Optical device and optical method

Abstract

An optical device includes a first metamaterial lens layer, a second metamaterial lens layer, a first reflector layer, a second reflector layer, an imaging element, and a substrate. The first reflector layer is attached to the first metamaterial lens layer. The second reflector layer is attached to the second metamaterial lens layer. The first mirror layer and the second mirror layer are adjacent to each other. The substrate can carry an imaging element. In response to an incident light passing through the second metamaterial lens layer, the first reflector layer can generate a first reflected light. In response to the first reflected light, the second mirror layer may generate a second reflected light. When the second reflected light is transmitted to the imaging element through the first metamaterial lens layer, the imaging element can generate 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 first metamaterial lens layer; a first reflector layer attached to the first metamaterial lens layer; a second metamaterial lens layer; a second reflector layer attached to the second metamaterial lens layer, wherein the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer are adjacent to each other; an imaging element; and a substrate supporting the imaging element; wherein the first reflector layer generates a first reflected light in response to incident light passing through the second metamaterial lens layer; wherein the second reflector layer generates a second reflected light in response to the first reflected light; wherein when the second reflected light is transmitted through the first metamaterial lens layer to the imaging element, the imaging element generates an image signal.

[0004] In some embodiments, an operating frequency of the optical device is between 400 THz and 790 THz.

[0005] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first metamaterial lens layer is between 0.1 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency.

[0006] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second metamaterial lens layer is between 0.1 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency.

[0007] In some embodiments, the length of the first reflector layer is between 0.25 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency.

[0008] In some embodiments, the length of the second reflector layer is between 0.25 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency.

[0009] In some embodiments, a specific distance between the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer is between 0.125 times and 1 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

[0010] In some embodiments, the optical device further includes: a controller generating a first control potential, wherein the first control potential is applied to the first metamaterial lens layer.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first refractive index of the first metamaterial lens layer is adjusted according to the first control potential.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller further generates a second control potential, and the second control potential is applied to the second metamaterial lens layer.

[0013] In some embodiments, a second refractive index of the second metamaterial lens layer is adjusted according to the second control potential.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an optical method comprising the following steps: providing a first metamaterial lens layer, a second metamaterial lens layer, a first reflector layer, and a second reflector layer, wherein the first reflector layer is laminated to the first metamaterial lens layer, the second reflector layer is laminated to the second metamaterial lens layer, and the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer are adjacent to each other; generating a first reflected light through the first reflector layer in response to incident light passing through the second metamaterial lens layer; generating a second reflected light through the second reflector layer in response to the first reflected light; and generating an image signal through the imaging element when the second reflected light is transmitted through the first metamaterial lens layer to an imaging element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the optical method further includes applying a first control potential to the first metamaterial lens layer.

[0016] In some embodiments, the optical method further includes adjusting a first refractive index of the first metamaterial lens layer according to the first control potential.

[0017] In some embodiments, the optical method further includes applying a second control potential to the second metamaterial lens layer.

[0018] In some embodiments, the optical method further includes adjusting a second refractive index of the second metamaterial lens layer according to the second control potential. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an optical device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 A flowchart of an optical method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Explanation of symbols:

[0023] 100,200: Optical device

[0024] 110: first metamaterial lens layer

[0025] 120: Second metamaterial lens layer

[0026] 130: first reflector layer

[0027] 140: Second reflector layer

[0028] 150: Imaging element

[0029] 160:Substrate

[0030] 270:Controller

[0031] DS: Specific distance

[0032] H1,H2:Thickness

[0033] L1, L2: length

[0034] N1: first refractive index

[0035] N2: Second refractive index

[0036] S310, S320, S330, S340: Steps

[0037] SM: Image signal

[0038] SR1: First reflected light

[0039] SR2: Second reflected light

[0040] ST: Incident light

[0041] VC1: first control potential

[0042] VC2: Second control potential DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 1 A 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 1As shown, the optical device 100 includes a first metamaterial lens layer 110, a second metamaterial lens layer 120, a first mirror layer 130, a second mirror layer 140, an imaging element 150, and a substrate 160. 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.

[0048] The shapes and types of the first metamaterial lens layer 110 and the second metamaterial lens layer 120 are not particularly limited in the present invention. The first metamaterial lens layer 110 has a periodic structure. Furthermore, the second metamaterial lens layer 120 may also have another periodic structure, which may be the same as or different from the first metamaterial lens layer 110.

