Large areal holographic optical element manufacturing device consisting of two prism and method thereof

Abstract

The present invention is, A first prism comprising a first light incident surface to which light is incident and a first photoreactive material is attached, and a first light reflecting surface inclined at a first angle, which is a predetermined angle from the first light incident surface, to reflect light; A second prism comprising a second light incident surface to which light is incident and a second photoreactive material is attached, and a second light reflecting surface inclined at a second angle, which is a predetermined angle from the second light incident surface, to reflect light; and A light source configured to irradiate light toward a first light incidence surface and a second light incidence surface; comprising A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus characterized by the fact that the surface facing the first angle of the first prism and the surface facing the second angle of the second prism are formed to face each other, and A method for manufacturing a diffraction optical element is provided.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element composed of two prisms, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element in which interference fringes are continuously formed using two prisms, thereby improving chamfering efficiency and increasing mass production yield. Background Technology

[0003] Diffractive optical elements, such as holographic optical elements, were fabricated by interfering two laser beams having the same wavelength and coherent length in a photoreactive material.

[0004] When manufacturing diffractive optical elements using two laser beams, problems with the reproducibility of the manufactured elements frequently occurred due to significant influence from external environmental factors such as vibration or air flow.

[0005] As an alternative, a technology was developed to replicate diffractive optical elements using a single laser beam after fabricating a master in advance, leading to the mass production of diffractive optical elements.

[0006] A single laser beam is diffracted from a master to generate regenerated light, and the original laser beam and the regenerated light from the master interfere in a photoreactive material to replicate a diffracting optical element identical to the master, but there are the following problems.

[0007] First, it was difficult to set up the optical system for producing the master and control the external environment, and it was difficult to enlarge the master itself due to the limitations of the laser light source and the optical system. Although a large-area master was essential for mass production, the masters that could be produced were limited to a maximum side length of 100mm, so multiple masters were attached to a master plate using a tile attachment method.

[0008] In this case, a large quantity of uniform masters had to be produced, and continuous production was required due to the nature of masters as consumables. Furthermore, to ensure that the replicated diffractive optical elements maintained consistent optical performance, the master had to be manufactured larger than the replicated elements; however, this reduced chamfering efficiency during actual mass production, resulting in a negative impact on yield.

[0009] Furthermore, the replicated diffractive optical element depends on the performance of the master, and if a defect occurs during the production of the master, the defect of the master is also replicated into the diffractive optical element.

[0010] To overcome this, a technology was developed to manufacture diffractive optical elements without a master using prisms. However, while it is possible to produce continuously recorded large-area diffractive optical elements as the surface area of ​​the photoreactive material on the prism increases, fabricating large prisms presents challenges such as difficulties in securing large materials, limitations in processing steps like mirror coating, increased manufacturing costs, and process issues caused by the increased weight of the prism. The problem to be solved

[0012] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a prism configured to enable the manufacture of a large-area diffractive optical element in which interference patterns are continuously formed using two prisms.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing various types of diffractive optical elements using a single light source without a master by utilizing a prism.

[0014] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0016] The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a diffracting optical element manufacturing apparatus including: a first prism including a first light incident surface to which light is incident and a first photoreactive material is attached, and a first light reflecting surface that reflects light at a first angle inclined from the first light incident surface; a second prism including a second light incident surface to which light is incident and a second photoreactive material is attached, and a second light reflecting surface that reflects light at a second angle inclined from the second light incident surface; and a light source configured to irradiate light toward the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface, wherein the surface facing the first angle of the first prism and the surface facing the second angle of the second prism may be formed to face each other.

[0017] Additionally, the first light incident surface may be formed with a first light-reactive material attachment surface, to which a first light-reactive material is attached to form an interface with a first prism so that light irradiated from a light source is incident on the first prism through the first light-reactive material, and a first light irradiation surface, to which light irradiated from a light source is not attached and is directly incident on the first prism; and the second light incident surface may be formed with a second light-reactive material attachment surface, to which a second light-reactive material is attached to form an interface with a second prism so that light irradiated from a light source is incident on the second prism through the second light-reactive material, and a second light irradiation surface, to which light irradiated from a light source is not attached and is directly incident on the second prism.

[0018] Additionally, a first irradiating light that is irradiated from a light source, refracted at the interface between air and the first photoreactive material, and incident into the first photoreactive material, and a first reflected light that is irradiated from a light source, passes through the first irradiating surface of a first prism, is reflected at the first reflecting surface, is refracted at the first prism and the surface to which the first photoreactive material is attached, and is incident into the first photoreactive material, and a second irradiating light that is irradiated from a light source, refracted at the interface between air and the second photoreactive material, and is incident into the second photoreactive material, and a second reflected light that is irradiated from a light source, passes through the second irradiating surface of a second prism, is reflected at the second reflecting surface, is refracted at the surface to which the second prism and the surface to which the second photoreactive material is attached, and is incident into the second photoreactive material, can interfere to form an interference pattern in the second photoreactive material.

