOR PATENT

[0002] INVENTORS: Michael SCHERER, Ziv SHEMESH

[0003] Title: 2-GROUP LENS-ON-MIRROR HYBRID TELE CAMERA

[0004] RELATED APPLICATION / S

[0005] This application is a PCT application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application number 63 / 659,093 filed on June 12, 2024 and from U.S. Provisional Patent Application number 63 / 660,596 filed on June 17, 2024. The contents of all the above applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0006] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0007] The presently disclosed subject matter is generally related to the field of digital cameras, and more particularly but not exclusively, to use of metalenses or diffractive lenses in cameras, and even more particularly but not exclusively, to such use in cameras in handheld mobile devices.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0009] Some embodiments of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the disclosure. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced.

[0010] In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a simplified illustration of a camera design according to prior art;

[0012] Figures 2A-2C are simplified drawings showing bending of different color rays by a refractive lens, a metalens, and a hybrid lens;

[0013] Figures 3 A and 3B demonstrate a decrease in lens height of a group of lenses in a one-group (1-G) one-fold camera when using a hybrid lens group according to an example embodiment; Figures 3C and 3D demonstrate a decrease in lens height of a group of lenses in a two-group (2-G) one-fold camera when using a hybrid lens group according to an example embodiment;

[0014] Figures 3E and 3F demonstrate a decrease in lens height of a group of lenses in a two-group (2-G) two-fold camera when using a hybrid lens group according to an example embodiment;

[0015] Figure 4 is a simplified illustration of a 2-G two-fold folded camera module design which is an example embodiment;

[0016] Figure 5A is a simplified illustration of a camera module design described in PCI7IB2022 / 060175 which serves as a reference for comparison to other example embodiments of camera designs described herein;

[0017] Figure 5B is a simplified illustration of a graph showing Modulus of an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) in relation to focus shift of the camera module design of Figure 5A;

[0018] Figure 6A is a simplified illustration of a camera module design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6B is a simplified illustration of a graph showing Modulus of an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) in relation to focus shift of the camera design of Figure 6A;

[0020] Figure 7A is a simplified illustration of a camera module design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0021] Figure 7B is a simplified illustration of a graph showing Modulus of an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) in relation to focus shift of the camera design of Figure 7A;

[0022] Figure 8 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0023] Figure 9 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0024] Figure 10 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0025] Figure 11 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0026] Figure 12 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment; Figure 13 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0027] Figure 14 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment;

[0028] Figure 15 is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment; and

[0029] Figure 16 is a simplified illustration of a method of reducing a camera module height (HM) according to an example embodiment.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0031] The presently disclosed subject matter is generally related to the field of digital cameras, and more particularly but not exclusively, to use of metalenses or diffractive lenses in cameras, and even more particularly but not exclusively, to such use in cameras in handheld mobile devices.

[0032] Introduction

[0033] Multi-aperture cameras (or “multi-cameras”, of which a “dual-camera” having two cameras is an example) are today’s standard for portable handheld mobile devices (“mobile devices”, e.g. smartphones, tablets, headsets etc.). A multi-camera usually comprises a wide field-of-view (or “angle”) FOVW camera (“Wide” camera or “W” camera), and at least one additional camera, e.g. with a narrower (than FOVW) FOV (Telephoto or “Tele” camera with FOVT), or with an ultra-wide field of view FOVUW (wider than FOVW, “UW” camera) .

[0034] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design according to prior art.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows schematically an embodiment of a “2-group” (or “2G”) double folded Tele camera module disclosed in co-owned international patent application PCT / IB2022 / 060175, published as WO / 2023 / 079403A1, which is enclosed herein in its entirety. Camera module 200 comprises a lens 202 with a plurality of N lens elements (here and for example N=5) numbered Li - LN, with Li being oriented towards an object side. Camera module 200 further comprises an Object Optical Path Folding Element (O- OPFE) 204 for folding a first optical path OP 1 212 to a second optical path OP2 214, an Image OPFE (I-OPFE) 206 for folding OP2 to a third optical path OP3 216 and an image sensor 208. Lens 202 is divided into a first lens group (“Gl”) and a second lens group (“G2”), marked 202-G1 and 202-G2. Gl is located at an object side of O-OPFE 204 and G2 is located at an image side of O-OPFE 204 and at an object side of I-OPFE 206.

[0036] Including conventional diffractive lenses (CDLs) into “regular” (or “refractive”) lenses can decrease a lens height (HL) and a lens weight significantly. The same holds for metalenses (“MLs”). Regular lens means here a lens that includes one or more(l-N) refractive lens elements. A metalens employs a subwavelength pattern on a dielectric surface to manipulate incident light. Specifically, the subwavelength pattern modifies the phase profile of the incident light beam, causing the beam to be bent (redirected). While the “lens” in metalens implies these components are used for focusing light like a traditional lens, the term has been adopted by the industry to cover a wide range of functionalities that phase manipulation provides. When introducing a combination of one or more CDLs and MLs into a regular lens, one speaks of a “hybrid” lens.