[0049] The first mirror layer 130 and the second mirror layer 140 are both located between the first metamaterial lens layer 110 and the second metamaterial lens layer 120. Specifically, the first mirror layer 130 is bonded to the first metamaterial lens layer 110, while the second mirror layer 140 is bonded to the second metamaterial lens layer 120. The first mirror layer 130 and the second mirror layer 140 may be adjacent to each other. It should be noted that the terms "adjacent" or "adjacent" in this specification may refer to a situation where the distance between the two corresponding elements is less than a predetermined distance (e.g., 10 mm or less), but generally do not include a situation where the two corresponding elements are in direct contact with each other (i.e., the distance is reduced to zero). In other embodiments, the optical device 100 may include more mirror layers (not shown), which may also be bonded to the first metamaterial lens layer 110 and the second metamaterial lens layer 120.

[0050] For example, the imaging element 150 may include an array (not shown) composed of multiple charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Alternatively, the imaging element 150 may be a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor, but is not limited thereto. The substrate 160 may be used to support the imaging element 150.

[0051] In some embodiments, the operating principle of the optical device 100 can be described as follows. When the first reflector layer 130 receives incident light (incident light) ST that passes through the second metamaterial lens layer 120, the first reflector layer 130 generates and transmits a first reflected light SR1. For example, the incident light ST can originate from any light source or be reflected from any object. Next, when the second reflector layer 140 receives the first reflected light SR1, the second reflector layer 140 generates and transmits a second reflected light SR2. When the second reflected light SR2 is transmitted through the first metamaterial lens layer 110 to the imaging element 150, the imaging element 150 generates an image signal SM based on the second reflected light SR2. In some embodiments, the optical device 100 can provide a camera function. According to actual measurement results, both the first metamaterial lens layer 110 and the second metamaterial lens layer 120 have sufficient equivalent refractive index, which can be used to fine-tune the direction and phase of the incident light ST and the second reflected light SR2. Because the first metamaterial lens layer 110 and the second metamaterial lens layer 120 are lightweight and thin, the overall size of the optical device 100 using this design can be significantly reduced. According to actual measurement results, the optical device 100 proposed by the present invention can also stabilize focal length and reduce overall chromatic aberration.

[0052] In some embodiments, an operating frequency of the optical device 100 is between 400 THz and 790 THz. Furthermore, the frequencies of the incident light ST, the first reflected light SR1, and the second reflected light SR2 may all fall within the aforementioned range of the operating frequency of the optical device 100.

[0053] In some embodiments, the component dimensions and component parameters of the optical device 100 may be as follows. The thickness H1 of the first metamaterial lens layer 110 may be between 0.1 times and 0.5 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 100 (λ / 10 to λ / 5). The thickness H2 of the second metamaterial lens layer 120 may be between 0.1 times and 0.5 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 100 (λ / 10 to λ / 5). The length L1 of the first reflector layer 130 may be between 0.25 times and 0.5 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 100 (λ / 4 to λ / 2). The length L2 of the second reflector layer 140 may be between 0.25 times and 0.5 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 100 (λ / 4 to λ / 2). A specific distance DS between the first reflector layer 130 and the second reflector layer 140 may be between 0.125 times and 1 times the wavelength of the operating frequency of the optical device 100 (λ / 8 to 1λ). In addition to the air gap structure, a filling dielectric material may also be used within the specified distance DS. The choice of the filling dielectric material depends on the technology and application requirements, and may include SiO2, Si3N4, high-k materials (such as HfO2), or low-k materials (such as SiOF). The above device dimensions and device parameter ranges are determined based on multiple experimental results and help optimize the equivalent refractive index of the optical device 100 and minimize the overall size of the optical device 100.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an optical device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 1 Similar. Figure 2In the embodiment, the optical device 200 further includes a controller 270. The controller 270 can generate a first control potential VC1 and a second control potential VC2, wherein the first control potential VC1 can be applied to the first metamaterial lens layer 110, and the second control potential VC2 can be applied to the second metamaterial lens layer 120. For example, the first control potential VC1 and the second control potential VC2 can each be a direct current (DC) potential or an alternating current (AC) potential. It should be noted that a first refractive index N1 of the first metamaterial lens layer 110 can be adjusted according to the first control potential VC1, and a second refractive index N2 of the second metamaterial lens layer 120 can be adjusted according to the second control potential VC2. Therefore, based on different requirements, the direction and phase of the incident light ST and the second reflected light SR2 can be further optimized. Figure 2 The remaining features of the optical device 200 are similar to those of Figure 1 The optical device 100 is similar, so both embodiments can achieve similar operating effects.

