Embedded Metasurface Optical Assembly for Compact Light Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical assemblies in devices like mobile phones and virtual reality apparatuses face challenges with large thickness and low optical transmittance due to the need for folded optical paths and multiple reflections, which increase thickness while reducing light transmittance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of embedded metasurface elements within substrates in an optical assembly, allowing for a compact, ultra-light design that reduces thickness and enhances light transmittance by controlling light paths and minimizing reflections through nanostructure units, thereby increasing optical length without increasing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a folded optical path structure is used to meet optical length requirements, then the optical assembly achieves the required optical length, but the thickness of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional three-dimensional folded optical path to a two-dimensional planar arrangement of optical elements. Multiple optical elements are arranged in parallel on a single plane, allowing the optical path to achieve the required length through lateral arrangement rather than vertical folding, thus reducing thickness while maintaining optical length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple optical elements within a single substrate or integrates them in a nested configuration. The optical elements are arranged in a compact manner where smaller elements can be positioned within or adjacent to larger ones, maximizing the use of available space and achieving required optical length without proportionally increasing the overall assembly thickness.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple reflections are introduced to achieve folded optical paths, then the optical path length is extended, but the optical transmittance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary reflection interfaces from the optical path. Instead of using multiple reflective surfaces to fold the optical path, the design employs a planar arrangement where light travels through a series of optical elements in a single plane, reducing the number of reflections and associated energy losses while maintaining the required optical path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of multiple reflections (which cause energy loss) into a benefit by using a planar arrangement that achieves optical path length extension without reflections. The optical elements are positioned to guide light through a extended path in a single plane, transforming the approach from reflective folding to transmissive planning, thereby improving optical transmittance.
3Length of moving object
If the optical assembly thickness is reduced, then the packaging complexity decreases, but the optical length requirement may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the dimensional arrangement from vertical folding to horizontal planar layout. Optical elements are arranged in parallel on a single plane, allowing the optical path to extend laterally rather than vertically. This maintains a compact thickness profile while achieving the required optical length through extended lateral positioning of optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple discrete optical elements arranged in a planar sequence. Each element contributes a portion of the total optical length, and by arranging these segmented elements in a linear or near-linear planar configuration, the assembly achieves extended optical length without requiring the thickness increase that would result from folding the entire path.
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 design achieves a thinner and more efficient optical assembly with improved light transmittance by utilizing metasurface elements to control light paths and reduce optical losses, resulting in better optical performance and reduced packaging complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The first metasurface element and the second metasurface element are configured such that one of the first metasurface element and the second metasurface element reflects at least a portion of light to another one of the first metasurface element and the second metasurface element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate that extend parallel to a reference plane and are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane; and a plurality of optical elements that are arranged parallel to the reference plane and include a first metasurface element and a second metasurface element. The first metasurface element is embedded in the first substrate and/or the second metasurface element is embedded in the second substrate. The first metasurface element and the second metasurface element are configured such that one of the first metasurface element and the second metasurface element reflects at least a portion of light to another one of the first metasurface element and the second metasurface element.