Optical device and optical method

Abstract

An optical device includes a metamaterial lens layer, an organic light emitting diode layer, an imaging element, and a substrate. The organic light emitting diode layer is adjacent to the metamaterial lens layer. The substrate is used for bearing an imaging element. When visible light is transmitted to the imaging element through the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer, the imaging element generates an image signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical device, and in particular to an optical device used in the field of cameras. Background Art

[0002] In the camera field, traditional optical materials often face a trade-off between refractive index and dispersion. However, optical materials with low refractive index can also easily limit the performance and design flexibility of related optical devices. Therefore, a new solution is necessary to overcome the difficulties faced by previous technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an optical device comprising: a metamaterial lens layer; an organic light-emitting diode layer adjacent to the metamaterial lens layer; an imaging element; and a substrate supporting the imaging element. When visible light is transmitted through the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light-emitting diode layer to the imaging element, the imaging element generates an image signal.

[0004] In some embodiments, the metamaterial lens layer is disposed on the organic light emitting diode layer.

[0005] In some embodiments, the organic light emitting diode layer is disposed on the metamaterial lens layer.

[0006] In some embodiments, an operating frequency of the optical device is between 120 THz and 790 THz.

[0007] In some embodiments, the thickness of the metamaterial lens layer is between 0.1 and 1 wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0008] In some embodiments, the optical device further includes: a piezoelectric layer located between the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric layer is made of a lithium niobate material or a lithium tantalate material.

[0010] In some embodiments, the metamaterial lens layer, the organic light emitting diode layer, and the piezoelectric layer are adjacent to each other or are combined via a silicon photonic heterogeneous integration technology.

[0011] In some embodiments, the optical device further includes: a controller generating a control potential, wherein the control potential is applied to the piezoelectric layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the shape of the piezoelectric layer changes according to the control potential.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thickness of the piezoelectric layer is between 0.1 and 1 wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0014] In some embodiments, the metamaterial lens layer is disposed on the piezoelectric layer, and the piezoelectric layer is disposed on the organic light emitting diode layer.

[0015] In some embodiments, the distance between the organic light emitting diode layer and the imaging element is between 0.125 times and 10 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0016] In some embodiments, the organic light emitting diode layer is disposed on the piezoelectric layer, and the piezoelectric layer is disposed on the metamaterial lens layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the distance between the metamaterial lens layer and the imaging element is between 0.125 times and 10 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0018] In some embodiments, the optical device further includes: an infrared light source that emits an incident light toward an eyeball; and a reflector element that receives a first reflected light from the eyeball and generates a second reflected light based on the first reflected light; wherein the second reflected light is further transmitted to the imaging element via the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer.

[0019] In some embodiments, the optical device supports eye tracking functionality.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an optical method comprising the following steps: providing a metamaterial lens layer and an organic light-emitting diode layer, wherein the organic light-emitting diode layer is adjacent to the metamaterial lens layer; transmitting visible light through the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light-emitting diode layer to an imaging element, wherein the imaging element is supported by a substrate; and generating an image signal through the imaging element.

[0021] In some embodiments, the optical method further includes providing a piezoelectric layer, wherein the piezoelectric layer is located between the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer.

[0022] In some embodiments, the optical method further includes applying a control potential to the piezoelectric layer, wherein a shape of the piezoelectric layer changes according to the control potential. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 A flowchart of an optical method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Explanation of symbols:

[0030] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500: Optical devices

[0031] 110: Metamaterial lens layer

[0032] 120: organic light emitting diode layer

[0033] 130: Imaging element

[0034] 140:Substrate

[0035] 350: piezoelectric layer

[0036] 360:Controller

[0037] 570: Infrared light source

[0038] 580: reflector element

[0039] 590: Processor

[0040] D1, D2, D3, D4: Spacing

[0041] E: Eyeball

[0042] H1,H2,H3:Thickness

[0043] S610, S620, S630: Steps

[0044] SI: Incident light

[0045] SM: Image signal

[0046] SR1: First reflected light

[0047] SR2: Second reflected light

[0048] ST: Visible light

[0049] VC: Control Potential DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to make the objects, features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, specific embodiments of the present invention are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific components. Those skilled in the art will understand that hardware manufacturers may use different terms to refer to the same component. This specification and claims do not distinguish components based on differences in name, but rather on differences in their functionality. The terms "including" and "comprising" used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended and should be interpreted as meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "substantially" means that within an acceptable range of error, a person skilled in the art can solve the technical problem and achieve the basic technical effect. Furthermore, the term "coupled" in this specification includes any direct and indirect electrical connection means. Therefore, if a first device is described as being coupled to a second device, this means that the first device can be directly electrically connected to the second device or indirectly electrically connected to the second device via other devices or connection means.

