Preparation method and equipment of optical component, camera module and electronic equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a preparation method and equipment of an optical component, a camera module and electronic equipment, and belongs to the technical field of optical lenses. The preparation method of the optical component, the optical component is used for the camera module, and the preparation method comprises the steps that the surface of a base material of the optical component is coated with a photosensitive emulsion, and the photosensitive emulsion comprises silver halide particles; the programmable light source is controlled to emit light so as to expose the photosensitive emulsion, and the light intensity of the light is in gradient distribution; the exposed photosensitive emulsion is subjected to developing treatment, so that silver halide particles of the photosensitive emulsion are reduced into silver particles, and the distribution density of the silver particles is matched with the light intensity of light; the photosensitive emulsion is subjected to fixing treatment, so that a shading layer is formed on the surface of the base material, and the light transmittance of the shading layer is in gradient distribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of optical lens technology, specifically relating to a method for preparing an optical component, an equipment for preparing an optical component, a camera module, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, telephoto periscope lenses possess a long effective focal length, enabling them to photograph and observe distant objects. A telephoto periscope lens consists of an imaging lens and a prism. To suppress stray light, a light-shielding pattern needs to be created on the prism to reduce its interference with image quality. The light-shielding pattern on the prism can be prepared using a coating process. During the coating process on the prism surface, by controlling the relative movement between the coating source and the prism surface, a gradient change in the thickness of the film deposited in different areas of the prism surface is achieved. However, because the relative position of the coating source and the prism surface needs to be controlled during the coating process, the preparation process of the light-shielding pattern is relatively complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to provide a method for fabricating optical components, an apparatus for fabricating optical components, a camera module, and an electronic device, which can solve the problem that the fabrication process of light-shielding patterns is relatively complex due to the need to control the change in the relative position between the coating source and the prism surface during the coating process.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows: In a first aspect, embodiments of this application propose a method for fabricating an optical component used in a camera module. The fabrication method includes: coating a photosensitive emulsion, comprising silver halide particles, onto the surface of a substrate of the optical component; controlling a programmable light source to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion, wherein the light intensity is gradient-distributed; performing a development treatment on the exposed photosensitive emulsion to reduce the silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion to silver particles, wherein the distribution density of the silver particles matches the light intensity; and performing a fixing treatment on the photosensitive emulsion to form a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, wherein the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is gradient-distributed.

[0005] Secondly, embodiments of this application propose an apparatus for fabricating an optical component, which is used in a camera module. The fabrication apparatus includes a coating device, a control device, a developing device, and a fixing device. The coating device is used to coat a photosensitive emulsion, which includes silver halide particles, onto the surface of a substrate of the optical component. The control device is used to control a programmable light source to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion, wherein the light intensity is gradient-distributed. The developing device is used to develop the exposed photosensitive emulsion to reduce the silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion to silver particles, wherein the distribution density of the silver particles matches the light intensity. The fixing device is used to fix the photosensitive emulsion to form a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, wherein the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is gradient-distributed.

[0006] Thirdly, embodiments of this application propose a camera module, which includes at least one optical component, and the optical component is prepared by the optical component preparation method of any of the above technical solutions.

[0007] Fourthly, embodiments of this application propose an electronic device including a camera module as described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0008] In embodiments of this application, the method for fabricating an optical component includes coating a photosensitive emulsion, comprising silver halide particles, onto the surface of a substrate of the optical component; controlling a programmable light source to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion; and then developing the exposed photosensitive emulsion to reduce the silver halide particles to silver particles, thereby distributing the silver particles on the surface of the substrate. When the photosensitive emulsion is exposed by the programmable light source, the light intensity of the light emitted by the programmable light source exhibits a gradient distribution. Therefore, the distribution density of the silver particles generated after exposure of the photosensitive emulsion matches the light intensity, thereby forming a light-shielding layer with gradually varying transmittance on the surface of the substrate. This light-shielding layer with gradually varying transmittance is used to regulate the light intensity distribution, thereby suppressing edge diffraction intensity, effectively reducing harmful diffraction stray light, and improving the imaging quality of the camera module using the optical component with the light-shielding layer.

