Diffractive Optical Element With Spliced Pixel Thickness Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffractive optical elements (DOEs) face challenges in efficiently controlling light beam imaging and diffraction patterns due to limitations in design and manufacturing processes, which affect their performance in optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A diffractive optical element (DOE) comprising a substrate with a pattern region and a surface layer featuring spliced sub-patterns of varying pixel thicknesses, allowing for precise control of light beam imaging at different distances by altering the phase of light rays through first and second sub-patterns with distinct thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single uniform pixel thickness is used in the DOE, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to control light imaging at multiple distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The DOE surface is divided into multiple sub-patterns, each containing pixels with specific thickness values from a predetermined set. This segmentation allows different regions to control light imaging at different distances, enabling multi-distance imaging capability while maintaining a structured approach to complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the DOE (different sub-patterns) are assigned different pixel thickness characteristics. Each sub-pattern uses pixels with thicknesses from the predetermined set that are optimized for specific imaging distances, allowing local optimization for different functional requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sub-patterns with different pixel thicknesses are spliced, then precise beam control at multiple distances is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pixel thickness values are predetermined in discrete sets before the actual DOE fabrication. By pre-defining the thickness values that will be used in each sub-pattern, the manufacturing process can be planned and executed with clear specifications, reducing on-the-fly decision complexity and improving consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The DOE is divided into separable sub-patterns that can be manufactured and characterized independently. Each sub-pattern uses pixels with thicknesses from the predetermined set, allowing modular manufacturing and assembly, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the first sub-pattern and second sub-pattern are spliced at a preset ratio, then the assembled pattern can be optimized for specific applications, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing ratio between different sub-patterns can be adjusted according to specific application requirements. This dynamic design approach allows the DOE to be optimized for different use cases (e.g., different field of view requirements, different imaging distance combinations) by changing the proportion of different sub-patterns in the assembled structure
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 DOE achieves precise beam control and varied diffraction patterns by imaging light rays at specific distances, enhancing the functionality and performance of optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
the DOEs are popular for characteristics such as light weight, miniaturization, and multifunction thereof. These elements can realize precise beam control by using the principle of diffraction of light
Data Source
AI summary
A diffractive optical element (DOE) includes a substrate and a surface layer. The substrate has a pattern region. The surface layer has a plurality of sub-patterns. The sub-patterns include a first sub-pattern and a second sub-pattern. The first sub-pattern and the second sub-pattern are spliced and cover the pattern region. The first sub-pattern includes a plurality of first pixels. Each of the first pixels has a first thickness. The first thicknesses are a plurality of first predetermined values. The second sub-pattern includes a plurality of second pixels. Each of the second pixels has a second thickness. The second thicknesses are a plurality of second predetermined values.