Aspherical GRIN Lens Fabrication via Multilayer Polymer Composite
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GRIN lenses have limitations in correcting aberrations and achieving unique optics due to their spherical surfaces, which restrict their performance in various applications, including imaging and energy collection devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aspherical GRIN lens with a designer GRIN distribution, fabricated using a multi-stage process involving a hierarchically multilayered polymer composite structure, where multiple layers with different refractive indices are assembled to create a GRIN sheet that can be shaped into an aspherical lens, allowing for larger aberration corrections and unique optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spherical surfaces are used in GRIN lenses, then manufacturing is simplified, but aberration correction capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from spherical to aspherical lens surfaces. The aspherical surfaces are designed with specific curvature variations that enable superior aberration correction while maintaining compatibility with GRIN lens fabrication processes. This resolves the contradiction by sacrificing the simplicity of spherical manufacturing gains the precision of aberration control.
2Device complexity
If conventional GRIN lens designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but optical performance and versatility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the GRIN distribution parameters (radial and axial gradients) and combining them with aspherical surface parameters. This enables the lens to achieve multiple optical functions and adapt to different applications while maintaining a relatively simple hierarchical structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and optical versatility.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard GRIN distributions are used, then fabrication process is simplified, but aberration correction and focal length control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the GRIN lens into hierarchical layers with different refractive index profiles. Each layer can be independently fabricated with controlled GRIN distributions, and then assembled to achieve the desired overall precision. This segmented approach maintains fabrication simplicity while enabling precise control over the final GRIN distribution and aberration correction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The aspherical GRIN lens provides enhanced optical performance by correcting wavefront aberrations, enabling applications in imaging, energy collection, and biological implants with improved focal lengths and resolution, and can be dynamically tuned for specific optical requirements.
Implementation Method 1
In a GRIN lens, there is a continuous variation of the refractive index within the lens material. The light rays are continuously bent within the lens.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fabricating an aspherical gradient refractive index lens includes co-extruding a first polymer material having a first refractive index and a second polymer material having a second refractive index different than the first refractive index to form multilayered polymer composite films, assembling the multilayered polymer composite films into a multilayer composite GRIN sheet and shaping the multilayered composite GRIN sheet into an aspherical lens.