[0009] By using a programmable light source to expose and develop the photosensitive emulsion, the light intensity of the light generated by the programmable light source is gradient-distributed. This allows for a more direct formation of a light-shielding layer with varying transmittance on the substrate surface, simplifying the manufacturing process of the light-shielding layer on the optical component surface, reducing its manufacturing difficulty, and consequently lowering its manufacturing cost. Because the light-shielding layer with varying transmittance can be formed more directly on the substrate surface, the optical component no longer needs to change the transmittance of the light-shielding layer through movement. This reduces processing errors caused by optical component movement, improves the processing accuracy of transmittance at various locations on the light-shielding layer, and thus enhances the light-shielding layer's ability to suppress stray light. Furthermore, the improved processing accuracy of transmittance at various locations on the light-shielding layer results in a smoother gradient in transmittance, further reducing stray light generated when light passes through the optical component and further enhancing the light-shielding layer's ability to suppress stray light. By improving the processing precision of the light transmittance at various locations on the light-shielding layer, the yield rate of light-shielding layer fabrication on the surface of optical components can also be improved, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of optical components.

[0010] The intensity of light generated by a programmable light source can be adjusted as needed, making the distribution of light intensity more flexible. This allows optical component fabrication methods to produce more models and types of optical components, expanding the applicability of optical component fabrication methods. Because the intensity of light generated by a programmable light source can be adjusted as needed, the transmittance of various locations in the light-shielding layer can be controlled by controlling the intensity of the light generated by the programmable light source during the fabrication process. This reduces the number of tooling fixtures required for light-shielding layer fabrication, lowers the reliance on high-precision equipment, further simplifies the fabrication process of optical components, and reduces the fabrication cost.

[0011] The silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion are reduced to silver particles, thereby enabling the preparation of the light-shielding layer. This results in a higher resolution light-shielding layer, further improving the smoothness of the transmittance gradient between different locations in the light-shielding layer, and further enhancing the quality of the optical components.

[0012] After forming a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, the light-shielding layer is then fixed, so that the light-shielding layer can be stably arranged on the surface of the substrate, extending the service life of the light-shielding layer and improving the stability of the light-shielding layer during the operation of optical components.

[0013] The camera module includes at least one optical component, which is manufactured by the optical component manufacturing method of any of the above-described technical solutions. Therefore, the camera module has all the beneficial effects of the optical component manufacturing method of any of the above-described technical solutions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0014] The equipment for fabricating optical components possesses all the beneficial effects of the fabrication methods for optical components described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0015] The electronic device includes a camera module as described in any of the above technical solutions, and therefore the electronic device possesses all the beneficial effects of a camera module as described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts for a method of fabricating an optical component according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a partial schematic diagram of the first pattern according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second pattern according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a second flowchart of a method for manufacturing an optical component according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of an optical component fabrication apparatus according to an embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure label: 200 - First pattern, 210 - First area, 300 - Second pattern, 310 - Second area. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 5 This application describes a method for fabricating an optical component, an apparatus for fabricating an optical component, a camera module, and an electronic device according to embodiments of this application.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, a method for fabricating an optical component is provided. The optical component is used in a camera module. The fabrication method includes: Step 102: Coat the surface of the substrate of the optical component with a photosensitive emulsion, the photosensitive emulsion including silver halide particles; The coating apparatus of the optical component fabrication equipment coats the surface of the optical component with a photosensitive emulsion. The silver halide particles included in the photosensitive emulsion can be reduced to silver particles under irradiation with light of a specific wavelength.

[0025] Step 104: Control the programmable light source to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion, with the light intensity distributed in a gradient. The control device of the optical component fabrication equipment controls the programmable light source to emit light. When the photosensitive emulsion is exposed by the programmable light source, the light intensity of the light emitted by the programmable light source is gradient-distributed. Therefore, the distribution density of silver particles generated after exposure of the photosensitive emulsion matches the light intensity, thereby forming a light-shielding layer with gradually varying transmittance on the surface of the substrate. The light-shielding layer with gradually varying transmittance is used to regulate the light intensity distribution, thereby suppressing the edge diffraction intensity, effectively reducing harmful diffraction stray light, and improving the imaging quality of the camera module using optical components with a light-shielding layer.

