Optical device with optical characteristics and mechanical characteristics

Abstract

To solve the issue that a sensor is easily affected by environmental factors including wind or rain and the environmental factors effect the durability and the operability of the sensor by, for example, damaging or scratching the sensor.SOLUTION: An optical coating includes a substrate 20 and a coating 30 put on the substrate 20 and has a first side, which is a side exposed to environments, and a second side, which is a side not exposed to environments.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an optical device that includes a substrate and a coating applied to the substrate. The present invention relates to an optical device having a first side exposed to the environment and a second side that is not exposed.

[0002] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 624,009, filed January 30, 2018. No. 6,313,623, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Optical devices for light sensors are becoming increasingly popular in the registration of semi-autonomous, autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles. For example, LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) in vehicles is becoming increasingly important. There is growing interest in the application of imaging and ranging technology. Therefore, the use of optical devices for optical sensors may damage the sensors or adversely affect their function. The sensor must be able to withstand mechanical, optical and environmental factors that may affect it. For example, sensors are susceptible to environmental factors such as wind and rain, which can cause , which can damage, scratch, or otherwise affect the durability and operability of the sensor. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one aspect, an optical device includes a substrate and a coating applied to the substrate, the optical device being adapted to be environmentally friendly. An optical device is disclosed having an exposed first side and an unexposed second side.

[0005] Further features and advantages of various embodiments are set forth in part in the description that follows and in part in the description of the embodiments. These and other features will become apparent from or may be learned by practice of the various embodiments. The objectives and other advantages will be realized and achieved by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description herein. This will be achieved.

[0006] Certain aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It can be solved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-section of an optical device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a cross-section of an optical device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a cross-section of an optical device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-section of an optical device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-section of an optical device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-section of an optical device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

[0009] Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide It should be understood that the present invention is intended to provide an illustration of various embodiments of the present invention. Components may be described with reference to a particular diagram, but may not refer to a particular layer / component. It should be understood that the descriptions of one component in the figures also apply to equivalent layers / components in the other figures.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, in a wide variety of embodiments, a substrate 20 and a and at least one coating 30, which is resistant to exposure to the environment. An optical device 10 is disclosed having an exposed first side and an unexposed second side. The first side is exposed to the elements, such as light, air, dirt, wind, etc. The second side does not face the environment and is not exposed to windows, sensors (e.g., LID AR sensor), or a lens, e.g. a free-standing lens or a lens as part of a complex optical system The present invention may include being attached to another device such as a smartphone.

[0011] The disclosed optical device 10 may be mechanically or optically coupled to another device such as those disclosed above. At least one coating that provides protection against chemical, biological and environmental factors At least one coating 30 may provide at least one function. At least one coating 30 provides multiple functions to the optical device 10. In addition, the coating may include at least one coating. 30 is provided on the exposed first side and / or the unexposed second side of the substrate 10 with one or more By including the coating 30, the function of each coating 30 of the optical device 10 is It can be optimized.

[0012] The substrate 20 of the optical device 10 can be any material that can be coated. Non-limiting examples of such materials include plastic, synthetic sapphire, glass, synthetic diamond, optical Optical quality polymers, and silicon Any optically transparent substrate having an absorption spectrum required for the functional application of the optical device 10 is included. Optical quality polymers include polycarbonates, acrylates, and cyclic olefin polysilicon. Various types of glass can be used, including chemically strengthened glass.

[0013] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the optical device 100 includes a plurality of substrates 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 110e, 110f, 110g, 110h, 110i, 110j, 110j, 110i ... By including multiple substrates 110a, 110b, the optical device 100 and the This can improve the safety of the sensor to which it is attached. , 110b in the optical device 100 to improve the structural strength and / or The optical device 100 includes two or more substrates 110a, 110b, 11c, and 11d. The two or more substrates 110a, 110b may include two or more substrates 110a, 110b. In one embodiment, the adhesive may be applied to two or more substrates 110, 110b. A laminate may be formed between the optical device 100 and the substrate 110a and 110b. However, the thickness of the single substrate or the laminated substrate may vary depending on the optical properties. However, the present invention is not a limiting factor in selecting a suitable substrate for the optical device 100 .

[0014] At least one of the substrates 110a, 110b may be the same or different. In an embodiment, the first substrate 110a may be made of a variety of materials, from chemically strengthened glass to synthetic sapphire, depending on the application and location. Hard optical materials ranging from extremely hard, impact resistant materials such as fiber or diamond The first substrate 110a may be fabricated from a first substrate 110b having mechanical and protective functions on an exposed first side. and a coating 30 that provides a second substrate and / or optical The second substrate 110b may include a functional coating 30. It can act as a carrier for optical coatings that can provide additional protection to the .