[0019] In addition, the first prism and the second prism can be formed as a single unit.

[0020] In addition, the first prism and the second prism may be triangular prism shapes.

[0021] In addition, the first angle and the second angle may be characterized as being identical.

[0022] In addition, at least one of the first light-reflecting surface and the second light-reflecting surface may include a mirror-coated surface or a mirror-deposited surface.

[0023] In addition, the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material can be formed as a single unit.

[0024] In addition, light irradiated from one light source can be incident on the first light incidence surface and the second light incidence surface.

[0025] In addition, the light source can be two light sources, each positioned on the first incident surface of the first prism and the second incident surface of the second prism.

[0026] Additionally, the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material are formed in the shape of a sheet extending in the longitudinal direction having a predetermined width direction size, and the first photoreactive material is attached to the first light incident surface of the first prism and the second photoreactive material is attached to the second light incident surface of the second prism, and the apparatus includes a transport mechanism for transporting the sheets of the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material in the longitudinal direction so as to be attached to the second light incident surface of the second prism, and the first light incident surface of the first prism may be formed with a size corresponding to the width direction size of the first photoreactive material and the second light incident surface of the second prism may be formed with a size corresponding to the width direction size of the second photoreactive material.

[0027] In addition, interference fringes are formed on the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material by light irradiated from a light source toward the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface, wherein the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material may continuously form interference fringes along any one of the directions of width direction, length direction, or diagonal direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction or length direction.

[0028] In addition, the diffractive optical element can be a holographic optical element.

[0029] A method for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to one embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: forming a first prism comprising a first light incident surface into which light is incident and a first light reflecting surface inclined at a predetermined angle from the first light incident surface to reflect light, and a second prism comprising a second light incident surface into which light is incident and a second light reflecting surface inclined at a predetermined angle from the second light incident surface to reflect light, such that the surface facing the first angle and the surface facing the second angle face each other; attaching a first photoreactive material to record an interference pattern to the first light incident surface of the first prism and attaching a second photoreactive material to record an interference pattern to the second light incident surface of the second prism; and irradiating light from a light source toward the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface to record an interference pattern.

[0030] In addition, in the step of attaching a first photoreactive material to record an interference pattern to a first light incident surface of a first prism and attaching a second photoreactive material to record an interference pattern to a second light incident surface of a second prism, the first photoreactive material may be attached to a first photoreactive material attachment surface that is part of the first light incident surface of the first prism, and the second photoreactive material may be attached to a second photoreactive material attachment surface that is part of the second light incident surface of the second prism.

[0031] Additionally, in the step of recording interference fringes, a first irradiating light, which is irradiated from a light source, refracted at the interface between air and the first photoreactive material, and incident into the first photoreactive material, and a first reflected light, which is irradiated from a light source, passes through a first irradiating surface among the first incident surfaces of a first prism where the first photoreactive material is not attached, reflects from a first reflecting surface, refracted between the first prism and the surface where the first photoreactive material is attached, and incident into the first photoreactive material, interfere to form an interference fringe on the first photoreactive material, and a second irradiating light, which is irradiated from a light source, refracted at the interface between air and the second photoreactive material, and incident into the second photoreactive material, and a second reflected light, which is irradiated from a light source, passes through a second irradiating surface among the second incident surfaces of a second prism where the second photoreactive material is not attached, reflects from a second reflecting surface, refracted between the second prism and the surface where the second photoreactive material is attached, and incident into the second photoreactive material, interfere to form an interference fringe on the second photoreactive material. It can form.

[0032] In addition, it may further include a bleaching step to prevent the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material, on which interference patterns are recorded, from reacting with the remaining photosensitive material.

[0033] Additionally, the method may further include the step of cutting a plurality of diffraction optical elements having a predetermined size along any one of the width direction, length direction, or diagonal direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction or length direction of the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material on which the interference pattern is recorded.

[0034] Additionally, the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material are formed in a sheet shape that has a predetermined width direction size and extends in the length direction, and the method may further include the step of transporting the sheet of photoreactive material in the length direction so that the first photoreactive material is attached to the first light incident surface of the first prism and the second photoreactive material is attached to the second light incident surface of the second prism.

[0035] In addition, it may include a diffractive optical element manufactured by at least one of the methods for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to one embodiment.

[0036] In addition, the diffractive optical element may be characterized by the continuous formation of interference fringes along any one of the width direction, length direction, or oblique direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction or length direction.