[0037] A hybrid lens is capable of chromatic aberration correction. Plastic and glass lenses exhibit a positive chromatic aberration, meaning that blue light is refracted stronger than red light. In contrast, CDLs and MLs exhibit a negative chromatic aberration, meaning that red light is refracted stronger than blue light. Combining these properties in a hybrid lens allows for an efficient and slim chromatic aberration correction, which allows a lower HL while still supporting a given set of lens parameter such as EFL, TTL, f / # etc. A lower HL allows for a lower camera module height HM and thus a slimmer camera module .

[0038] 1-group (or “1G”) hybrid lenses including one or more MLs are disclosed in coowned international patent application PCT / IB2023 / 062443, which is enclosed herein in its entirety.

[0039] It would be beneficial to have 2G hybrid lenses that allow for slim mobile cameras. Such 2G hybrid lenses are disclosed herein.

[0040] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein of 2G double folded camera modules may also be applied to 2G single folded camera modules, that is, camera modules having one OPFE.

[0041] A 2G single folded camera modules can be prepared from the disclosed double folded camera by omitting the 2ndOPFE and rotating the image sensor by 90 degrees so that the image sensor is oriented normal to the second optical path. Reference is now made to Figures 2A-2C, which are simplified drawings showing bending of different color rays by a refractive lens, a metalens, and a hybrid lens.

[0042] Figure 2A shows a refractive lens 232, and a blue ray 234, a green ray 235 and a red ray 236 entering the refractive lens 232 from an optical infinity on the left of the drawing, being bent by the refractive lens 232, and focusing at an optical axis 237 of the refractive lens 232.

[0043] A refractive lens bends the blue ray 234 more that it does the green ray 235, and the green ray 235 more than it does the red ray 236, so one can see that when a plane of focus 238 is selected, by way of a non-limiting example at approximately a mid-point location of different color foci, for example near the green ray 235 focus, the blue ray 234 focuses before the plane of focus 238, and the red ray 236 focuses after the plane of focus 238. Such a condition produces chromatic aberration, of a type termed positive chromatic aberration.

[0044] Figure 2B shows a metalens 242, and a blue ray 244, a green ray 245 and a red ray 246 entering the metalens 242 from an optical infinity on the left of the drawing, being bent by the metalens 242, and focusing at an optical axis 247 of the metalens 242.

[0045] A metalens bends the red ray 246 more that it does the green ray 245, and the green ray 245 more than it does the blue ray 244, so one can see that when a plane of focus 248 is selected, by way of a non-limiting example at approximately a mid-point location of different color foci, for example near the green ray 245 focus, the red ray 246 focuses before the plane of focus 248, and the blue ray 244 focuses after the plane of focus 248. Such a condition produces chromatic aberration, of a type termed negative chromatic aberration.

[0046] Figure 2C shows a hybrid lens 251, which includes a metalens 252 and a refractive lens 253, and a blue ray 254, a green ray 255 and a red ray 256 entering the hybrid lens 251 from an optical infinity on the left of the drawing, being bent by the hybrid lens 251, and focusing at an optical axis 257 of the hybrid lens 251.

[0047] A hybrid lens bends the red ray 256, the green ray 255, and the blue ray 254, bringing their foci closer together than if the hybrid lens included just refractive lenses or just metalenses. The hybrid lens performs chromatic aberration correction in full or in part, and the combination of a metalens and a refractive lens can be slimmer, less thick, than an equivalent power pair of refractive lenses. Figures 3A-3F show different camera module designs which can benefit from using hybrid lenses to reduce a height of a camera module (MHM).

[0048] Reference is now made to Figures 3A and 3B, which demonstrate a decrease in lens height of a group of lenses in a one-group (1-G) one-fold camera when using a hybrid lens group according to an example embodiment.

[0049] Figure 3A shows a lens height (TGI) of a first group (Gl) of refractive lenses 302, and a total height of the camera module (MHm). A total track length (TTL) through the camera extends from a top surface of an object side of the group of refractive lenses 302 onto a first optical folding element (OPFE1) 304, and from there to an image sensor 308. A shoulder height of the camera module (MHs) is also shown.

[0050] Figure 3B shows a lens height (TGI) of a first group (Gl) of refractive lenses 312, and a total height of the camera module (MHm). A total track length (TTL) through the camera extends from a top surface of an object side of the group of refractive lenses 312 onto a first optical folding element (OPFE1) 314, and from there to an image sensor 318. A shoulder height of the camera module (MHs) is also shown. Figure 3B shows the Gl including a hybrid lens 313, which reduces TGI and reduces MHm.

[0051] Reference is now made to Figures 3C and 3D, which demonstrate a decrease in lens height of a group of lenses in a two-group (2-G) one-fold camera when using a hybrid lens group according to an example embodiment.

