Curved Optical Sensor With Thick Adhesive Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing curved optical detectors have limited deformation capabilities due to thin glue layers, which restrict their ability to compensate for optical aberrations in imaging systems without degrading the sensor.

Innovation Solution

A curved optical detector with a photosensitive sensor and a support, where a glue layer of thickness greater than or equal to 50 µm is used between the sensor and the support, allowing increased deformation without damaging the sensor, and a Young's modulus between 20 and 80 MPa for the glue.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a thin adhesive layer (1-2 μm) is used between the photosensitive sensor and the support, then the sensor closely follows the shape of the support, but the maximum deformation that can be imposed on the sensor is limited without damaging it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape conformityVSAvoiddeformation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thickness parameter of the adhesive layer from the conventional thin range (1-2 μm) to a thicker range (≥50 μm, preferably 50-150 μm). This parameter change fundamentally alters the mechanical coupling between the sensor and support, allowing the sensor to withstand larger deformations while still achieving adequate shape conformity for optical aberration compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adhesive layer thickness is increased to allow greater deformation, then the sensor can be deformed more without damage, but the positioning accuracy between sensor and support deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation capabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies an optimal range for the adhesive layer thickness (50-150 μm) that balances deformation capability and positioning accuracy. Within this range, the layer is thick enough to reduce stress on the sensor during deformation, yet thin enough to maintain acceptable positioning accuracy within the depth of field tolerance of the optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 configuration reduces constraints on the sensor, enabling significant deformation and compensation for optical aberrations, such as field curvature, while maintaining the sensor's integrity and allowing for moderate inaccuracies in positioning that are tolerable within the depth of field.

Implementation Method 1

a large thickness of glue between the photosensitive sensor and the support surprisingly reduces the stresses imposed on the sensor, for an equal radius of curvature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress distribution:

Implementation Method 2

a photosensitive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3093634B1Optical sensor with curved detection surface
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3093634B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3093634B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3093634B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical detector (100) with a curved detection surface comprising: - a photosensitive sensor (110); - a support (130) imposing a curvature on the photosensitive sensor; and - an adhesive layer (120), disposed between the photosensitive sensor and the support, with a thickness greater than 50 µm. The thick adhesive layer reduces the stresses imposed on the sensor, for a given radius of curvature, and thus reduces the minimum radius of curvature of the photosensitive sensor. This compensates for significant defects in an upstream imaging system.