[0037] In addition, the first interference pattern formed on the first diffractive optical element manufactured with the first photoreactive material and the second interference pattern formed on the second diffractive optical element manufactured with the second photoreactive material may be characterized by being formed symmetrically with respect to each other. Effects of the invention

[0039] According to the present invention, by using two prisms equipped with light-reflecting surfaces to interfere with irradiated light emitted from a light source and reflected light reflected from the light-reflecting surfaces of the prisms, it is possible to manufacture a large-area diffractive optical element in which interference patterns are continuously formed with a single light source without a master.

[0040] In addition, the diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can be implemented as a roll-to-roll device, thereby enabling mass production of diffractive optical elements with uniform performance.

[0041] In addition, the prism of the diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can be manufactured over a large area, thereby improving chamfering efficiency during mass production of diffractive optical elements and increasing the mass production yield.

[0042] In addition, by using prisms of different angles, diffractive optical elements with different interference patterns can be fabricated at once.

[0043] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0045] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element composed of two prisms according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element composed of two prisms with different angles according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element composed of two prisms and a photoreactive material partially attached according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a large-area diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus composed of two prisms according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a method for manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element composed of two prisms according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a diffractive optical element forming the same interference pattern, manufactured by a method of manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element composed of two prisms according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a diffractive optical element forming different interference patterns, manufactured by a method of manufacturing a large-area diffractive optical element composed of two prisms according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0046] The present invention will become clear from the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Meanwhile, the terms used in this specification are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0047] Throughout this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.

[0048] Throughout this specification, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” as used mean that the mentioned components, steps, actions and / or elements do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions and / or elements, and that, unless specifically stated otherwise, they do not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0049] Throughout this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0050] Throughout this specification, the term "diffracting optical element" refers to an optical element equipped with a diffraction grating pattern in which high-refractive index portions and low-refractive index portions are alternately arranged along a predetermined direction, and light reaching the diffracting optical element may be diffracted and its optical path may be changed.

[0051] Throughout this specification, the term "holographic diffractive optical element" refers to an optical element having a holographic grating pattern in which high-refractive index and low-refractive index regions are alternately arranged along a predetermined direction, and light reaching the holographic diffractive optical element may be diffracted to change the optical path. Such a holographic grating pattern may be recorded by interference of multiple lasers on a photosensitive material such as a photopolymer.

[0053] The present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1, a diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can manufacture a diffractive optical element (60) by irradiating light onto a photoreactive material and interfering it to record an interference pattern (61).

[0055] A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a light source (20) that irradiates light, and a first prism (10a) and a second prism (10b) that interfere with the light irradiated from the light source (20).

[0056] The light source (20) may be a laser light source (20) and may be configured to irradiate a single light having a predetermined wavelength and coherent length. Here, the meaning of "one" may mean that, in addition to the meaning that the light source (20) is physically one, the irradiated light and the reflected light are generated by the "same" light source (20).

[0057] Additionally, the light source (20) may be configured to be two light sources (20), positioned respectively at the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) and the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b), so as to irradiate light toward the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism and the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b).

[0058] Additionally, the light source (20) may be configured such that light irradiated from a single light source (20) is formed into a first irradiated light (La1) and a second irradiated light (Lb1). That is, the light irradiated from a single light source (20) may be divided by a dispersion device and configured to irradiate light toward the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) and the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b). Alternatively, the light source (20) irradiating the first irradiated light (La1) and the second irradiated light (Lb1) may be formed separately to irradiate light toward the first prism (10a) and the second prism (10b).

[0059] The prism may be made of quartz, BK7, or PMMA (Poly(methyl methacrylate)), but is not limited thereto.

[0060] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the first prism (10a) includes a first light incident surface (11a) into which light irradiated from a light source (20) is incident, and a first light reflecting surface (12a) that reflects light by being inclined at a first angle (α°), which is a predetermined angle from the first light incident surface (11a). The second prism (10b) includes a second light incident surface (11b) into which light irradiated from a light source (20) is incident, and a second light reflecting surface (12b) that reflects light by being inclined at a second angle (β°), which is a predetermined angle from the second light incident surface (11b).

[0061] Here, the surface facing the first angle (α°) of the first prism (10a) and the surface facing the second angle (β°) of the second prism (10b) can be formed to face each other. That is, referring to FIG. 4, the first light incident surface (11a) and the second light incident surface (11b) of the first prism (10a) and the second prism (10b), which are formed as triangular prisms with a base in the shape of a right triangle, are connected at each end, and the first light reflecting surface (12a) and the second light reflecting surface (12b) are connected at each end, thereby forming a triangular prism in the shape of an isosceles triangle.