[0052] Figure 3C shows a lens height (TGI) of a first group (Gl) of refractive lenses 322, and a total height of the camera module (MHm). A total track length (TTL) through the camera extends from a top surface of an object side of the group of refractive lenses 322 onto a first optical folding element (OPFE1) 324, through a second lens group G2 326 and from there to an image sensor 328. A shoulder height of the camera module (MHs) is also shown.

[0053] Figure 3D shows a lens height (TGI) of a first group (Gl) of refractive lenses 332, and a total height of the camera module (MHm). A total track length (TTL) through the camera extends from a top surface of an object side of the group of refractive lenses 332 onto a first optical folding element (OPFE1) 334, through a second lens group G2 336 and to an image sensor 338. A shoulder height of the camera module (MHs) is also shown. Figure 3D shows the Gl including a hybrid lens 333, which reduces TGI and reduces MHm. Reference is now made to Figures 3E and 3F, which demonstrate a decrease in lens height of a group of lenses in a two-group (2-G) two-fold camera when using a hybrid lens group according to an example embodiment.

[0054] Figure 3E shows a lens height (TGI) of a first group (Gl) of refractive lenses 342, and a total height of the camera module (MHm). A total track length (TTL) through the camera extends from a top surface of an object side of the group of refractive lenses 342 onto a first optical folding element (OPFE1) 344, through a second lens group G2 346, onto a second optical folding element (OPFE2) 347 and from there to an image sensor 348. A shoulder height of the camera module (MHs) is also shown.

[0055] Figure 3F shows a lens height (TGI) of a first group (Gl) of refractive lenses 352, and a total height of the camera module (MHm). A total track length (TTL) through the camera extends from atop surface of an object side of the group of refractive lenses 352 onto a first optical folding element (OPFE1) 354, through a second lens group G2 356, onto a second optical folding element (OPFE2) 357 and to an image sensor 358. A shoulder height of the camera module (MHs) is also shown. Figure 3F shows the Gl including a hybrid lens 353, which reduces TGI and reduces MHm.

[0056] Reference is now made to Figure 4, which is a simplified illustration of a 2-G two-fold folded camera module design which is an example embodiment.

[0057] Figure 4 shows a reference camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl 402, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) 404 acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) 406 acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 408.

[0058] FIG. 4 shows schematically an embodiment of a “2-group” (or “2G”) double folded Tele camera module. The camera module 400 includes the first lens group Gl 402 with a plurality of N lens elements (here and for example N=2) numbered Li - L2, with Li being on an object side. The camera module 400 further includes an Object Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) 404 for folding a first optical path OP1 412 to a second optical path OP2 414, an Image OPFE (OPFE2) 406 for folding OP2 414 to a third optical path OP3 416 and an image sensor 408

[0059] Figure 4 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 4 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a “2-group” (or “2G”) double folded Tele camera module disclosed in co-owned international patent application PCT / IB2022 / 060175, published as WO / 2023 / 079403A1

[0061] Overview

[0062] Using a hybrid lens or lens group can provide an advantage of decreasing a lens height (HL) in a camera.

[0063] Various embodiments described herein will demonstrate use of smaller height lenses, by way of a non-limiting use - in a camera in handheld mobile devices.

[0064] The following combinations of camera designs and hybrid lenses can each benefit from decreasing lens height or camera height by using hybrid lenses:

[0065] A 1 -group camera having a hybrid lens group.

[0066] A 1 -group camera having a hybrid lens group followed by an OPFE.

[0067] A 1 -group camera having a hybrid lens followed by an O-OPFE followed by an I-OPFE.

[0068] A 2-group camera having a first hybrid lens followed by an O-OPFE followed by a second lens group followed an I-OPFE.

[0069] The term hybrid lens is meant to include both refractive lens elements and CDLs and / or metalenses.

[0070] When using metalenses in a hybrid lens as mentioned above, either a metalens having a pattern on a front or object-side surface and a metalens having a pattern on a back or sensor-side surface may be used.

[0071] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and / or methods set forth in the following description and / or illustrated in the drawings and / or the Examples. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0072] Reference is now made to Figure 5A, which is a simplified illustration of a camera module design described in PCT / IB2022 / 060175 which serves as a reference for comparison to other example embodiments of camera designs described herein. Figure 5A shows a reference camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes three lenses: L3, L4 and L5, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor.

[0073] Figure 5A shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 5 A demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0074] The reference camera design includes the following features:

[0075] A first group of lenses referenced Gl includes LI and L2;

[0076] A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0077] L2 is a plastic lens;

[0078] Lens group Gl is D-cut along a y-axis to 7 millimeters (mm), so a not- rotationally-symmetric aperture 504 for the camera is produced;

[0079] An f# for the camera is calculated based on the not-rotationally-symmetric aperture of the camera;

[0080] MHm-cut for the camera is 8.83 mm; and

[0081] Gl height (thickness of LI + L2) is 3.13 mm.

