Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Lens for High Refractive Index and Low Abbe Number
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical lens materials struggle to achieve a high refractive index while maintaining a low Abbe number, which is essential for improving image quality and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A cyclic olefin-based copolymer is developed, comprising constitutional units derived from α-olefins, cyclic olefins, and aromatic vinyl compounds, specifically formulated to adjust the Abbe number to a lower value than conventional materials while maintaining a high refractive index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional resin materials are used for optical lenses, then the Abbe number is maintained at a conventional level, but the refractive index cannot be sufficiently increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the compositional ratios of three specific constitutional units (A, B, and C) in the cyclic olefin-based copolymer. By adjusting the content ratios of these units within defined ranges, the Abbe number can be precisely controlled between 30-55 while maintaining high refractive index, providing flexible optical property tuning without changing the fundamental material structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a ternary copolymer system combining three distinct constitutional units with different optical properties. Unit (A) from α-olefin, unit (B) from cyclic olefin, and unit (C) from aromatic vinyl compound work synergistically to achieve both high refractive index and adjustable Abbe number, overcoming the limitations of single-component or binary polymer systems.
2Measurement precision
If the Abbe number is reduced to improve image quality, then the refractive index may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the compositional parameters of the copolymer. Specifically, by controlling the content ratio of constitutional unit (C) derived from aromatic vinyl compound within 5-50 mol% and constitutional unit (B) within 20-70 mol%, the Abbe number is reduced to 30-55 for improved image quality, while the refractive index is maintained at high levels through the synergistic effect of all three units.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite copolymer structure allows simultaneous optimization of conflicting optical properties. The aromatic vinyl compound units (C) contribute to lower Abbe number for better chromatic aberration control, while the cyclic olefin units (B) and α-olefin units (A) maintain the high refractive index necessary for compact lens design, achieving both image quality improvement and optical performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The optical lens of the present invention contains a molded product constituted with a cyclic olefin-based copolymer having a constitutional unit (A) derived from an α-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, a constitutional unit (B) derived from a cyclic olefin, and a constitutional unit (C) derived from an aromatic vinyl compound represented by a specific chemical formula.