[0026] The intensity of light generated by a programmable light source can be adjusted as needed, making the distribution of light intensity more flexible. This allows optical component fabrication methods to produce more models and types of optical components, expanding the applicability of optical component fabrication methods. Because the intensity of light generated by a programmable light source can be adjusted as needed, the transmittance of various locations in the light-shielding layer can be controlled by controlling the intensity of the light generated by the programmable light source during the fabrication process. This reduces the number of tooling fixtures required for light-shielding layer fabrication, lowers the reliance on high-precision equipment, further simplifies the fabrication process of optical components, and reduces the fabrication cost.

[0027] Step 106: The exposed photosensitive emulsion is developed to reduce the silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion to silver particles, and the distribution density of the silver particles matches the light intensity. The developing unit of the optical component fabrication equipment develops the exposed photosensitive emulsion to reduce the silver halide particles in the emulsion to silver particles, distributing the silver particles on the substrate surface. A programmable light source is used for exposure and development of the photosensitive emulsion. The light intensity of the light generated by the programmable light source is gradient-distributed, allowing a light-shielding layer with gradually changing transmittance to be formed more directly on the substrate surface. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the light-shielding layer on the optical component surface, reduces its manufacturing difficulty, and consequently lowers its manufacturing cost. Because a light-shielding layer with gradually changing transmittance can be formed more directly on the substrate surface, the optical component no longer needs to change the transmittance of the light-shielding layer through movement. This reduces processing errors caused by optical component movement, improves the processing accuracy of the transmittance at various locations on the light-shielding layer, and thus enhances the suppression effect of the light-shielding layer on stray light. By improving the processing precision of the transmittance at various locations on the light-shielding layer, the gradual change in transmittance is made smoother, further reducing stray light generated when light passes through optical components and enhancing the light-shielding layer's ability to suppress stray light. This improved processing precision also increases the yield rate of light-shielding layers on the surface of optical components, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of optical components.

[0028] The silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion are reduced to silver particles, thereby enabling the preparation of the light-shielding layer. This results in a higher resolution light-shielding layer, further improving the smoothness of the transmittance gradient between different locations in the light-shielding layer, and further enhancing the quality of the optical components.

[0029] Step 108: Fix the photosensitive emulsion to form a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, wherein the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is gradient distributed.

[0030] After a light-shielding layer is formed on the surface of the substrate, the fixing device of the optical component fabrication equipment performs fixing treatment on the light-shielding layer, so that the light-shielding layer can be stably arranged on the surface of the substrate, extending the service life of the light-shielding layer and improving the stability of the light-shielding layer during the operation of the optical component.

[0031] The application of optical components prepared by the optical component preparation method of this application in the camera module can effectively optimize the light field distribution of the incident beam, reduce the noise and edge oscillation of the diffraction pattern, weaken the energy intensity of high diffraction orders, and reduce the interference of diffracted light on the imaging subject, thereby significantly suppressing the striped and water ripple-like diffraction stray light phenomena caused by straight or wavy edge screen-printed light-blocking patterns.

[0032] Optionally, a single exposure of the photosensitive emulsion to the surface of the substrate can be performed. Through the synergistic effect of light intensity gradient design and development kinetics, a high-resolution gradient light-shielding layer can be formed on the surface of the substrate, overcoming the errors caused by multiple mask alignments and reducing the dependence on equipment precision.

[0033] Transmittance-exposure nonlinear mapping: By utilizing the photosensitive characteristic curve of silver halide materials (Hurter-Driffield curve, HD curve, a basic graphical tool for the relationship between exposure H and the resulting optical density D), the density distribution of silver particles is controlled by adjusting the exposure energy density gradient to achieve transmittance distribution.