[0082] It is noted that the design of the camera module of Figure 5 A may be changed to omit OPFE2, and rotate the sensor by 90 degrees, in which case the camera module design becomes a single folded design, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0083] A reference bar 502 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 5A.

[0084] Reference is now made to Figure 5B, which is a simplified illustration of a graph showing Modulus of an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) in relation to focus shift of the camera module design of Figure 5 A.

[0085] Figure 5B displays a graph 510 qualitative measure for the camera design of Figure 5 A as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio.

[0086] An X-axis 514 of the graph 510 shows focus shift in millimeters along an optic axis of the camera. A Y-axis 512 of the graph 510 shows a Modulus of the OTF or modulation transfer function (MTF).

[0087] Various lines in the graph show measures of light rays passing through the camera of Figure 5 A at 125 line-pairs (lp) / mm, whose behavior is displayed by the graph. The various lines’ properties are listed in Table 1 below:

[0088] Table 1

[0089] Regarding the graph 510 of Figure 5B, A best case value of the modulus is 1.0, and good values are desirably as high as possible at 0 focus shift, and it is also desirable that the various lines be close to each other, and close to symmetric around focus shift 0.

[0090] The quality of the reference camera design shown in Figure 5A is considered good, and acceptable for use in, for example, a mobile phone camera.

[0091] Reference is now made to Figure 6A, which is a simplified illustration of a camera module design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0092] Figure 6A shows a camera module design version A which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2 606, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor.

[0093] Figure 6A shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 6A demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0094] The camera design of Figure 6A includes the following features:

[0095] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2;

[0096] A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0097] L2 606 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a front (object) surface;

[0098] Lens group G1 is D-cut along a y-axis to 7 millimeters (mm), so a not- rotationally-symmetric aperture for the camera is produced;

[0099] An f# for the camera is calculated based on the not-rotationally-symmetric aperture of the camera;

[0100] MHm-cut for the camera is 8 mm, which is 10% less than for the camera of Figure 5A; and

[0101] G1 height (thickness of LI + L2) is 2.32 mm (26% less than for the camera of Figure 5A.

[0102] It is noted that the design of the camera module of Figure 6A may be changed to omit OPFE2, and rotate the sensor by 90 degrees, in which case the camera module design becomes a single folded design, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0103] A reference bar 602 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 6A.

[0104] It is noted that the sensor in Figure 6A is approximately a same height, termed shoulder height, as the front of Gl,

[0105] The shoulder height can be decreased by moving OPFE2 along a direction of arrow 609 and the sensor along a direction of arrow 608.

[0106] The metalens L2 was produced using the Zemax Optic Studio package with the following parameters shown in Table 2 below.

[0107] Table 2

[0108] Reference is now made to Figure 6B, which is a simplified illustration of a graph showing Modulus of an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) in relation to focus shift of the camera design of Figure 6A. Figure 6B displays a graph 610 qualitative measure for the camera design of Figure 6A as produced by an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio which is well known in the art.

[0109] An X-axis 614 of the graph 610 shows focus shift in millimeters relative to an optic axis of the camera.

[0110] A Y-axis 612 of the graph 610 shows a Modulus of the OTF or modulation transfer function (MTF).

[0111] Various lines in the graph show measures of light rays passing through the camera of Figure 6A at 125 line-pairs (lp) / mm, whose behavior is displayed by the graph. The various lines’ properties are listed in Table 3 below:

[0112] Table 3

[0113] Regarding the graph 610 of Figure 6B, A best case value of the modulus is 1.0, and good values are desirably as high as possible at 0 focus shift, and it is also desirable that the various lines be close to each other, and close to symmetric around focus shift 0.

[0114] The quality of the reference camera design shown in Figure 6A is considered good, and acceptable for use in, for example, a mobile phone camera.

[0115] Reference is now made to Figure 7A, which is a simplified illustration of a camera module design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0116] Figure 7A shows a camera module design version B which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2 706, a first Optical Path Folding Element (0PFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor.

[0117] Figure 7A shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 7A demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0118] The camera design of Figure 7A includes the following features:

[0119] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2;

[0120] A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0121] L2 706 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a rear (image) surface;

[0122] Lens group G1 is D-cut along a y-axis to 7 millimeters (mm), so a not- rotationally-symmetric aperture for the camera is produced;

[0123] An f# for the camera is calculated based on the not-rotationally-symmetric aperture of the camera;

[0124] MHm-cut for the camera is 8.3 mm, which is 6% less than for the camera of Figure 5A; and

[0125] G1 height (thickness of LI + L2) is 2.81 mm (11% less than for the camera of Figure 5A.

[0126] It is noted that the design of the camera module of Figure 7A may be changed to omit OPFE2, and rotate the sensor by 90 degrees, in which case the camera module design becomes a single folded design, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[0127] A reference bar 702 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 7A.