[0015] Substrate(s) 20, 110a, 110 used in optical device 10, 100 b may be selected based on safety, cost, weight, etc. The selection of the substrate (single or multiple substrates) is a variable in the formation of the optical device 10, 100. By selecting the multiple (20, 110a, 110b), the coating in the optical device 10, 100 The order of the layers of the shingle 30 may vary.

[0016] 2-5 show various optical devices 10 contemplated herein. Exemplary coating sequence for exposed first side and non-exposed second side It should be understood that the order may vary. Further, the exposed first side and the unexposed The type of coating on the second side can vary. Generally, it serves a mechanical or protective function. A coating 30 may be provided on the exposed first side of the optical device to provide an optical function. The coating that can be applied is on the unexposed second side of the optical device. Coating 30 is described in more detail below.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the exposed first side has an anti-reflection coating 30a with an anti-soiling treatment. and the substrate 20 and the conductive coating 30b and glare reduction ( Illustrated is an optical device 10 including an anti-glare coating 30c. do.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the exposed first side has an anti-reflection coating 30a with an anti-soiling treatment. 2, the substrate 20, the conductive coating 30b on the unexposed second side, the glare reducing coating 30c on the unexposed second side, 1, an optical device 10 is shown including a reflector 30c, an anti-reflective coating 30e, and an anti-reflective coating 30f. It is being done.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the exposed first side has an anti-reflection coating 30a with an anti-soiling treatment. , the substrate 20, the conductive coating 30b on the unexposed second side, and the bandpass filter. 1, an optical device 10 is shown including a filter 30d and a glare reduction coating 30c. is.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 5, the exposed first side has an anti-reflection coating 30a with an anti-soiling treatment. , the substrate 20, the conductive coating 30b on the unexposed second side, and the bandpass filter. The optical filter 30d includes a glare reducing coating 30c, and an anti-reflective coating 30e. 1, an optical device 10 is shown.

[0021] The optical device 10 includes a coating applied to the substrate 20, such as an anti-reflective coating 30e. In one embodiment, the anti-reflective coating 30e may include a first anti-reflective coating 30b. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the anti-reflective coating 30 may be on the antifouling 30a side. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, in another embodiment, An anti-reflective coating 30e may be on a second side of the optical device 10. 10 has an anti-reflection coating 30a with antifouling treatment on the first side and an anti-reflection coating 30b on the second side. Coating 30e (without antifouling treatment) may be included.

[0022] The anti-reflective coating 30e may be a dielectric stack and is disposed at the interface with the substrate 20. The dielectric stack can be formed by using a dielectric material that is suitable for forming a dielectric stack. Examples include metal oxides such as TiO2, Ta2O5, ZrO2, and SiO2. They exhibit high transparency in the visible wavelength spectral range (e.g., 400 nm to 700 nm). The anti-reflective coating 30e may include a plurality of first refractive index layers having a first refractive index, such as a low refractive index. One dielectric layer, such as SiO2 or magnesium fluoride (MgF2), and at least a high refractive index The stack may include alternating layers of a second dielectric layer having a second refractive index, such as a high refractive index. Non-limiting examples of refractive index materials include niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide. Examples of suitable oxides include tungsten, zirconium oxide, and combinations thereof.

[0023] The anti-reflective coating 30e is formed from a stack of layers such as NbTiOx, SiO2, etc. In one embodiment, the antireflective coating 30e may include a first NbTiOx layer of about 50 nm. , a first SiO2 layer of about 18 nm, a second NbTiOx layer of about 16 nm, a second It can be a thin film dielectric stack of SiO2 layers.

[0024] The optical device 10 includes a coating 30, such as a protective coating, applied to the substrate. The protective agent coating may be on a first side of the optical device. The optical device 10 may include , a protective coating may be included alone or in combination with an anti-reflective coating 30e. In one embodiment, the protective agent coating is an anti-reflective coating 30e applied to the substrate 20. Both the protective coating and the anti-reflective coating 30e are applied to the optical device. It is located on the first side of slot 10.

[0025] In one embodiment, the protectant coating comprises a fluorinated alkyl ether having a functional silane. Examples of such compounds include those having the general formula R m -Si-X n (1) wherein R comprises a fluorinated alkyl ether repeat unit and X represents an alkoxy group, a chlorinated or an amine group, where m+n=4. For example, a trimethylsilane group Poly(perfluoropropyl ether) functionalized with silazane groups and and poly(perfluoroethyl ether) are two such compounds.