[0062] Additionally, the first prism (10a) and the second prism (10b) may be formed integrally as a single prism, or may be formed and arranged as two prisms. This is a matter that can be selectively changed depending on the manufacturing process and cost, and is not limited to one embodiment.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first light-reflecting surface (12a) of the first prism (10a) and the second light-reflecting surface of the second prism (10b) are configured to reflect light incident into each prism. A mirror-coated surface or a mirror-deposited surface can be formed through coating or deposition, but is not limited thereto. It is also possible to implement a light-reflecting surface by attaching a reflective optical element to the prism. Any configuration capable of reflecting light incident into the prism and reaching the light-reflecting surface is acceptable.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the photoreactive material may include a photosensitive material and may be formed in various shapes, such as a sheet shape or a roll shape, having a predetermined width direction and / or length direction size. Various types of photosensitive materials that can be used in the manufacture of a diffractive optical element (60) including a holographic optical element are known, and such materials may be used in the present invention without limitation.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the photosensitive material may be a photopolymer, photoresist, silver halide emulsion, dichromated gelatin, photographic emulsion, photothermoplastic, or photorefractive material. By using the above-mentioned photosensitive material, interference patterns (61) can be easily recorded.

[0066] A diffractive optical element (60) manufactured according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a holographic optical element.

[0067] In the case of the photoreactive material of the present invention, it includes a first photoreactive material (2a) attached to the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) and a second photoreactive material (2b) attached to the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b). The first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) may be different photosensitive materials, or they may be formed integrally from a single material. This can be selectively changed according to the needs and purposes of the diffractive optical element (60). That is, in order to mass-produce a diffractive optical element (60) that forms an interference pattern (61) with the same material or to produce a large-area diffractive optical element (60), the photoreactive material can be formed integrally to maximize chamfering efficiency and production efficiency, and in order to produce various materials and types of diffractive optical elements (60), the materials of the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) can be formed differently.

[0068] The first angle (α°) of the first prism (10a) and the second angle (β°) of the second prism (10b) may be formed identically, or they may be formed differently as needed. If the first angle (α°) and the second angle (β°) are formed identically, the same interference pattern (61) can be formed on the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) depending on the irradiated light. In this case, it is easy to mass-produce diffractive optical elements (60) that form the same interference pattern (61). In addition, if the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) are formed integrally, there is an advantage in that a large-area diffractive optical element (60) having a continuously formed interference pattern (61) or a plurality of identical small-area diffractive optical elements (60) can be produced depending on the cutting process.

[0069] In addition, when the first angle (α°) and the second angle (β°) are formed differently, different interference patterns (61) can be formed in the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b), making it easy to manufacture a large-area diffractive optical element (60) having interference patterns (61) formed continuously with different interference patterns (61) at once, or to mass-produce diffractive optical elements (60) having different interference patterns (61) depending on the cutting position, etc.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, a diffracting optical element manufacturing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first light incident surface (11a) formed by a first light-reactive material attachment surface (111a) to which a first light-reactive material (2a) is attached to form an interface with a first prism (10a) such that light irradiated from a light source (20) is incident on the first prism (10a) through the first light-reactive material (2a); and a first light irradiation surface (112a) to which the first light-reactive material (2a) is not attached and light irradiated from a light source (20) is directly incident on the first prism (10a); and a second light incident surface (11b) formed by a second light-reactive material (2b) to which a second light-reactive material (2b) is attached to form an interface with a second prism (10b) such that light irradiated from a light source (20) is incident on the second prism (10b) through the second light-reactive material (2b). The attachment surface (111b) and the second photoreactive material (2b) may be formed as a second light irradiation surface (112b) where light irradiated from the light source (20) is directly incident on the second prism (10b) without being attached. That is, the shape may be such that the photoreactive material is attached only to some of the light incident surfaces of the prism.

[0071] In the conventional method for manufacturing a reflective diffractive optical element, the reflected light is transmitted through the photoreactive material, reflected from the light-reflecting surface of the prism, and then refracted at the interface between the prism and the photoreactive material before being incident on the photoreactive material. In this case, since the light is partially absorbed by the initiator of the photoreactive material, there was a problem in that the diffraction efficiency of the interference pattern (61) formed on the photoreactive material was poor.

[0072] Meanwhile, when the irradiating light is directly transmitted and reflected by the prism without passing through the photoreactive material and the reflected light is formed, some of the light is not absorbed by the initiator, so the diffraction efficiency of the interference pattern (61) formed on the photoreactive material can be increased.