[0128] The metalens L2 706 was produced using the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following parameters shown in Table 4 below.

[0129] Table 4 Reference is now made to Figure 7B, which is a simplified illustration of a graph showing Modulus of an Optical Transfer Function (OTF) in relation to focus shift of the camera design of Figure 7A.

[0130] Figure 7B displays a graph 710 qualitative measure for the camera design of Figure 7A as produced by an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio which is well known in the art.

[0131] An X-axis 714 of the graph 710 shows focus shift in millimeters relative to an optic axis of the camera.

[0132] A Y-axis 712 of the graph 710 shows a Modulus of the OTF or modulation transfer function (MTF).

[0133] Various lines in the graph show measures of light rays passing through the camera of Figure 7A at 125 line-pairs (lp) / mm, whose behavior is displayed by the graph. The various lines’ properties are listed in Table 5 below:

[0134] Table 5

[0135] Regarding the graph 710 of Figure 7B, A best case value of the modulus is 1.0, and good values are desirably as high as possible at 0 focus shift, and it is also desirable that the various lines be close to each other, and close to symmetric around focus shift 0.

[0136] The quality of the reference camera design shown in Figure 7A is considered good, and acceptable for use in, for example, a mobile phone camera. An Overview of Non-Limiting Example Embodiment Lens Designs

[0137] Table 6 below summarizes features described in non-limiting example embodiments within the present application - a Reference example embodiment, and example embodiments A, A2, A3, A4, B, B2, B3 and B4. The following Abbreviations are used in Table 6 below, as well as other locations in the present application:

[0138] EFL - Effective Focal Length

[0139] TTL - Total Track Length

[0140] MH - Module Height Gl-H - Height of lens group G1

[0141] Table 6

[0142] Column MH displays MH in percentage relative to the Reference example embodiment. In version A and Version B the metalens is the second lens element L2.

[0143] In version A the metalens pattern is applied on a front, object-facing surface of the metalens substrate. Versions Al, A2, A3 and A4 are design variations on version A.

[0144] In version B the metalens pattern is applied on a back, image-facing surface of the metalens substrate.

[0145] Versions Bl, B2, B3 and B4 are design variations on version B.

[0146] The various versions A and B show a decrease of module height by 6% to 10%.

[0147] The various versions A and B show a decrease of G1 height by 10% to 26%.

[0148] The various versions A and B show that a height decrease is feasible even without increasing TTL.

[0149] The metalens of the various versions A and B is an example metalens constructed of a 200 micron thick silica window having a diffractive surface designed using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package. It is noted that the silicon may also have other thickness values, by way of some non-limiting examples 500 microns, 600 microns, and generally in a range between 50 and 1000 microns, and preferably in a range between 150 and 600 microns.

[0150] The metalens was designed using 6 coefficients for the “binary 2” module in both version A and version B.

[0151] Versions A and B are optimized for performance and for module height MHm- cut.

[0152] The image sensor has a 9.6 mm diagonal, 1 / 1.67” and has 108 megapixel (MP).

[0153] It is noted that a low module height (MHm— cut) is beneficial for slim cameras included in mobile devices such as smartphones. All designs disclosed herein are beneficially used in cameras included in mobile devices.

[0154] Designs disclosed herein include, by way of a non-limiting example, one metalens element in a refractive lens stack to decrease the module height of the camera.

[0155] Table 7 below describes lens parameters of the reference example embodiment described in PCT / IB2022 / 060175 as Example 400.

[0156] Table 7

[0157] Table 8 below describes aspheric coefficient parameters of the reference example embodiment described in Table 7 above.

[0158] Table 8

[0159] Version A

[0160] Table 9 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version A described herein.

[0161] Table 9

[0162] The metalens of version A was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 10 below.

[0163] Table 10

[0164] Table 11 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version A described in Table 9 above.

[0165] Table 11

[0166] Reference is now made to Figure 8, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0167] Figure 8 shows a design termed herein version A, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version A is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 9, 10 and 11 shown above.

[0168] Figure 8 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 804.

[0169] Figure 8 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 8 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0170] The camera design of Figure 8 includes the following features:

[0171] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2; A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0172] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a front (object-side) surface;

[0173] A reference bar 802 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 8.

[0174] Version A2 Table 12 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version A2 (Metalens on front surface) described herein.

[0175] Table 12 The metalens of version A2 was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 13 below.

[0176] Table 13

[0177] Table 14 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version A2 described in Tables 12 and 13 above.

[0178] Table 14

[0179] Reference is now made to Figure 9, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0180] Figure 9 shows a design termed herein version A2, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version A2 is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 12, 13 and 14 shown above.

[0181] Figure 9 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 904.

[0182] Figure 9 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 9 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0183] The camera design of Figure 9 includes the following features: A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2;

[0184] A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0185] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a front (object-side) surface;

[0186] A reference bar 902 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 9. Version A3

[0187] Table 15 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version A3 (Metalens on front surface) described herein.

