Dual-Layer Metal Optical Element for Extraordinary Light Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical elements with metal structures have low generation efficiency of extraordinary light due to the generation of both transmitted and reflected light, with complex refractive indices of metals affecting efficiency and causing losses, especially in the visible range.
Innovation Solution
An optical element comprising a first and second metal structure layer with different shapes, each smaller than the incident wavelength, and a dielectric layer in between, where the distance between these layers satisfies the condition λ4n(2N+0.5)≤dz≤λ4n(2N+1.5), enhancing the generation efficiency of extraordinary light by reducing reflected ordinary light intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If metal structures are used to generate extraordinary light, then polarization control is achieved, but generation efficiency is reduced due to reflected light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single metal structure layer into two separate layers (first metal structure layer and second metal structure layer), each with different metal structures. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each layer's function: the first layer generates extraordinary light while the second layer suppresses reflected ordinary light, thereby resolving the contradiction between polarization control and generation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A dielectric layer is introduced as an intermediary between the two metal structure layers. This dielectric layer with optimized thickness acts as a mediator that enables constructive interference for transmitted extraordinary light while destructive interference for reflected ordinary light, thus improving generation efficiency without compromising polarization control capability
2Manufacturing precision
If metal structures are used in optical elements, then phase control is achieved, but energy loss increases due to absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining metal structures with a dielectric layer. The metal structures provide phase control capability while the dielectric layer with optimized thickness reduces absorption loss through interference effects, thus resolving the contradiction between phase control precision and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the dielectric layer to satisfy specific interference conditions. By changing this physical parameter, the system achieves reduced absorption loss while maintaining phase control capability, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and energy loss
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 improves the generation efficiency of extraordinary light, enabling better optical performance in optical apparatuses by optimizing the interlayer distance and phase delay differences between metal structure layers.
Implementation Method 1
a phase delay amount (that is, by performing a phase control)
Implementation Method 2
the optical element generates, at a certain rate, an extraordinary light that is a polarized light component polarized in a direction different from that of the incident wave
Implementation Method 3
the extraordinary light generated due to an effect of the metal structures can be changed in its propagating direction and can be condensed, by the phase control
Data Source
AI summary
The optical element (100) includes a first metal structure layer (2) and a second metal structure layer (4) each including multiple metal structures whose sizes are smaller than an incident wavelength. The optical element further includes a dielectric layer (3) disposed between the first and second metal structure layers. Multiple metal structures 5 (5a to 5h) included in each of the first and second metal structure layers include metal structures having mutually different shapes. A condition of λ(2N+0.5)/(4n)≤dz≤λ(2N+1.5)/(4n) is satisfied where dz represents a distance between the first and second metal structure layers, λ represents the incident wavelength, n represents a refractive index of the dielectric layer for the incident wavelength, and N represents an integer equal to or larger than zero.