[0052] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing the different features of the present invention. The following disclosure describes specific examples of various components and their arrangements to simplify the description. Of course, these specific examples are not intended to be limiting. For example, if the present disclosure describes a first feature formed on or above a second feature, it means that it may include an embodiment in which the first feature and the second feature are in direct contact, and may also include an embodiment in which an additional feature is formed between the first feature and the second feature, so that the first feature and the second feature may not be in direct contact. In addition, the different examples disclosed below may reuse the same reference symbols or (and) marks. These repetitions are for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and are not intended to limit the specific relationship between the different embodiments or (and) structures discussed.

[0053] Additionally, spatially relative terms such as "below," "beneath," "lower," "above," "upper," and similar terms are used to facilitate describing the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature in the accompanying drawings. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The device may be rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations, and the spatially relative terms used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0054] Figure 1A cross-sectional view of an optical device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The optical device 100 can be applied to a mobile device, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, or a notebook computer. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the optical device 100 includes: a metamaterial lens layer 110, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) layer 120, an imaging element 130, and a substrate 140. It should be understood that although not shown in FIG. Figure 1 However, the optical device 100 may further include other components, such as a processor, a battery element, or (and) a housing.

[0055] The metamaterial lens layer 110 may have a periodic structure, and its shape and type are not particularly limited in the present invention. The organic light emitting diode layer 120 is adjacent to the metamaterial lens layer 110. For example, the organic light emitting diode layer 120 may include a plurality of organic light emitting diode units (OLED units) (not shown). It should be noted that the term "adjacent" or "adjacent" in this specification may refer to a situation where the distance between the corresponding two elements is less than a predetermined distance (for example, 10 mm or less), and it may also include a situation where the corresponding two elements are in direct contact with each other (that is, the aforementioned distance is shortened to 0). In some embodiments, the metamaterial lens layer 110 is disposed on the organic light emitting diode layer 120, and the two may be directly bonded to each other.

[0056] For example, the imaging element 130 may include an array (not shown) composed of multiple charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Alternatively, the imaging element 130 may be a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, but is not limited thereto. The substrate 140 may be used to support the imaging element 130. Generally speaking, when visible light ST is transmitted to the imaging element 130 via the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the organic light-emitting diode layer 120, the imaging element 130 generates an image signal SM based on the visible light ST. In some embodiments, the optical device 100 can provide a camera function. According to actual measurement results, the metamaterial lens layer 110 has a sufficient equivalent refractive index, which can be used to fine-tune the direction and phase of the visible light ST. Because the metamaterial lens layer 110 is lightweight and thin, the overall size of the optical device 100 using the metamaterial lens layer 110 can be significantly reduced. In addition, since the metamaterial lens layer 110 can be well integrated with the organic light emitting diode layer 120 , the optical device 100 can also be used as an under-screen camera element.

[0057] In some embodiments, an operating frequency of the optical device 100 is between 120 THz and 790 THz. In addition, the frequency of the visible light ST may also fall within the aforementioned range of the operating frequency of the optical device 100.

[0058] In some embodiments, the component dimensions and component parameters of the optical device 100 may be as follows. The thickness H1 of the metamaterial lens layer 110 may be between 0.1 times and 1 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 100 (λ / 10 to 1λ). The spacing D1 between the organic light-emitting diode layer 120 and the imaging element 130 may be between 0.125 times and 10 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 100 (λ / 8 to 10λ). The above component dimensions and component parameter ranges were determined based on multiple experimental results and help maximize the equivalent refractive index of the optical device 100 while minimizing the overall size of the optical device 100.