[0188] Table 15 The metalens of version A3 was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 16 below.

[0189] Table 16

[0190] Table 17 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version A3 described in Tables 15 and 16 above.

[0191] Table 17

[0192] Reference is now made to Figure 10, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0193] Figure 10 shows a design termed herein version A3, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version A3 is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 15, 16 and 17 shown above.

[0194] Figure 10 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 1004.

[0195] Figure 10 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 10 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0196] The camera design of Figure 10 includes the following features:

[0197] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2; A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0198] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a front (object-side) surface;

[0199] A reference bar 1002 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 10.

[0200] Version A4 Table 18 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version A4 (Metalens on front surface) described herein.

[0201] Table 18 Table 19 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version A4 described in Table 18 above.

[0202] Table 19

[0203] The metalens of version A4 was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 20 below.

[0204] Table 20

[0205] Reference is now made to Figure 11, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0206] Figure 11 shows a design termed herein version A4, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version A4 is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 18, 19 and 20 shown above.

[0207] Figure 11 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 1104.

[0208] Figure 11 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 11 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0209] The camera design of Figure 11 includes the following features:

[0210] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2; A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0211] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a front (object-side) surface;

[0212] A reference bar 1102 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 10.

[0213] Version B Table 21 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version B (Metalens on rear surface) described herein.

[0214] Table 21 Table 22 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version B described in Table 21 above.

[0215] Table 22

[0216] The metalens of version B was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 23 below.

[0217] Table 23

[0218] Reference is now made to Figure 12, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0219] Figure 12 shows a design termed herein version B, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version B is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 21, 22 and 23 shown above.

[0220] Figure 12 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 1204.

[0221] Figure 12 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 12 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0222] The camera design of Figure 12 includes the following features:

[0223] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2; A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0224] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a rear (image-side) surface;

[0225] A reference bar 1202 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 12.

[0226] Version B2 Table 24 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version B2 (Metalens on rear surface) described herein.

[0227] Table 24 Table 25 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version B2 described in Table 24 above.

[0228] Table 25

[0229] The metalens of version B2 was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 26 below.

[0230] Table 26

[0231] Reference is now made to Figure 13, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0232] Figure 13 shows a design termed herein version B2, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version B2 is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 24, 25 and 26 shown above.

[0233] Figure 13 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 1304.

[0234] Figure 13 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 13 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0235] The camera design of Figure 13 includes the following features:

[0236] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2; A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0237] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a rear (image-side) surface;

[0238] A reference bar 1302 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 13.

[0239] Version B3 Table 27 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version B3 (Metalens on rear surface) described herein.

[0240] Table 27 Table 28 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version B3 described in Table 27 above.

[0241] Table 28

[0242] The metalens of version B3 was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 29 below.

[0243] Table 29

[0244] Reference is now made to Figure 14, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0245] Figure 14 shows a design termed herein version B3, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version B3 is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 27, 28 and 29 shown above.

[0246] Figure 14 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 1404.

[0247] Figure 14 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 14 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0248] The camera design of Figure 14 includes the following features:

[0249] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2; A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0250] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a rear (image-side) surface;

[0251] A reference bar 1402 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 14.

[0252] Version B4 Table 30 below describes lens parameters of an example embodiment designated as Version B4 (Metalens on rear surface) described herein.

[0253] Table 30 Table 31 below describes aspheric coefficients features of the example embodiment designated as Version B4 described in Table 30 above.

[0254] Table 31

[0255] The metalens of version B4 was produced using the “binary 2” module of the Zemax OpticStudio package with the following metalens coefficients shown in Table 32 below.

[0256] Table 32

[0257] Reference is now made to Figure 15, which is a simplified illustration of a camera design which includes a hybrid lens as an example embodiment.

[0258] Figure 15 shows a design termed herein version B4, which includes a metalens, as an example embodiment. Design version B4 is as produced by the Zemax OpticStudio using Tables 30, 31 and 32 shown above.

[0259] Figure 15 shows a camera module design which includes a first lens group Gl, which includes two lenses: LI and L2, a first Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE1) acting as an O-OPFE, a second lens group G2, which includes four lenses: L3, L4, L5 and L6, a second Optical Path Folding Element (OPFE2) acting as an I-OPFE, and an image sensor 1504.

[0260] Figure 15 shows ray tracing, using an optical design package named Zemax OpticStudio, which is well known in the art, of incoming light rays through an entire entry aperture of the camera module and through the optic system until coming to a focus on the image sensor. Figure 15 demonstrates a relation between a size of the entry aperture and a minimum size of the sensor.

[0261] The camera design of Figure 15 includes the following features:

[0262] A first group of lenses referenced G1 includes LI and L2;

[0263] A second group of lenses referenced G2 includes L3-L6;

[0264] L2 is a metalens with a pattern formed on a rear (image-side) surface;

[0265] A reference bar 1502 which is 5 mm long is shown in Figure 15.

