Bonded-multilayer Diffractive Optical Element Resin Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diffractive optical elements face challenges in achieving high refractive index difference between resins to optimize grating height and optical performance, particularly in applications requiring low refractive index and high dispersion, while also needing to suppress autofluorescence and maintain high transmittance across various wavelengths.

Innovation Solution

A resin precursor composite with bisphenol AF ethyleneoxide modified di(meth)acrylate and a polymerization initiator is used to create a cured resin with low refractive index and high dispersion, combined with a high refractive index and low dispersion resin to form a bonded-multilayer diffractive optical element, which includes a diffraction grating pattern at the boundary surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single layer diffractive optical element is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but diffraction flare lights increase as wavelength shifts from reference wavelength, degrading optical performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidoptical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single-layer diffractive optical element is divided into multiple layers, each with specific refractive index characteristics. The patent uses a multi-layer structure where each layer contributes to correcting diffraction flare at different wavelengths, thereby improving overall optical performance while maintaining manufacturability through standardized layering processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures combining different resin materials with distinct refractive index properties. By stacking layers made of materials with varying refractive indices and dispersion characteristics, the system achieves broadband diffraction correction that prevents flare lights across multiple wavelengths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of moving object

If resin with high refractive index and low dispersion is used, then refractive index difference increases and grating height can be reduced, but dispersion value becomes smaller as refractive index increases, making it difficult to combine with low refractive index high dispersion resin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrating heightVSAvoidresin combination flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the optical element use resins with locally optimized properties. The patent assigns specific resin types to specific layers based on their refractive index and dispersion characteristics, creating a stratified structure where each layer's material properties are tailored to its functional requirements in the overall diffraction correction system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies key parameters including refractive index, dispersion value, and layer thickness across different layers. By adjusting these parameters in a coordinated manner, the design achieves both reduced grating height and compatibility between high and low refractive index materials through precise parameter matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional resins are used, then material selection is limited and development of new resin is required, but new resin development increases complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresin selection rangeVSAvoiddevelopment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies resin materials that can serve multiple functions simultaneously - providing both the required refractive index difference and appropriate dispersion characteristics. By selecting resins with multi-functional properties, the design expands material versatility without requiring separate specialized materials for each optical requirement, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution achieves a bonded-multilayer diffractive optical element with improved optical performance, reduced autofluorescence, and high transmittance across the ultraviolet to visible spectrum, suitable for applications like fluorescence microscopy and interchangeable lenses.

Implementation Method 1

a resin precursor composite with bisphenol AF ethyleneoxide modified di(meth)acrylate and a polymerization initiator is used to create a cured resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

diffractive optical element, which includes a diffraction grating pattern at the boundary surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS10577446B2Resin precursor composition for optical materials, optical element obtained from the composition, and diffractive optical element configured using the optical element

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 NIKON CORP

AI summary

Low refractive index and high dispersion material which can produce a bonded-multilayer DOE having an excellent optical performance is obtained, and the optical member using this is obtained. The resin precursor for optical materials obtained through the addition reaction of the composite containing a di (meth) acrylate shown in the following Chemical Expression 1.where, R═H or CH3, and m+n=1 to 10.