[0056] Figure 3 A flow chart of an optical method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. First, in step S310, a first metamaterial lens layer, a second metamaterial lens layer, a first reflector layer, and a second reflector layer are provided, wherein the first reflector layer is adhered to the first metamaterial lens layer, the second reflector layer is adhered to the second metamaterial lens layer, and the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer are adjacent to each other. In step S320, in response to an incident light passing through the second metamaterial lens layer, a first reflected light is generated through the first reflector layer. In step S330, in response to the first reflected light, a second reflected light is generated through the second reflector layer. Finally, in step S340, when the second reflected light is transmitted to an imaging element through the first metamaterial lens layer, an image signal is generated through the imaging element. It must be understood that the above steps do not need to be performed in sequence, but Figure 1 、 2 Each feature of the embodiment can be applied to Figure 3 Among the optical methods.

[0057] The present invention provides a novel optical device and optical method. Compared with conventional designs, the present invention has at least the advantages of miniaturizing the overall size, improving the equivalent refractive index, stabilizing the focal length, and reducing overall chromatic aberration, making it suitable for application in a variety of devices.

[0058] 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 1-3The present invention may only include Figure 1-3 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.

[0059] 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 executed 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 first metamaterial lens layer; a first reflector layer, attached to the first metamaterial lens layer; a second metamaterial lens layer; a second reflector layer attached to the second metamaterial lens layer, wherein the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer are adjacent to each other; an imaging element; as well as a substrate carrying the imaging element; wherein in response to an incident light passing through the second metamaterial lens layer, the first reflector layer generates a first reflected light; In response to the first reflected light, the second reflector layer generates a second reflected light; When the second reflected light is transmitted to the imaging element through the first metamaterial lens layer, the imaging element generates an image signal. 2 . The optical device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein an operating frequency of the optical device is between 400 THz and 790 THz. 3 . The optical device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein a thickness of the first metamaterial lens layer is between 0.1 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency. 4 . The optical device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein a thickness of the second metamaterial lens layer is between 0.1 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency. The optical device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein a length of the first reflector layer is between 0.25 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency. The optical device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein a length of the second reflector layer is between 0.25 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency. 7 . The optical device as claimed in claim 2 , wherein a specific distance between the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer is between 0.125 times and 1 times the wavelength of the operating frequency.

8. The optical device according to claim 1, further comprising: A controller generates a first control potential, wherein the first control potential is applied to the first metamaterial lens layer. 9 . The optical device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein a first refractive index of the first metamaterial lens layer is adjusted according to the first control potential. 10 . The optical device as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the controller further generates a second control potential, and the second control potential is applied to the second metamaterial lens layer. 11 . The optical device as claimed in claim 10 , wherein a second refractive index of the second metamaterial lens layer is adjusted according to the second control potential.

12. An optical method comprising the following steps: Providing a first metamaterial lens layer, a second metamaterial lens layer, a first reflector layer, and a second reflector layer, wherein the first reflector layer is attached to the first metamaterial lens layer, the second reflector layer is attached to the second metamaterial lens layer, and the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer are adjacent to each other; In response to an incident light passing through the second metamaterial lens layer, a first reflected light is generated through the first reflector layer; In response to the first reflected light, a second reflected light is generated through the second reflector layer; as well as When the second reflected light is transmitted to an imaging element through the first metamaterial lens layer, an image signal is generated by the imaging element. 13 . The optical method as claimed in claim 12 , wherein an operating frequency of the optical method is between 400 THz and 790 THz. 14 . The optical method of claim 13 , wherein a length of the first reflector layer is between 0.25 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency. 15 . The optical method of claim 13 , wherein a length of the second reflector layer is between 0.25 and 0.5 wavelengths of the operating frequency. 16 . The optical method of claim 13 , wherein a specific distance between the first reflector layer and the second reflector layer is between 0.125 and 1 wavelength of the operating frequency.

17. The optical method of claim 12, further comprising: A first control potential is applied to the first metamaterial lens layer.

18. The optical method of claim 17, further comprising: A first refractive index of the first metamaterial lens layer is adjusted according to the first control potential.

19. The optical method of claim 17, further comprising: A second control potential is applied to the second metamaterial lens layer.

20. The optical method of claim 19, further comprising: A second refractive index of the second metamaterial lens layer is adjusted according to the second control potential.

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