[0059] The following embodiments will introduce different configurations and detailed structural features of the optical device 100. It should be understood that these drawings and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an optical device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the positions of the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the organic light-emitting diode layer 120 can be swapped. That is, the organic light-emitting diode layer 120 is disposed above the metamaterial lens layer 110. Furthermore, the distance D2 between the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the imaging element 130 can be between 0.125 and 10 wavelengths (λ / 8 to 10λ) of the operating frequency of the optical device 200. According to actual measurement results, this swapped design does not negatively impact the performance of the optical device 200, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the optical device 200. Figure 2 The remaining features of the optical device 200 are similar to Figure 1 The optical device 100 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0061] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an optical device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 3In the embodiment, the optical device 300 further includes a piezoelectric layer 350 and a controller 360. For example, the piezoelectric layer 350 can be made of a lithium niobate material (LiNbO3) or a lithium tantalate material (LiTaO3), but is not limited thereto. The piezoelectric layer 350 is located between the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the organic light emitting diode layer 120. That is, the metamaterial lens layer 110 can be disposed on the piezoelectric layer 350, and the piezoelectric layer 350 can be disposed on the organic light emitting diode layer 120, wherein the three can be adjacent to each other or combined through a silicon photonics heterogeneous integration (Heterogeneous Photonics Chip) technology. For example, the aforementioned silicon photonics heterogeneous integration technology may include a bonding technology, a heteroepitaxy technology, or a 3D stacking technology, but is not limited thereto. The controller 360 can generate a control potential VC, which can be applied to the piezoelectric layer 350. For example, the control potential VC can be a direct current (DC) potential or an alternating current (AC) potential. It should be noted that since the shape of the piezoelectric layer 350 can be changed according to the control potential VC, the direction and phase of the visible light ST can be further adjusted. In some embodiments, the thickness H3 of the piezoelectric layer 350 can be between 0.1 times and 1 times the wavelength (λ / 10 to 1λ) of the operating frequency of the optical device 300, and the distance D3 between the organic light-emitting diode layer 120 and the imaging element 130 can be between 0.125 times and 10 times the wavelength (λ / 8 to 10λ) of the operating frequency of the optical device 300. For example, the aforementioned thickness H3 can be between 500nm and 2μm. Figure 3 The remaining features of the optical device 300 are similar to Figure 1 The optical device 100 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0062] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an optical device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 3 Similar. Figure 4In some embodiments, the positions of the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the organic light-emitting diode layer 120 can be swapped. That is, the organic light-emitting diode layer 120 can be disposed on the piezoelectric layer 350, and the piezoelectric layer 350 can be disposed on the metamaterial lens layer 110, wherein the three can be adjacent to each other or directly bonded to each other. In some embodiments, the distance D4 between the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the imaging element 130 can be between 0.125 times and 10 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 400 (λ / 8 ~ 10λ). According to actual measurement results, this swapped design does not negatively impact the performance of the optical device 400, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the optical device 400. Figure 4 The remaining features of the optical device 400 are similar to Figure 3 The optical device 300 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0063] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an optical device 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 5 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 5 In an embodiment, the optical device 500 further includes an infrared light source 570, a mirror element 580, and a processor 590. The infrared light source 570 can emit an incident light SI toward one eye E of a user. Then, the mirror element 580 can receive a first reflected light SR1 from the eye E and generate a second reflected light SR2 based on the first reflected light SR1. Then, the second reflected light SR2 can be transmitted to the imaging element 130 via the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the organic light emitting diode layer 120. The processor 590 is disposed on the substrate 140 and coupled to the imaging element 130. The processor 590 can analyze the relevant information of the second reflected light SR2 to infer the movement or rotation of the user's eye E. Therefore, the optical device 500 can support an eye tracking function. In some other embodiments, the optical device 500 may further include a piezoelectric layer (not shown) between the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the organic light emitting diode layer 120 , and the positions of the metamaterial lens layer 110 and the organic light emitting diode layer 120 may be swapped. Figure 5 The remaining features of the optical device 500 are similar to Figure 1 The optical device 100 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0064] Figure 6A flow chart of an optical method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. First, in step S610, a metamaterial lens layer and an organic light emitting diode layer are provided, wherein the organic light emitting diode layer is adjacent to the metamaterial lens layer. In step S620, a visible light is transmitted to an imaging element through the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer, wherein the imaging element is supported by a substrate. Finally, in step S630, an image signal is generated by the imaging element. It should be understood that the above steps do not need to be performed in order, but Figure 1-5 Each feature of the embodiment can be applied to Figure 6 Among the optical methods.