[0026] The protectant coating can be durable and has the simple formula: CF3-[CH(CF3) -CH2-O-] x -CONCH3-(CH2)3-Si-(OC2H5)3(2) In the formula, x is an integer from 7 to 11. The compound may include a compound having the formula: It may also contain divalent linking groups (i.e., -CONCH-(CH)-). The use of compounds similar in structure and function to those shown in formula (2) in a protective coating. In particular, the commercially available compound N-methyl-N-(-triethoxypropyl)-2 -[α-heptafluoropropoxy{poly(oxy(trifluoromethyl)-1,2-ene tetrafluoropropionamide can be used in protective coatings. can.

[0027] The method of applying the protectant coating may include applying a liquid, solution, or gel containing the coating compound. The surface is immersed in the gel-like carrier, the former is poured onto the latter, the former is wiped onto the latter, and / or the former is poured onto the latter. Wet techniques such as spraying a coating compound onto a surface (atmospheric or vacuum) These techniques may include dry techniques such as evaporation (e.g., by evaporation).

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the optical device 10 includes a substrate 2 having a conductive coating 30b. 0. The conductive coating 30b may include a coating 30 applied to the optical device. 10. The conductive coating 30b provides a dirt-repellent, water-repellent, and dust-resistant surface. This coating 30b can be a low surface energy treatment that acts as a barrier against adhesion, such as less than 0.08. In this manner, the conductive coating 30b can have a low coefficient of friction. 0 abrasive media damage susceptibility can be reduced.

[0029] The conductive coating 30b may be tin oxide (ITO), a nanoparticle-based transparent composite, or and other commonly used optically transparent conductors. The ring 30b is transparent at the operating wavelength of the LIDAR sensor, such as about 850 nm to about 2000 nm. It could be.

[0030] The conductive coating 30b acts as a heating element to heat the optical fiber to approximately 30° C. to 80° C. The temperature of the device 10 can be increased by using this coating 30b as a heating element. The optical device 10 includes a sensor mounted on a window, which is used to eliminate the risk of fogging up the window and / or reducing the risk of condensation, eliminating and / or reducing the risk of condensation, and and (b) improving the stain repellency.

[0031] In addition, the conductive coating 30b enhances water repellency and pollutant control efficiency. This increases the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the outer anti-reflective coating 30 on the first side of the substrate. can be done.

[0032] The conductive coating 30b may not be mechanically durable enough to create a robust surface. For this reason, the conductive coating 30b is disposed on the second side, i.e., the optical device. The side facing the sensor should be coated.

[0033] The optical device 10 may include a coating applied to the substrate 20, such as a glare-reducing coating 30c. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the glare reduction coating 30c may include an optical on the second, unexposed side of the device 10. Both conductive coatings 30b are on the unexposed second side of the optical device 10. In one embodiment, the glare reducing coating 30c is a conductive coating applied to the substrate 20. The treatment can be performed on the ring 30b.

[0034] An example of a glare reduction coating 30c is a quarter wave optical retarder combined with The wavelength retarder can be a multi-layer structure of a circular polarizer with a linear polarizer aligned in a layer. A wavelength retarder is a birefringent material that changes (retards) the polarization state or phase of light passing through it. When polarized light passes through a wavelength retarder, the light that passes through the fast axis is called the retarder. passes through the wave retarder faster than the slow axis. In the case of a quarter-wave retarder, the wave plate The velocity of one of the light components (x or y) is delayed by a quarter wavelength from the other polarization component. The polarized light passing through the quarter wave retarder is thus circularly polarized. The ring 30c reduces glare at the operating wavelength of the sensor protected by the optical device 10 and The glare reduction coating 30c can reduce and / or eliminate the polarization state of the signal light. It can also enable analysis.

[0035] The optical device 10 includes a coating on a substrate 20, such as a bandpass filter 30d. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the bandpass filter 30d may include an optical device. The bandpass filter 30d may be located on the second, unexposed side of the lens 10. The glare reducing coating 30c may be applied to the substrate 20. In one embodiment, the bandpass filter 30b may be applied to the conductive coating 30b. 30d, glare reduction coating 30c, and conductive coating 30b all serve as optical The glare reduction coating may be on the second, unexposed side of the device 10. The coating 30 c may be applied to a conductive coating 30 b that is applied to the substrate 20 .

[0036] Bandpass filter 30d is constructed using a full stack of dielectric low and high index materials. Each layer is deposited to a thickness of one quarter wave (QW) at the wavelength of the desired filter. Each partial reflector, which may consist of only a single layer, is called a quarter-wave stack (QWS). The bandwidth of the filter is a function of the reflectivity of the quarter-wave stacks in the structure. The central wavelength of the band is determined by the thickness of the spacer dielectric material. The dielectric material used in the present invention has a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 4.0 or more. Suitable materials include magnesium fluoride (1.38), thorium fluoride (1.47), and cryogenic fluoride (1.46). Olite (1.35), silicon dioxide (1.46), aluminum oxide (1.63), acid Hafnium pentoxide (1.85), tantalum pentoxide (2.05), niobium oxide (2.19), sulfur Zinc oxide (2.27), titanium oxide (2.37), silicon (3.5), germanium (4. 0), and lead telluride (5.0). Other dielectric materials perform similar functions. In addition, the fully dielectric bandpass filter 30d can also have anti-reflection properties. do.

