Consolidated Multilayered GRIN Optical Materials

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer materials by selecting specific polymer combinations (e.g., PMMA and cycloolefin polymer) with complementary refractive indices and processing characteristics. The consolidation process parameters (temperature, pressure, time) are optimized to achieve complete bonding without creating scatter inclusions, thus maintaining high optical transmission while enabling refractive index tailoring through the nanolayered structure.

The patent uses composite polymer materials consisting of multiple polymer layers with different refractive indices. By coextruding alternating layers of polymers like PMMA and cycloolefin polymer, the patent creates a nanolayered composite structure that achieves tailorable effective refractive index while maintaining optical clarity. The composite nature allows independent optimization of each layer's material properties to prevent scatter inclusions.

The patent performs preliminary action by creating the gradient refractive index structure directly during the coextrusion process itself, rather than requiring subsequent diffusion or infusion steps. The nanolayered structure is built into the lens blank during initial film formation, and the gradient is established by controlling the layer thickness and material composition in advance, eliminating the need for complex post-processing steps.

The patent extracts the gradient index creation step from the complex multi-step processes (SOL-GEL, infusion, diffusion) and integrates it directly into the coextrusion process. By taking out the gradient formation function and combining it with the layering process, the patent simplifies the overall manufacturing while maintaining aberration correction capabilities.