Cycloolefin Polymer with Naphthyl Groups for Optical Elements

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cycloolefin polymers cannot simultaneously achieve a high refractive index, a low Abbe number, and low birefringence, limiting their application in optical elements.

Innovation Solution

A cycloolefin polymer comprising a structural unit derived from a naphthyl group-containing alicyclic compound, which is used in specific proportions during ring-opening or addition polymerization, along with a norbornene-based monomer, to achieve the desired optical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ring-opened or addition polymers are used, then the polymer can be produced with standard optical properties, but it is impossible to simultaneously achieve a high refractive index, a low Abbe number, and low birefringence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical property customizationVSAvoidsimultaneous achievement of refractive index, Abbe number, and birefringence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by incorporating naphthyl group-containing alicyclic compound structural units into the cycloolefin polymer backbone. This composite approach combines the inherent optical properties of cycloolefin polymers with the high refractive index characteristics of naphthyl groups, achieving a synergistic effect that simultaneously delivers high refractive index, low Abbe number, and low birefringence - properties that cannot be achieved with conventional single-component polymers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the proportion of naphthyl group-containing structural units within a specific range (20-100 mol%). This quantitative parameter adjustment allows optimization of the polymer's optical properties, enabling the simultaneous achievement of high refractive index, low Abbe number, and low birefringence by tuning the composition ratio to the optimal range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If the refractive index is increased to improve optical element performance, then the design flexibility increases, but the Abbe number tends to increase and birefringence cannot be sufficiently reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive indexVSAvoidAbbe number and birefringence control

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials incorporating naphthyl group-containing alicyclic compound structural units that inherently provide high refractive index while maintaining low Abbe number characteristics. This composite structure allows the polymer to achieve high refractive index without the typical trade-off of increased Abbe number, and simultaneously maintains low birefringence, thereby expanding optical design flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing naphthyl groups at specific positions within the polymer structure. The naphthyl groups are incorporated as specific structural units (represented by formula (1) with substituents R1a-R5a) that locally enhance the refractive index while their specific arrangement and proportion (20-100 mol%) control the overall optical properties including Abbe number and birefringence, allowing independent optimization of each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 cycloolefin polymer exhibits a high refractive index, a low Abbe number, and low birefringence, providing greater design flexibility for optical elements.

Implementation Method 1

polymers obtained through ring-opening or addition polymerization of cycloolefins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRing-opening polymerization:

Implementation Method 2

polymers obtained through ring-opening or addition polymerization of cycloolefins

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAddition polymerization:

Data Source

PatentUS12319783B2Cycloolefin polymer, method for producing same, and optical element

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 ZEON CORP

AI summary

Provided are a cycloolefin polymer simultaneously having a high refractive index, a low Abbe number, and low birefringence and also a method of producing this cycloolefin polymer and an optical element in which this cycloolefin polymer is used. The cycloolefin polymer is a polymer, or hydrogenated product thereof, said polymer comprising a structural unit derived from a naphthyl group-containing alicyclic compound (A) represented by following formula (1), in a specific proportion. In formula (1), one of R2a to R5a is a naphthyl group and remaining groups among R2a to R5a and R1a are as defined in the specification.