Colloidal Crystal Optical Filter for Wavelength Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical filters that use organic dyes for near-infrared absorption are prone to degradation, leading to durability issues and requiring time and cost to develop new dyes for specific wavelength cutoffs.
Innovation Solution
An optical filter with a colloidal crystal layer comprising inorganic or resin particles and a binder, which reflects light in the 300 nm to 800 nm range without using dyes, allowing for easy wavelength control and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If organic dyes are used for near-infrared absorption, then the filter can achieve wavelength-specific light absorption, but the filter durability deteriorates due to easy decomposition by oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light interaction from absorption (using organic dyes) to reflection (using colloidal crystal structure). By controlling the particle size and spacing of the colloidal crystal, the reflection wavelength can be precisely tuned without relying on organic dye properties, thereby improving durability while maintaining wavelength control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism (organic dye absorption) with a physical mechanism (colloidal crystal reflection). The colloidal crystal layer uses structural properties rather than chemical properties to achieve wavelength-specific light filtering, eliminating the decomposition issue inherent in organic dyes
2Adaptability or versatility
If new dyes are developed to cut desired wavelengths, then the filter can achieve specific wavelength control, but the development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables wavelength control through physical parameter adjustment (particle size, spacing, and concentration of colloidal particles) rather than chemical development. This allows rapid prototyping and customization of different wavelength filters by simply modifying the colloidal crystal parameters, dramatically reducing development time and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The colloidal crystal structure serves as a universal platform that can be tuned to reflect different wavelengths by adjusting particle properties. A single base material system (colloidal crystal) can achieve multiple wavelength control functions without requiring separate development efforts for each wavelength, enhancing versatility while reducing development overhead
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 provides an optical filter with enhanced durability and ease of wavelength control, reducing the need for organic dyes and simplifying the development process, while effectively reflecting specific light ranges for applications such as insect deterrence and crop protection.
Implementation Method 1
a colloidal crystal layer including a plurality of particles including at least one of an inorganic material or a resin material, and a binder disposed between the plurality of particles. The optical filter reflects a part of light in a wavelength range of 300 nm or more and less than 800 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An optical filter includes a colloidal crystal layer including: a plurality of particles including at least one of an inorganic material or a resin material; and a binder disposed between the plurality of particles. The optical filter reflects a part of light in the wavelength range of 300 nm or more and less than 800 nm. A multiplex optical filter includes multiple optical filters. A light emitting device includes the optical filter and a light source, and a part of primary light emitted from the light source is transmitted through the optical filter.