[0266] Reference is now made to Figure 16, which is a simplified illustration of a method of reducing a camera module height (HM) according to an example embodiment.

[0267] Figure 16 includes: providing a camera module (1602) including: a lens with N > 4 lens elements Li where 1< i < N is divided into a first lens group (Gl) and a second lens group (G2), the camera having an effective focal length EFL and a total track length TTL, where a first lens element LI faces an object side and a last lens element LN faces an image side of the camera (1604); an object side optical path folding element O-OPFE for folding a first optical path (OP1) to a second optical path (OP2) (1606); and an image sensor (1608), wherein (1610): a height of Gl is measured along OP1;

[0268] HM is measured along OP1; and at least one of the lenses in Gl is a metalens, thereby reducing the height of Gl and reducing HM.

[0269] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0270] Example 1:

[0271] A camera including: a lens with N > 4 lens elements Li where 1< i < N is divided into a first lens group (Gl) and a second lens group (G2), the camera having an effective focal length EFL and a total track length TTL, where a first lens element Li faces an object side and a last lens element LN faces an image side of the camera, an object side optical path folding element O-OPFE for folding a first optical path (OP1) to a second optical path (OP2), an image side optical path folding element I-OPFE for folding OP2 to a third optical path (OP3), wherein OP1 and OP2 are perpendicular to each other and wherein OP 1 and OP3 are parallel to each other, and an image sensor, wherein the camera is included in a camera module having a camera module height (HM) measured along OP1,

[0272] G1 is located at an object side of the O-OPFE,

[0273] G2 is located at an image side of the O-OPFE, the EFL is in a range of 8mm<EFL<50mm, the camera is a folded camera, and

[0274] M = 1 of the N lens elements is a metalens element and O = N - 1 of the lens elements are refractive lens elements to achieve a low HM.

[0275] Example 2:

[0276] The camera of example 1, wherein the second lens element L2 is a metalens.

[0277] Example 3 :

[0278] The camera of example 2, wherein the metalens is applied on a substrate, and wherein the metalens is applied on an object-facing side of the substrate.

[0279] Example 4:

[0280] The camera of example 2, wherein the metalens is applied on a substrate, and wherein the metalens is applied on an image-facing side of the substrate.

[0281] Example 5 :

[0282] The camera of example 2, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML in a range of 100mm to 1000mm.

[0283] Example 6: The camera of example 2, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML in a range of 200mm to 650mm.

[0284] Example 7 :

[0285] The camera of example 2, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML, and wherein a ratio fML / EFL is larger than 10.

[0286] Example 8:

[0287] The camera of example 1, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

[0288] Example 9:

[0289] A camera including: a lens with N > 4 lens elements Li where 1< i < A is divided into a first lens group (Gl) and a second lens group (G2), the camera having an effective focal length EFL and a total track length TTL, where a first lens element Li faces an object side and a last lens element LN faces an image side of the camera, an object side optical path folding element O-OPFE for folding a first optical path (OP1) to a second optical path (OP2), and an image sensor, wherein the camera is included in a camera module having a camera module height (HM) measured along OP1,

[0290] Gl is located at an object side of the O-OPFE, a height of Gl is measured along OP1,

[0291] G2 is located at an image side of the O-OPFE, the EFL is in a range of 8mm<EFL<50mm, the camera is a folded camera, and

[0292] M = 1 of the N lens elements is a metalens element,

[0293] O = N - 1 of the lens elements are refractive lens elements, and the metalens element is a lens element in Gl, thereby reducing a height of Gl as measured along OP1 and reducing HM.

[0294] Example 10: The camera of example 9, wherein the metalens is part of G1.

[0295] Example 11:

[0296] The camera of any one of examples 9-10, wherein a second lens element L2 is a metalens.

[0297] Example 12:

[0298] The camera of any one of examples 9-11, wherein the metalens is applied on a substrate, and wherein the metalens is applied on an object-facing side of the substrate.

[0299] Example 13:

[0300] The camera of any one of examples 9-11, wherein the metalens is applied on a substrate, and wherein the metalens is applied on an image-facing side of the substrate.

[0301] Example 14:

[0302] The camera of any one of examples 9-13, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML in a range of 100mm to 1000mm.

[0303] Example 15:

[0304] The camera of any one of examples 9-14, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML in a range of 200mm to 650mm.

[0305] Example 16:

[0306] The camera of any one of examples 9-15, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML, and wherein a ratio fML / EFL is larger than 10.

[0307] Example 17:

[0308] The camera of any one of examples 9-16 wherein OP1 and OP2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0309] Example 18:

[0310] The camera of any one of examples 9-17 and further including an image side optical path folding element I-OPFE for folding OP2 to a third optical path (OP3). Example 19:

[0311] The camera of example 18 wherein 0P1 and 0P3 are parallel to each other.