[0073] Accordingly, a diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first irradiating light (La1) that is irradiated from a light source (20), refracted at the interface between air and the first photoreactive material (2a), and incident into the first photoreactive material (2a); and a first reflected light (La2) that is irradiated from the light source (20), passes through the first light irradiating surface (112a) of the first prism (10a), is reflected at the first light reflecting surface (12a), is refracted at the first prism (10a) and the first photoreactive material attachment surface (111a), and incident into the first photoreactive material (2a), and the first reflected light (La2) that is irradiated from the light source (20), passes through the first light irradiating surface (112a) of the first prism (10a), is reflected at the first light reflecting surface (12a), and is refracted at the first prism (10a) and the first photoreactive material attachment surface (111a), and is incident into the second photoreactive material (2b), and a second irradiating light (Lb1) that is irradiated from the light source (20), refracted at the interface between air and the second photoreactive material (2b), and incident into the second photoreactive material (2b), and a light source (20). The irradiated light passes through the second light irradiation surface (112b) of the second prism (10b), is reflected from the second light reflection surface (12b), and is refracted by the second prism (10b) and the second photoreactive material attachment surface (111b). The second reflected light (Lb2) incident into the second photoreactive material (2b) can interfere to form an interference pattern (61) in the second photoreactive material (2b).

[0074] That is, since the first irradiation light (La1) and the second irradiation light (Lb1) do not pass through the photoreactive material, the light intensity is not reduced by the initiator, so the diffraction efficiency of the interference pattern (61) formed by interference with the first reflected light (La2) and the second reflected light (Lb2) can be increased.

[0075] A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention may be configured as a roll-to-roll device to mass-produce diffractive optical elements (60).

[0076] Let's look at this in more detail with reference to Fig. 4.

[0077] In a diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) may be formed in a sheet shape that has a predetermined width direction size and extends in the length direction. At this time, the width direction sizes of the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) may each be configured to be 500 mm or larger, but are not limited thereto and may be set in various ways to match the size of the diffractive optical element (60) to be produced.

[0078] In addition, the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) may be formed as a single unit, or they may be formed separately as different photosensitive materials.

[0079] The sheet-shaped first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) can be supplied by a supply roll (40) wound in a roll shape, and the sheet-shaped first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b), which are manufactured into a diffractive optical element (60) with an interference pattern (61) recorded thereon, can also be wound by a recovery roll (50) and recovered in a roll form.

[0080] When the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) in the shape of sheets are supplied to the diffracting optical element manufacturing device (1), a transfer mechanism (30) for transferring the sheets of photoreactive materials in the longitudinal direction can be installed so that the first photoreactive material (2a) is attached to the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) is attached to the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b), and the transfer mechanism (30) can be configured in the form of a transfer roller that continuously transfers the sheets of the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b).

[0081] Additionally, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) and the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b) may be configured such that the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) corresponds to the width direction size of the first photoreactive material (2a), and the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b) corresponds to the width direction size of the second photoreactive material (2b), respectively. Alternatively, the first photoreactive material attachment surface (111a) of the first prism (10a) may correspond to the width direction size of the first photoreactive material (2a), and the second photoreactive material attachment surface (111b) of the second prism (10b) may correspond to the width direction size of the second photoreactive material (2b), respectively.

[0083] Alternatively, the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) may be formed integrally to correspond to the combined width-direction size of the first light incident surface (11a) and the second light incident surface (11b). By configuring it in this way, the chamfering efficiency during the production of the diffractive optical element (60) from the photoreactive material can be significantly improved compared to the case where a master is used in the conventional technology, making it effective.

[0084] Due to laser and optical limitations, masters in conventional technology could not be manufactured over a large area; therefore, for mass production, it was necessary to attach multiple masters to a substrate in a tile-like manner. However, attaching multiple masters in this tile-like manner resulted in a problem of reduced chamfering efficiency during the production of diffractive optical elements.

[0085] In contrast, the first prism (10a) and the second prism (10b) according to another embodiment of the present invention can each be manufactured with a side length of 500 mm or more, thereby preventing a decrease in chamfering efficiency when attached in a tile-like manner as in the prior art. In addition, when the first prism (10a) and the second prism (10b) are installed simultaneously to manufacture a diffracting optical element (60), there is an advantage of being able to manufacture it with a larger area compared to manufacturing it with a single prism.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, interference patterns (61) are continuously formed along the width direction, length direction, or diagonal direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction to length direction of the sheet-shaped first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b), and individual diffractive optical elements (60) can be arranged and cut using the entire area within the unit size of the sheet-shaped first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b), thereby improving cutting efficiency.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 5, a method (S1) for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises the step (S10) of forming a first prism (10a) including a first light incident surface (11a) into which light is incident and a first light reflecting surface (12a) that reflects light by being inclined at a first angle (α°) which is a predetermined angle from the first light incident surface (11a), and a second prism (10b) including a second light incident surface (11b) into which light is incident and a second light reflecting surface (12b) that reflects light by being inclined at a second angle (β°) which is a predetermined angle from the second light incident surface (11b), such that the surface facing the first angle (α°) of the first prism (10a) and the surface facing the second angle (β°) of the second prism (10b) face each other, and a first photoreactive material (2a) to record an interference pattern (61) is formed first The method includes the step (S20) of attaching a second photoreactive material (2b) to the first light incident surface (11a) of a prism (10a) and to attach a second light incident surface (11b) of a second prism (10b) to record an interference pattern (61), and the step (S30) of recording an interference pattern (61) by irradiating light from a light source (20) toward the first light incident surface (11a) and the second light incident surface (11b).

