Carrier-Free Optical Interference Filter Integration with Microlenses
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of external carrier-based interference filters into optical systems with microlenses is cumbersome, costly, and time-consuming, making it difficult to achieve efficient and cost-effective integration with optical sensors.
Innovation Solution
A carrier-free optical interference filter with a plane surface is integrated directly with a substrate and microlenses, where the microlens is positioned between the photodetector and the filter, allowing for a planar arrangement that simplifies the integration process and reduces costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external carrier-based interference filters are integrated into optical systems with microlenses, then filter performance is achieved, but integration complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The interference filter is merged with the microlens structure by integrating the filter layers directly onto the microlens substrate, eliminating the need for separate external carriers. This combining of filter and lens functions into a single integrated component directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining filter performance
Solution Approach 2:
The external carrier is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using separate glass plates or carriers to hold the interference filter, the filter is implemented as thin-film layers directly on the microlens substrate, eliminating the carrier component and simplifying the overall device structure
2Reliability
If external carrier-based interference filters are used, then optical filtering is achieved, but assembly time and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interference filter layers are deposited onto the microlens substrate during the same manufacturing process step, rather than being assembled separately afterward. This preliminary integration of the filter with the lens substrate eliminates subsequent assembly operations and reduces production time
Solution Approach 2:
The filter and lens manufacturing processes are merged into a single integrated production flow, where the interference filter layers are formed as part of the microlens fabrication sequence, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations and reducing overall production time
3Ease of manufacture
If carrier-free optical interference filter with plane surface is integrated directly with microlenses, then integration simplicity and cost-effectiveness improve, but filter performance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The interference filter is implemented with locally optimized thin-film layers deposited directly on the microlens substrate, where the film properties and thickness are specifically tailored for each location to maintain optimal filtering performance while enabling direct integration without external carriers
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state and properties of the interference filter are changed from being mounted on external carriers to being deposited as thin-film layers directly on the substrate. This parameter change in the filter's physical configuration enables simpler integration while maintaining optical performance through precise control of film thickness and composition
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
This approach enables a cost-effective and efficient integration of optical interference filters with microlenses on optical sensors, reducing assembly complexity and enhancing filter performance by minimizing oblique light incidence.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens arranged on a first side of the dielectric facing away from the substrate and configured to steer incident radiation onto the photodetector
Implementation Method 2
a carrier-free optical interference filter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for producing the apparatus are described, wherein the apparatus includes a substrate with a photodetector and a dielectric arranged on the substrate. Further, the apparatus includes a microlens arranged on a first side of the dielectric. The microlens is configured to steer incident radiation onto the photodetector. Moreover, the apparatus includes a carrier-free optical interference filter. The microlens is arranged between the photodetector and the interference filter, and the interference filter has a plane surface on a side facing away from the photodetector.