[0037] In one embodiment, the bandpass filter 30d is configured to have the required absorbance or dielectric and polymer structures. The polymeric coating may contain a dye mixture suitable for providing a combination of structures. do.

[0038] The bandpass filter 30d is capable of passing the wavelengths of light at which the sensor operates. Together, these filters can filter out all other wavelengths. For example, bandpass filter 30d can filter out approximately It can block wavelengths in the visible and near ultraviolet spectral ranges, such as 400 nm to approximately 850 nm. At the same time, it can transmit wavelengths above 850 nm. The filter 30d reduces unwanted radiation reaching a sensor attached to the optical device 10. can be reduced and / or eliminated.

[0039] The optical device 10 may be attached to another device to form an optical system. The other device may be a window, a sensor (e.g., a LIDAR sensor), or a lens, e.g. The optical device 10 may be a photosensitive optical lens or a lens. The device can then be attached to the other device.

[0040] A method of fabricating the optical device 10 is also disclosed. The optical device 10 can be fabricated using a semiconductor process. The electrode can be formed using:

[0041] A method of fabricating an optical system is also disclosed. The optical device 10 can be fabricated by conventional deposition processes. The optical system can be formed by attaching the optical fiber to a device such as a laser.

[0042] From the above description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings can be embodied in a variety of forms. Thus, although these teachings have been described with reference to specific embodiments and examples thereof, the teachings The true scope of the disclosure should not be limited thereto. Various changes and modifications may be made.

[0043] This disclosure is intended to be broadly interpreted. Disclosed herein are equivalents, means, systems, and methods for accomplishing chairs, activities, and mechanical actions. Each device, article of manufacture, method, means, machine element, or mechanism disclosed herein is The present disclosure relates to a method for implementing many of the aspects, mechanisms, and devices disclosed herein. It is intended that equivalents, means, systems, and methods be encompassed and taught by this disclosure as well. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to coatings and many aspects, features, and elements thereof. The use and operation of such devices can be dynamic, and the present disclosure and / or equivalents, means, systems, and methods of use of the products disclosed herein. It is intended to encompass many aspects thereof consistent with the description and spirit of the disclosed operation and functionality. The claims of this application are likewise intended to be interpreted broadly.

[0044] The description of the various embodiments of the invention herein is intended to be exemplary only and, therefore, Variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A substrate; a coating applied to the substrate; and an optical device having a first side exposed to the environment and a second side not exposed to the environment; An optical device having

2. 10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the substrate is made of plastic, synthetic sapphire. , glass, and synthetic diamond.

3. 10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical device comprises two or more substrates. Learning devices.

4. 4. The optical device according to claim 3, wherein the two or more substrates are laminates. Vice.

5. 10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the coating is an anti-reflective coating. An optical device.

6. 6. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein the anti-reflective coating is an optical device on the first side of the sensor;

7. 10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the coating is a protective coating. An optical device.

8. 8. The optical device of claim 7, wherein the protective coating is applied to the substrate. An optical device having the anti-reflective coating applied thereto.

9. 8. The optical device according to claim 7, wherein the protective coating and the anti-reflection coating are both of said first and second lenses are on the first side of said optical device.

10. 8. The optical device of claim 7, wherein the protective coating is an optical device on the first side of the optical fiber;

11. 2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein the coating is An optical device that is a conductive coating on a second side.

12. 10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the coating is a glare reducing coating. Optical device.

13. 13. The optical device of claim 12, wherein the glare reducing coating is disposed on the substrate. The conductive coating is applied to the optical device.

14. 13. The optical device of claim 12, wherein the glare reducing coating and the conductive coating are both of said first and second mountings are on said second side of said optical device.

15. 13. The optical device of claim 12, wherein the glare reduction coating is an optical device on the second side of the device.

16. 10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the coating is a bandpass filter. An optical device.

17. 17. The optical device according to claim 16, wherein the bandpass filter is applied to the substrate. An optical device comprising a glare reducing coating applied to a conductive coating applied to the optical device.

18. 17. The optical device of claim 16, wherein the bandpass filter and the glare reduction and the conductive coating are all of the second coating of the optical coating. Optical device on the side.

19. 17. The optical device according to claim 16, wherein the bandpass filter is an optical device on the second side of the sensor.

20. 2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the coating is formed on the first surface of the substrate. The optical coatings on the side of the lens are AR coating, protective coating, bandpass filter, etc. Optical coatings, including filter coatings, and combinations thereof.

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