[0088] In the step (S10) of forming the surface facing the first angle (α°) of the first prism (10a) and the surface facing the second angle (β°) of the second prism (10b) so as to face each other, the first prism (10a) and the second prism (10b) can be configured in the same way as the configuration of the diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus (1) according to the embodiments described above.

[0089] In step (S20) of attaching a first photoreactive material (2a) to record interference patterns (61) to the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) and attaching a second photoreactive material (2b) to record interference patterns (61) to the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b), the first photoreactive material (2a) may be attached to the first photoreactive material attachment surface (111a), which is part of the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a), and the second photoreactive material (2b) may be attached to the second photoreactive material attachment surface (111b), which is part of the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b).

[0090] In the step (S30) of recording the interference pattern (61), a first irradiating light (La1) that is irradiated from a light source (20), refracted at the interface between air and the first photoreactive material (2a), and incident into the first photoreactive material (2a), and a first reflected light (La2) that is irradiated from the light source (20), passes through the first light irradiating surface (112a) of the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) where the first photoreactive material (2a) is not attached, is reflected from the first light reflecting surface (12a), is refracted at the first prism (10a) and the first photoreactive material attachment surface (111a), and incident into the first photoreactive material (2a), interfere to form an interference pattern (61) in the first photoreactive material (2a), and an interference pattern (61) is formed in the first photoreactive material (2a), and an interference pattern (61) is formed in the first photoreactive material (2a) that is irradiated from the light source (20), refracted at the interface between air and the second photoreactive material (2b), and into the second photoreactive material (2b). As previously explained, the incident second irradiating light (Lb1) and the light irradiated from the light source (20) pass through the second irradiating surface (112b) of the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b) where the second photoreactive material (2b) is not attached, and the second reflected light (Lb2), which is reflected from the second light reflecting surface (12b), refracted by the second prism (10b) and the second photoreactive material attachment surface (111b), and incident into the second photoreactive material (2b), can form an interference pattern (61) in the second photoreactive material (2b). In this case, since the irradiating light (Lb1) does not pass through the photoreactive material but is directly transmitted and reflected by the prism to form reflected light, some of the light is not absorbed by the initiator, and thus the diffraction efficiency of the interference pattern (61) formed in the photoreactive material can be increased.

[0091] In addition, in the method (S1) for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to one embodiment of the present invention, a step (S40) of bleaching the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b), on which interference fringes (61) are recorded, so that they do not react with the remaining photosensitive material may be further included. This involves changing the developed and deposited silver into a silver salt such as silver halide, and can be used as a step for enhancing the density of the image or as a preliminary step for color mixing to change the black silver image into another color by a suitable method. In addition, in a holographic optical element, it can be used as a means to convert an amplitude hologram recorded on a silver salt photosensitive material into a phase hologram, or as a means to improve the diffraction efficiency of the hologram by bleaching the dye on the remaining photosensitive material after recording the hologram on a photoreactive material using a photosensitive dye.

[0092] In addition, in a method (S1) for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) are formed in a sheet shape that has a predetermined width direction size and extends in the length direction, and the first photoreactive material (2a) is attached to the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a), and the second photoreactive material (2b) is attached to the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b), and the method may further include the step of transporting the sheet of photoreactive material in the length direction so as to attach the first photoreactive material (2a) to the first light incident surface (11a) of the first prism (10a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) to the second light incident surface (11b) of the second prism (10b).

[0093] Additionally, the method may further include the step of transporting a sheet of photoreactive material in the longitudinal direction so that the first photoreactive material (2a) is attached to the first photoreactive material attachment surface (111a) of the first prism (10a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) is attached to the second photoreactive material attachment surface (111b) of the second prism (10b).

[0094] In addition, in a method (S1) for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to one embodiment of the present invention, a step of cutting a plurality of diffracting optical elements (60) having a predetermined size along any one of the width direction, length direction, or diagonal direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction or length direction of the first photoreactive material (2a) and the second photoreactive material (2b) on which interference fringes (61) are recorded may be further included. Here, it is necessary to cut efficiently so that as many individual diffracting optical elements (60) as possible can be arranged within a unit size of the sheet-shaped photoreactive material, for example, 500mm x 500mm. The sum of the areas of the individual diffracting optical elements (60) arranged per unit area of ​​the sheet-shaped photoreactive material is defined as the cutting efficiency, and the production yield can be increased by improving the cutting efficiency. Furthermore, the present invention allows interference fringes (61) to be recorded continuously on the photoreactive material, thereby obtaining a cutting efficiency that is significantly improved compared to the prior art.