[0065] The present invention provides a novel optical device and optical method. Compared with conventional designs, the present invention has at least the advantages of miniaturized overall size, improved equivalent refractive index, enhanced integration and design flexibility, and is therefore well-suited for application in a variety of devices.

[0066] It is worth noting that the above-mentioned element dimensions and element parameters are not limiting conditions of the present invention. Designers can adjust these setting values ​​according to different needs. The optical device and optical method of the present invention are not limited to Figure 1-6 The present invention may only include Figure 1-6 In other words, not all features of the accompanying drawings need to be implemented in the optical device and optical method of the present invention at the same time.

[0067] The method of the present invention, or a specific form or portion thereof, may be in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in a physical medium, such as a floppy disk, a CD, a hard disk, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage medium, or in a computer program product in a non-external form, wherein when the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as a wire or cable, an optical fiber, or any other transmission mode, wherein when the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for participating in the present invention. When implemented on a general-purpose processing unit, the program code, in combination with the processing unit, provides a unique device that operates similarly to an application-specific integrated circuit.

[0068] In this specification and claims, ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," "third," etc., have no sequential relationship with each other and are only used to distinguish two different components with the same name.

[0069] Although the present invention is disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, they are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Anyone skilled in the art may make slight changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical device comprising: a metamaterial lens layer; an organic light emitting diode layer adjacent to the metamaterial lens layer; an imaging element; as well as a substrate carrying the imaging element; When a visible light is transmitted to the imaging element through the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer, the imaging element generates an image signal. 2 . The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the metamaterial lens layer is disposed on the organic light emitting diode layer. 3 . The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the organic light emitting diode layer is disposed on the metamaterial lens layer. The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an operating frequency of the optical device is between 120 THz and 790 THz. 5 . The optical device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein a thickness of the metamaterial lens layer is between 0.1 and 1 wavelength of the operating frequency.

6. The optical device according to claim 4, further comprising: A piezoelectric layer is located between the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer. 7 . The optical device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the piezoelectric layer is made of a lithium niobate material or a lithium tantalate material.

8. The optical device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the metamaterial lens layer, the organic light emitting diode layer, and the piezoelectric layer are adjacent to each other or are combined via a silicon photonic heterogeneous integration technology.

9. The optical device of claim 6, further comprising: A controller generates a control potential, wherein the control potential is applied to the piezoelectric layer.

10. The optical device of claim 9, wherein a shape of the piezoelectric layer changes according to the control potential. The optical device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein a thickness of the piezoelectric layer is between 0.1 and 1 wavelength of the operating frequency. 12 . The optical device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the metamaterial lens layer is disposed on the piezoelectric layer, and the piezoelectric layer is disposed on the organic light emitting diode layer. 13 . The optical device as claimed in claim 12 , wherein a distance between the organic light emitting diode layer and the imaging element is between 0.125 times and 10 times the wavelength of the operating frequency. 14 . The optical device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the organic light emitting diode layer is disposed on the piezoelectric layer, and the piezoelectric layer is disposed on the metamaterial lens layer. 15 . The optical device of claim 14 , wherein a distance between the metamaterial lens layer and the imaging element is between 0.125 and 10 wavelengths of the operating frequency.

16. The optical device of claim 1, further comprising: an infrared light source, emitting an incident light toward one eyeball; as well as a reflector element receiving a first reflected light from the eyeball and generating a second reflected light according to the first reflected light; The second reflected light is further transmitted to the imaging element via the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer. The optical device as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the optical device supports an eye tracking function.

18. An optical method comprising the steps of: Providing a metamaterial lens layer and an organic light emitting diode layer, wherein the organic light emitting diode layer is adjacent to the metamaterial lens layer; transmitting a visible light through the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer to an imaging element, wherein the imaging element is supported by a substrate; and An image signal is generated by the imaging element.

19. The optical method of claim 18, further comprising: A piezoelectric layer is provided, wherein the piezoelectric layer is located between the metamaterial lens layer and the organic light emitting diode layer.

20. The optical method of claim 19, further comprising: A control potential is applied to the piezoelectric layer, wherein the shape of the piezoelectric layer changes according to the control potential.

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