Composite Membrane Layer Structure for Low-Scattering Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens coating technologies with aluminum oxide hydrolysis process suffer from fogging issues due to scattering characteristics, especially in multi-lens camera modules, compromising image quality.
Innovation Solution
A composite membrane layer structure comprising a substrate, an intermediate layer, a first low-reflective membrane layer, and a second low-reflective membrane layer, where the second layer's refractive index is lower than the first, with specific thicknesses and silica particle sizes, reducing scattering and achieving ultra-low reflectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aluminum oxide hydrolysis process is used to achieve ultra-low reflectivity, then reflectivity is reduced to 0.1%, but scattering increases causing fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single low-reflective membrane layer into two distinct layers with different refractive indices. The first layer has refractive index n1 (1.6-2.0) and the second layer has refractive index n2 (1.3-1.6), where n1 > n2. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to light management: the first layer provides primary anti-reflective function while the second layer reduces scattering, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving ultra-low reflectivity and minimizing fogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different layers: the first low-reflective membrane layer uses material with higher refractive index (n1=1.6-2.0) optimized for reflectivity reduction, while the second low-reflective membrane layer uses material with lower refractive index (n2=1.3-1.6) optimized for scattering reduction. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous optimization of both reflectivity and scattering characteristics.
2Reliability
If multiple lenses in a camera module apply ultra-low reflectivity coating, then image quality improves, but fogging becomes more prominent
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coating into two layers with distinct refractive indices, the patent enables each layer to perform its specialized function. When applied to multiple lenses in a camera module, the first layer collectively provides ultra-low reflectivity across all lenses while the second layer collectively suppresses scattering, thereby maintaining high image quality without exacerbating fogging even in multi-lens configurations.
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 composite membrane layer structure achieves ultra-low reflectivity and low scattering, effectively preventing fogging and significantly enhancing image quality under various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an equivalent refractive index of the second low-reflective membrane layer is less than an equivalent refractive index of the first low-reflective membrane layer
Implementation Method 2
a first low-reflective membrane layer coated on a surface of a side of the intermediate layer away from the substrate; and a second low-reflective membrane layer coated on a surface of a side of the first low-reflective membrane layer away from the intermediate layer
Implementation Method 3
this process has the issue of fogging during actual shooting due to its scattering characteristics
Implementation Method 4
a porosity factor of the first low-reflective membrane layer is less than a porosity factor of the second low-reflective membrane layer
Data Source
AI summary
The composite membrane layer structure provided by the present application includes a substrate and an intermediate layer, a first low-reflective membrane layer and a second low-reflective membrane layer sequentially coated on the substrate. An equivalent refractive index of the second low-reflective membrane layer is less than an equivalent refractive index of the first low-reflective membrane layer. An average value of reflectivity of the composite membrane layer structure is less than 0.1% in the 380-980 nm wavelength band at the angle of incidence of 0°, so that it has ultra-low reflectivity and low scattering characteristics, effectively solving the problem of fogging during actual shooting, and significantly improving the image quality.