[0034] Optionally, the optical components fabricated by the method of this application have advantages such as simple process, low cost and high edge sharpness, and are suitable for precision optical devices and micro-nano photonics.

[0035] Optionally, the silver halide particle size is greater than or equal to 0.1 μm and less than or equal to 4 μm. The light-shielding layer resolution is greater than 5000 lp / mm, supporting submicron-level pattern processing.

[0036] The silver halide particles are smaller than 0.1 μm, supporting an optical resolution greater than 10,000 lp / mm.

[0037] Silver halide particles are silver bromide particles, silver chloride particles, or silver iodide particles.

[0038] Optionally, the optical components are prisms, camera module back covers, or lenses, and the substrate can be a resin substrate or a glass substrate.

[0039] The preparation method provided in this application can prepare curved light-shielding layers, thereby making the preparation process compatible with flexible substrates.

[0040] Optionally, a spin coating, spray coating, or roll-to-roll process is used to uniformly coat the surface of the substrate with a photosensitive emulsion. During the coating process, the coating thickness (submicron to several microns), uniformity, and purity are controlled.

[0041] Alternatively, the programmable light source can be an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a laser interference system, or a high-resolution display.

[0042] Programmable light sources are used to generate the desired linear or nonlinear light intensity distribution. The advantage of programmable light sources is that they facilitate adjustment of the size or design of the gradient pattern and allow for efficient and rapid iterative validation of solutions. Since the exposure and development process involves exciting and blackening the silver halide in the illuminated area, the programmable light source pattern needs to be complementary to the gradient pattern.

[0043] Exposure parameters: Wavelength: Matches the sensitive wavelength of the silver halide photosensitive material, such as 450nm and shorter blue light sources.

[0044] Exposure time ≤ 5 seconds.

[0045] Optionally, the developer should be a phenoxyphenone-hydroquinone system (pH = 10.5 to 11.2), with the temperature controlled at 20 ± 0.5°C. The formulation needs to be adjusted according to the specific emulsion characteristics. The choice of developer should consider requirements such as sharpness, grain fineness, and photosensitivity.

[0046] Dynamic development control: This is typically performed at 20°C. The reduction kinetics of silver halide particles are controlled by precisely adjusting the development time (e.g., 30 to 120 seconds) and stirring rate (e.g., 100 rpm to 300 rpm), creating a silver particle density gradient. The specific time and stirring rate need to be defined based on the choice of developer and the desired effect.

[0047] Fixing process: Soak in sodium thiosulfate solution (e.g., concentration 20% to 30%, pH ≈ 4) for 60 to 180 seconds to dissolve and remove unexposed silver halide.

[0048] Specifically, the optical components prepared by the method provided in this application have a shorter process cycle of less than 30 minutes, which effectively improves production efficiency.

[0049] According to some embodiments of this application, the light from the programmable light source is arranged in a first pattern; the light-shielding layer has a second pattern that matches the first pattern.

[0050] In this embodiment, the light from the programmable light source is arranged in a first pattern, meaning the light intensity gradually varies across different positions within the first pattern. When the light in the first pattern illuminates the photosensitive emulsion, it exposes the silver halide particles contained within the emulsion. Different light intensities result in varying degrees of exposure to the silver halide, leading to different densities of silver particles forming in different areas of the substrate surface. This creates a light-shielding layer with a second pattern on the substrate surface, enhancing the suppression of stray light by the light-shielding layer on the optical components.

[0051] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first pattern 200 and the second pattern 300 are complementary. That is, in the area where the first pattern 200 and the second pattern 300 are opposite, the light intensity is high, the silver ion density is high, and the light transmittance is low; conversely, the light intensity is low, the corresponding area has a low silver lithium ion density and high light transmittance.

[0052] The light intensity of the first region 210 of the first pattern 200 decreases from the edge of the first pattern 200 to the middle of the first pattern 200.

[0053] The second region 310 of the second pattern 300 is a region opposite to the first region 210 of the first pattern 200. The light transmittance of the second region 310 of the second pattern 300 increases from the edge of the second pattern 300 to the middle of the second pattern 300.