[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a diffracting optical element (60) is manufactured by at least one of the methods for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to the preceding embodiments. When manufacturing a diffracting optical element (60) by the method according to the preceding embodiments, there is an advantage that the diffraction efficiency is improved compared to the prior art.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the diffracting optical element (60) produced by the method for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to the preceding embodiments can be continuously formed along any one of the following directions: the width direction, the length direction, or a diagonal direction that forms a predetermined angle with the width direction or the length direction. This can significantly improve the cutting efficiency of the diffracting optical element (60).

[0098] In addition, the first interference pattern (61a) formed on the first diffractive optical element manufactured with the first photoreactive material and the second interference pattern (61b) formed on the second diffractive optical element manufactured with the second photoreactive material can be formed symmetrically with respect to each other. This has the advantage of improving production efficiency, as it allows for the production of not only a large-scale diffractive optical element (60) but also multiple small-scale diffractive optical elements (60) with the same interference pattern (61) formed according to the cutting position.

[0100] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0102] 1: Diffractive optical element manufacturing device 2a: First photoreactant 2b: Second photoreactant 10a: First prism 10b: Second prism 11a: First light incidence slope 111a: First photoreactive material attachment surface 112a: First light-irradiated surface 11b: Second light incidence slope 111b: Second photoreactive material attachment surface 112b: Second light-irradiated surface 12a: First light-reflecting surface 12b: Second optical reflection surface 20: Light source 30: Transfer mechanism 40: Supply Roll 50: Recovery Roll 60: Diffractive optical element 60a: First diffractive optical element 60b: Second diffractive optical element 61: Interference pattern 61a: First interference pattern 61b: Second interference pattern La1: 1st Investigation Light La2: First reflected light Lb1: Second Investigation Light Lb2: Second reflection : 1st angle : Second angle

