Asymmetric Micro-Lens Arrays for Uniform Quadrangular Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-lens arrays struggle to uniformly diffuse light into quadrangular shapes, leading to reduced light utilization efficiency and variation in diffusion intensity, as they either rely on non-uniform cross-sectional shapes or vertex displacement of lenses, which can cause diffraction and non-homogeneous light distribution.
Innovation Solution
A micro-lens array design where micro-lenses are arranged in a matrix with inclined main sides relative to row and column directions, featuring concave or convex shapes with varied intervals, vertex positions, and radii of curvature, and optionally incorporating antireflection films to minimize diffusion intensity variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lenses are arranged periodically to diffuse light into a quadrangle, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but diffracted light is generated and uniform diffusion is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the cross-sectional shapes of the micro-lenses non-uniform and lacking axis of symmetry. This asymmetric design allows the lenses to diffuse light into a quadrangular shape while avoiding the periodic structure that causes diffraction, thus achieving both high light utilization efficiency and uniform diffusion without harmful diffracted light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the cross-sectional shapes of individual micro-lenses rather than using identical periodic structures. Each lens has a unique asymmetric shape tailored to its position, creating local variations in light diffusion characteristics that collectively achieve uniform quadrangular diffusion without global periodicity that would cause diffraction.
2Productivity
If non-uniform cross-sectional shapes of lenses are used to diffuse light into a quadrangle, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but diffusion intensity becomes non-homogeneous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying multiple parameters of the micro-lenses including cross-sectional shape, position of vertices, and radius of curvature. These parameter variations are designed to work together to achieve both quadrangular light distribution and homogeneous diffusion intensity, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from two-dimensional planar arrangement to three-dimensional asymmetric cross-sectional shapes. This adds a vertical dimension to the lens design, allowing control over light diffusion characteristics in multiple directions simultaneously, enabling both quadrangular shape and uniform intensity distribution.
3Productivity
If vertex positions of lenses are displaced from basic pattern to diffuse light into a quadrangle, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but diffusion uniformity deteriorates due to diffraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry in the cross-sectional shapes to achieve quadrangular light diffusion without relying on vertex displacement from a periodic pattern. This eliminates the source of diffraction while maintaining the ability to direct light into the desired quadrangular shape, thus preserving diffusion uniformity.
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 design achieves reduced variation in diffusion intensity and improved light utilization efficiency by maintaining a quadrangular shape of diffused light, while reducing diffraction and enhancing image quality in projection-type image display devices.
Implementation Method 1
Light incident on the micro-lens array is refracted and diffused by the irregularity on the surface
Implementation Method 2
The micro-lens array according to the above-described aspect may further include an antireflection film, and the antireflection film may be laminated on at least one of a first surface on which the plurality of micro-lenses are disposed and a second surface which faces the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
The micro-lens array is a micro-lens array in which a plurality of micro-lenses are arranged in a matrix in a plan view, wherein each of the plurality of micro-lenses has four main sides in a plan view, and each of the four main sides is inclined with respect to a row virtual line parallel to a row direction or a column virtual line parallel to a column direction.