[0054] According to some embodiments of this application, after fixing the photosensitive emulsion, the preparation method further includes: forming an antireflection film on the surface of the light-shielding layer.

[0055] In this embodiment, an antireflective film is fabricated on the surface of the light-shielding layer after the sensory latex is fixed. The antireflective film covers the light-shielding layer and can reduce reflected light in specific wavelengths, thereby enhancing the optical performance of the optical components.

[0056] Specifically, vacuum deposition can be used to vaporize or sputter the coating material (target material) through heating (resistance evaporation, electron beam evaporation) or particle bombardment (sputtering), depositing it onto the surface of the optical component to form a thin film. Utilizing the principle of thin-film interference (the destructive interference of light reflected from the upper and lower surfaces of the film), reflected light in specific wavelengths can be reduced, thus achieving an anti-reflection effect.

[0057] According to some embodiments of this application, before coating the surface of the substrate of the optical component with a photosensitive emulsion, the preparation method further includes: cleaning the surface of the substrate; and activating the surface of the substrate.

[0058] In this embodiment, before coating the surface of the substrate of the optical component with a photosensitive emulsion, the surface of the substrate is cleaned to reduce the impact of surface impurities on the light-shielding layer and ensure a stronger adhesion between the light-shielding layer and the optical component. After cleaning the surface of the substrate, the surface of the substrate is activated to improve the adhesion between the light-shielding layer and the surface of the substrate.

[0059] Specifically, surface activation treatment of the substrate refers to improving the chemical energy of the substrate surface through physical or chemical methods and introducing polar functional groups (such as -OH hydroxyl groups and -COOH carboxyl groups), so that the substrate surface changes from inert to active, and the substrate surface is more likely to form strong chemical bonds (covalent bonds) or stronger physical forces (hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces) with the coating material.

[0060] According to some embodiments of this application, after fixing the photosensitive emulsion, the preparation method further includes: cleaning the substrate and the light-shielding layer with deionized water; and drying the substrate and the light-shielding layer.

[0061] In this embodiment, the substrate and light-shielding layer are cleaned with deionized water to remove impurities generated after exposure, thereby reducing the probability of stray light from the light-shielding layer and further improving the quality of the optical components. Drying the substrate and light-shielding layer removes moisture, terminates the chemical reactions during exposure, development, and fixing, further improving the stability of the light-shielding layer and extending its lifespan.

[0062] Optionally, cleaning: rinse 3 to 5 times with deionized water.

[0063] Optionally, drying: after purging with nitrogen, place in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (25°C, 30% relative humidity) for 10 to 20 minutes to dry.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the fabrication method of the optical component includes: Step 404, emulsion coating.

[0065] In step 404, a photosensitive emulsion, including silver halide particles, needs to be coated on the surface of the substrate of the optical component.

[0066] Step 406: Expose the substrate coated with photosensitive emulsion.

[0067] In step 406, it is necessary to control the programmable light source to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion, and the light intensity is distributed in a gradient.

[0068] Step 408: The exposed photosensitive emulsion is developed and fixed.

[0069] In step 408, the exposed photosensitive emulsion needs to be developed to reduce the silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion to silver particles, and the distribution density of the silver particles matches the light intensity. The photosensitive emulsion is fixed to form a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, and the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is distributed in a gradient.

[0070] Step 410, Rinse and dry.

[0071] In step 410, the substrate and the light-shielding layer need to be cleaned with deionized water and then dried. Step 412, coating.

[0072] In step 412, an anti-reflective film needs to be fabricated on the surface of the light-shielding layer.

[0073] According to some embodiments of this application, the photosensitive emulsion further includes: gelatin, chemical sensitizer, spectral sensitizer, hardener, anti-fogging agent, preservative, and wetting agent.