Claims

Claim 1 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus comprising: a first prism including a first light incident surface to which light is incident and a first photoreactive material is attached, and a first light reflecting surface that reflects light by being inclined at a first angle which is a predetermined angle from the first light incident surface; a second prism including a second light incident surface to which light is incident and a second photoreactive material is attached, and a second light reflecting surface that reflects light by being inclined at a second angle which is a predetermined angle from the second light incident surface; and a light source configured to irradiate light toward the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface; wherein the surface of the first prism facing the first angle and the surface of the second prism facing the second angle are formed to face each other. Claim 2 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first light incident surface is formed by a first light-reactive material attachment surface to which the first light-reactive material is attached to form an interface with the first prism so that light irradiated from the light source is incident on the first prism through the first light-reactive material, and a first light irradiation surface to which the light irradiated from the light source is not attached and is directly incident on the first prism, and the second light incident surface is formed by a second light-reactive material attachment surface to which the second light-reactive material is attached to form an interface with the second prism so that light irradiated from the light source is incident on the second prism through the second light-reactive material, and a second light irradiation surface to which the light irradiated from the light source is not attached and is directly incident on the second prism. Claim 3 An apparatus for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to claim 2, wherein a first irradiated light irradiated from the light source and refracted at the interface between air and the first photoreactive material and incident into the first photoreactive material, and a first reflected light irradiated from the light source passes through the first light irradiated surface of the first prism, is reflected at the first light reflecting surface, is refracted at the first prism and the surface to which the first photoreactive material is attached, and is incident into the first photoreactive material, interfere to form an interference fringe in the first photoreactive material, and a second irradiated light irradiated from the light source and refracted at the interface between air and the second photoreactive material and incident into the second photoreactive material, and a second reflected light irradiated from the light source passes through the second light irradiated surface of the second prism, is reflected at the second light reflecting surface, is refracted at the surface to which the second prism and the surface to which the second photoreactive material is attached, and is incident into the second photoreactive material, interferes to form an interference fringe in the second photoreactive material. Claim 4 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first prism and the second prism are integrally formed. Claim 5 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first prism and the second prism are in the shape of a triangular prism. Claim 6 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first angle and the second angle are identical. Claim 7 An apparatus for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first light-reflecting surface and the second light-reflecting surface comprises a mirror-coated surface or a mirror-deposited surface. Claim 8 An apparatus for manufacturing a diffraction optical element according to claim 1, characterized in that the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material are integrally formed. Claim 9 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is characterized in that light irradiated from one light source is incident on the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface. Claim 10 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is two light sources, each positioned on the first light incident surface of the first prism and the second light incident surface of the second prism, respectively. Claim 11 An apparatus for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to claim 1, wherein the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material are formed in a sheet shape extending in the longitudinal direction having a predetermined width direction size, and the first photoreactive material is attached to the first light incident surface of the first prism and the second photoreactive material is attached to the second light incident surface of the second prism, and the apparatus comprises a transfer mechanism for transferring the sheets of the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material in the longitudinal direction so as to be attached to the second light incident surface of the second prism, wherein the first light incident surface of the first prism corresponds to the width direction size of the first photoreactive material and the second light incident surface of the second prism is formed to have a size corresponding to the width direction size of the second photoreactive material. Claim 12 An apparatus for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to claim 1, wherein interference fringes are formed on the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material by light irradiated from the light source toward the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface, and wherein the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material continuously form interference fringes along any one of the width direction, the length direction, or a diagonal direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction or the length direction. Claim 13 A diffractive optical element manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diffractive optical element is a holographic optical element. Claim 14 A method for manufacturing a diffractive optical element, comprising: a first prism including a first light incident surface into which light is incident and a first light reflecting surface that reflects light at a first angle inclined from the first light incident surface, and a second prism including a second light incident surface into which light is incident and a second light reflecting surface that reflects light at a second angle inclined from the second light incident surface, wherein the surface facing the first angle and the surface facing the second angle face each other; a step of attaching a first photoreactive material to record an interference pattern to the first light incident surface of the first prism and attaching a second photoreactive material to record an interference pattern to the second light incident surface of the second prism; and a step of recording an interference pattern by irradiating light from a light source toward the first light incident surface and the second light incident surface. Claim 15 A method for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to claim 14, wherein, in the step of attaching a first photoreactive material to record the interference pattern to the first light incident surface of the first prism and attaching a second photoreactive material to record the interference pattern to the second light incident surface of the second prism, the first photoreactive material is attached to a first photoreactive material attachment surface which is part of the first light incident surface of the first prism, and the second photoreactive material is attached to a second photoreactive material attachment surface which is part of the second light incident surface of the second prism. Claim 16 In claim 15, the step of recording the interference pattern comprises: a first irradiating light that is irradiated from the light source, refracted at the interface between air and the first photoreactive material, and incident into the first photoreactive material; and a first reflected light that is irradiated from the light source, passes through a first irradiating surface among the first light incident surfaces of the first prism where the first photoreactive material is not attached, reflects from the first light reflecting surface, is refracted between the first prism and the surface where the first photoreactive material is attached, and is incident into the first photoreactive material, and the first reflected light that is reflected from the first light reflecting surface and is refracted between the first prism and the surface where the first photoreactive material is attached, and interferes to form an interference pattern in the first photoreactive material; and a second irradiating light that is irradiated from the light source, refracted at the interface between air and the second photoreactive material, and is incident into the second photoreactive material; and a second irradiating light that is irradiated from the light source, passes through a second irradiating surface among the second light incident surfaces of the second prism where the second photoreactive material is not attached, reflects from the second light reflecting surface and is refracted between the second prism and the surface where the second photoreactive material is attached A method for manufacturing a diffractive optical element in which a second reflected light, which is refracted and incident into the second photoreactive material, interferes to form an interference pattern in the second photoreactive material. Claim 17 A method for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to claim 14, further comprising the step of bleaching the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material on which the interference pattern is recorded so that they do not react with the remaining photosensitive material. Claim 18 A method for manufacturing a diffractive optical element according to claim 14, further comprising the step of cutting a plurality of diffractive optical elements having a predetermined size along any one of the width direction, length direction, or diagonal direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction or length direction of the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material on which the interference pattern is recorded. Claim 19 A method for manufacturing a diffracting optical element according to claim 14, wherein the first photoreactive material and the second photoreactive material are formed in a sheet shape having a predetermined width direction size and extending in the longitudinal direction, and further comprising the step of transporting the sheet of the photoreactive material in the longitudinal direction so that the first photoreactive material is attached to the first light incident surface of the first prism and the second photoreactive material is attached to the second light incident surface of the second prism. Claim 20 A diffractive optical element manufactured by the method of any one of claims 14 to 19. Claim 21 A diffractive optical element according to claim 20, characterized in that interference fringes are continuously formed along any one of the following directions: the width direction, the length direction, or a diagonal direction forming a predetermined angle with the width direction or the length direction. Claim 22 A diffractive optical element according to claim 20, characterized in that a first interference pattern formed on a first diffractive optical element manufactured with the first photoreactive material and a second interference pattern formed on a second diffractive optical element manufactured with the second photoreactive material are formed symmetrically with respect to each other.

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