[0312] Example 20:

[0313] The camera of any one of examples 9-19, included in a mobile device.

[0314] Example 21 :

[0315] The camera of any one of examples 9-19, included in a smartphone.

[0316] Example 22:

[0317] A method of reducing a camera module height (HM) including providing a camera module including a lens with N > 4 lens elements Li where 1< i < A is divided into a first lens group (Gl) and a second lens group (G2), the camera having an effective focal length EFL and a total track length TTL, where a first lens element Li faces an object side and a last lens element LN faces an image side of the camera, an object side optical path folding element O-OPFE for folding a first optical path (OP1) to a second optical path (OP2), and an image sensor, wherein a height of Gl is measured along OP1,

[0318] HM is measured along OP1, and at least one of the lenses in Gl is a metalens, thereby reducing the height of Gl and reducing HM.

[0319] As such, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, can appreciate that while the present invention has been described in terms of preferred examples, the concept upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, systems and processes for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention.

[0320] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and algorithm steps described in connection with the examples disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing any departure from the scope of the disclosure.

[0321] It will also be understood that the system according to the present disclosure may be, at least partly, implemented on a suitably programmed computer. Likewise, the present disclosure contemplates a computer program being readable by a computer for executing the method of the invention. The present disclosure further contemplates a non-transitory computer-readable memory tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the computer for executing the method of the present disclosure.

[0322] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0323] It should be noted that the words “comprising”, "including" and "having" as used throughout the appended claims are to be interpreted to mean “including but not limited to”. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.” The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases, and disjunctively present in other cases.

[0324] It is important, therefore, that the scope of the invention is not construed as being limited by the illustrative examples set forth herein. Other variations are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and / or properties may be claimed through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to different combinations or directed to the same combinations, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present description. It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant metalenses will be developed and the scope of the term metalens is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

[0325] The terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

[0326] The term “consisting of’ is intended to mean “including and limited to”.

[0327] The term “consisting essentially of’ means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and / or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and / or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0328] As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a unit” or “at least one unit” may include a plurality of units, including combinations thereof.

[0329] The word “example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as an “example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and / or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0330] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

[0331] Unless otherwise indicated, numbers used herein and any number ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy of reasonable measurement and rounding errors as understood by persons skilled in the art

[0332] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0333] It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents and patent applications referred to in this specification are to be incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is / are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its / their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A camera comprising : a lens with N > 4 lens elements Li where 1< i < A is divided into a first lens group(Gl) and a second lens group (G2), the camera having an effective focal length EFL and a total track length TTL, where a first lens element Li faces an object side and a last lens element LN faces an image side of the camera; an object side optical path folding element O-OPFE for folding a first optical path (OP1) to a second optical path (OP2); and an image sensor, wherein: the camera is included in a camera module having a camera module height (HM) measured along OP1;Gl is located at an object side of the O-OPFE, a height of Gl is measured along OP1;G2 is located at an image side of the O-OPFE; the EFL is in a range of 8mm<EFL<50mm; the camera is a folded camera; andM = 1 of the N lens elements is a metalens element;O = N - 1 of the lens elements are refractive lens elements; and the metalens element is a lens element in Gl, thereby reducing a height of Gl as measured along OP1 and reducing HM.

2. The camera of claim 1, wherein the metalens is part of GL3. The camera of any one of claims 1-2, wherein a second lens element L2 is a metalens.

4. The camera of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the metalens is applied on a substrate, and wherein the metalens is applied on an object-facing side of the substrate.

5. The camera of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the metalens is applied on a substrate, and wherein the metalens is applied on an image-facing side of the substrate.

6. The camera of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML in a range of 100mm to 1000mm.

7. The camera of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML in a range of 200mm to 650mm.

8. The camera of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the metalens has a focal length fML, and wherein a ratio fML / EFL is larger than 10.

9. The camera of any one of claims 1-8 wherein OP1 and OP2 are perpendicular to each other.

10. The camera of any one of claims 1-9 and further comprising an image side optical path folding element I-OPFE for folding OP2 to a third optical path (OP3).

11. The camera of claim 10 wherein OP1 and OP3 are parallel to each other.

12. The camera of any one of claims 1-11, comprised in a mobile device.

13. The camera of any one of claims 1-11, comprised in a smartphone.

14. A method of reducing a camera module height (HM) comprising: providing a camera module comprising: a lens with N > 4 lens elements Li where 1< i < A is divided into a first lens group (Gl) and a second lens group (G2), the camera having an effective focal length EFL and a total track length TTL, where a first lens element Li faces an object side and a last lens element LN faces an image side of the camera; an object side optical path folding element O-OPFE for folding a first optical path (OP1) to a second optical path (OP2); and an image sensor, wherein: a height of Gl is measured along OP1;HM is measured along OP1; andat least one of the lenses in G1 is a metalens, thereby reducing the height of G1 and reducing HM.

Images