[0074] In this embodiment, the photosensitive emulsion also includes gelatin, which serves as a matrix for supporting silver halide particles, reducing the probability of particle aggregation or precipitation and thus resulting in a more uniform distribution of the silver halide particles. The photosensitive emulsion also includes a chemical sensitizer, which creates photosensitive centers on the surface of the silver halide particles. These centers can more effectively capture photoelectrons generated during exposure, thereby improving the photosensitive emulsion's light sensitivity. The photosensitive emulsion also includes a spectral sensitizer, which is adsorbed onto the surface of the silver halide particles. This sensitizer captures photon energy of more colors and then transfers this energy to the silver halide particles, further enhancing the photosensitivity of the photosensitive emulsion. Finally, the photosensitive emulsion includes a hardener, which increases the strength of the light-shielding layer formed after exposure, thereby improving the stability of the light-shielding layer during use and extending its lifespan. Photosensitive emulsions also include anti-fogging agents, which preferentially adsorb onto the surface of unstable, highly reactive silver halide particles, increasing the decomposition threshold of the silver halide particles and thus more effectively suppressing fog formation. Photosensitive emulsions also include preservatives and wetting agents. Preservatives inhibit microbial growth in the photosensitive emulsion, preventing spoilage and degradation during production and storage, thereby extending the shelf life of the photosensitive emulsion. Photosensitive emulsions also include wetting agents, which reduce the surface tension of the photosensitive emulsion, allowing it to better wet the substrate surface, resulting in a more uniform and smoother film formation. Through specific component ratios, photosensitive emulsions ensure the precise generation of gradient patterns and maintain high transmittance in light-transmitting areas.

[0075] Optionally, the materials used to fabricate the optical components include a substrate and a photosensitive emulsion.

[0076] The substrate consists of camera optical components such as prisms, camera module back covers, and camera module lenses.

[0077] The components of photosensitive emulsions include: silver halide photosensitive particles, gelatin, chemical sensitizers (sulfur-containing compounds, gold salts), spectral sensitizers (dyes), curing agents (formaldehyde), anti-fogging agents (benzotriazole), preservatives, and wetting agents, etc.

[0078] Alternatively, the chemical sensitizer may be a sulfide or a gold salt.

[0079] The hardener is formaldehyde or chromium sulfate.

[0080] The spectral sensitizer is a dye.

[0081] The anti-fog agent is benzotriazole.

[0082] Alternatively, photosensitive emulsions are very delicate and sensitive materials, and their stability decreases with time, temperature, humidity, and radiation. The following requirements must be followed when storing photosensitive emulsions: Temperature: Inventory items that are not used for a long period of time need to be stored in an environment of -18°C to -23°C; On-line materials: stored at 10°C to 15°C.

[0083] Humidity: Relative humidity should be controlled between 40% and 50%.

[0084] Radiation protection: Avoid any form of radiation; store in a light-proof, sealed container.

[0085] According to some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the photosensitive emulsion is less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0086] In this embodiment, the thickness of the photosensitive emulsion is less than or equal to 1 mm, which allows the photosensitive emulsion to have more sufficient contact with the light emitted by the programmable light source, thereby improving the exposure effect of the programmable light source on the photosensitive emulsion and further improving the smoothness of the gradual change in light transmittance in various areas of the light-shielding layer.

[0087] Optionally, the thickness of the photosensitive emulsion is greater than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0088] Optionally, the thickness of the photosensitive emulsion can be 1 mm.

[0089] The thickness of the photosensitive emulsion can also be 0.8 mm.

[0090] The thickness of the photosensitive emulsion can also be 0.5 mm.

[0091] The thickness of the photosensitive emulsion can also be 0.1 mm.

[0092] According to some embodiments of this application, the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 95%.

[0093] In this embodiment, the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 95%. The light-shielding layer can more effectively regulate the light intensity distribution, thereby suppressing the edge diffraction intensity, effectively reducing harmful diffraction stray light, and improving the imaging quality of the camera module using optical components with a light-shielding layer.

[0094] Optionally, the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 25%.

[0095] The light transmittance of the light-blocking layer is greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 40%.

[0096] The light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is greater than or equal to 25% and less than or equal to 60%.

[0097] The light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is greater than or equal to 35% and less than or equal to 60%.

[0098] Optionally, the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer varies from 5% to 95%.

[0099] The light transmittance of the light-blocking layer gradually changes from the edge to the center of the light-blocking layer.

[0100] The light transmittance of the light-shielding layer increases from the edge to the center of the light-shielding layer.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, an optical component fabrication apparatus 400 according to some embodiments of this application is used for an optical module. The optical component fabrication apparatus 400 includes a coating device 402, a control device 404, a developing device 406, and a fixing device 408. The coating device 402 is used to coat a photosensitive emulsion, which includes silver halide particles, onto the surface of a substrate of the optical component. The control device 404 is used to control a programmable light source to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion, wherein the light intensity is gradient-distributed. The developing device 406 is used to develop the exposed photosensitive emulsion to reduce the silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion to silver particles, wherein the distribution density of the silver particles matches the light intensity. The fixing device 408 is used to fix the photosensitive emulsion to form a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, wherein the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is gradient-distributed.

[0102] The optical component fabrication apparatus 400 possesses all the beneficial effects of the optical component fabrication method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0103] The camera module according to some embodiments of this application includes at least one optical component. The optical component is prepared by the preparation method of the optical component as described in any of the above embodiments. Therefore, the camera module has all the beneficial effects of the preparation method of the optical component as described in any of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0104] An electronic device according to some embodiments of this application includes a camera module as described in any of the above embodiments, and therefore the electronic device has all the beneficial effects of the camera module as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0105] Alternatively, the electronic device includes a mobile phone, tablet, smart wearable device, e-reader, or laptop.

[0106] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0107] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an optical component, characterized in that, The optical component is used in a camera module, and the manufacturing method includes: A photosensitive emulsion, comprising silver halide particles, is coated onto the surface of a substrate for an optical component. A programmable light source is controlled to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion, wherein the light intensity is gradient-distributed; The exposed photosensitive emulsion is subjected to a development process to reduce the silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion to silver particles, wherein the distribution density of the silver particles matches the light intensity. The photosensitive emulsion is fixed to form a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer being gradient-distributed.

2. The method for manufacturing an optical component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light rays from the programmable light source are arranged in a first pattern. The light-shielding layer has a second pattern that matches the first pattern.

3. The method for manufacturing an optical component according to claim 1, characterized in that, After fixing the photosensitive emulsion, the preparation method further includes: An anti-reflective film is formed on the surface of the light-shielding layer.

4. The method for manufacturing an optical component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before coating the surface of the substrate of the optical component with a photosensitive emulsion, the preparation method further includes: The surface of the substrate is cleaned; The surface of the substrate is activated.

5. The method for manufacturing an optical component according to claim 1, characterized in that, After fixing the photosensitive emulsion, the preparation method further includes: The substrate and the light-shielding layer are cleaned with deionized water. The substrate and the light-shielding layer are dried.

6. The method for manufacturing an optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the photosensitive emulsion is less than or equal to 1 mm.

7. The method for manufacturing an optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The light transmittance of the light-shielding layer is greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 95%.

8. An apparatus for fabricating an optical component, characterized in that, The optical component is used in the camera module, and the fabrication equipment includes: A coating apparatus for coating a photosensitive emulsion onto the surface of a substrate of an optical component, the photosensitive emulsion comprising silver halide particles; A control device is used to control a programmable light source to emit light to expose the photosensitive emulsion, wherein the light intensity is gradient-distributed. A developing apparatus is used to develop the exposed photosensitive emulsion so that the silver halide particles in the photosensitive emulsion are reduced to silver particles, wherein the distribution density of the silver particles matches the light intensity. A fixing device is used to fix the photosensitive emulsion to form a light-shielding layer on the surface of the substrate, the light transmittance of the light-shielding layer being gradient-distributed.

9. A camera module, characterized in that, The camera module includes at least one optical component, which is prepared by the method for preparing an optical component as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: The camera module as described in claim 9.

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