Evanescent Wave Conversion Lens Using Indefinite Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional far-field optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit, preventing the conversion of evanescent electromagnetic waves to propagating waves beyond a certain resolution, which restricts imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The use of an indefinite electromagnetic medium with specific permeability and permittivity properties allows for the conversion of evanescent waves to propagating waves and vice versa, enabling the propagation of electromagnetic waves with larger transverse wavevectors through a layered structure with alternating materials, effectively exceeding the diffraction limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional far-field optical systems are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the resolution is limited by the diffraction limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters (permittivity and permeability) of the medium by using an indefinite electromagnetic medium with spatially varying properties. This allows evanescent waves to be converted into propagating waves, thereby exceeding the diffraction limit and improving imaging resolution without fundamentally changing the optical system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an indefinite electromagnetic medium composed of alternating layers of materials with different electromagnetic properties (positive and negative permittivity/permeability). This composite structure enables the conversion of evanescent waves to propagating waves, achieving super-resolution imaging while maintaining a relatively simple layered device configuration
2Measurement precision
If evanescent waves are converted to propagating waves using indefinite electromagnetic medium, then imaging resolution exceeds diffraction limit, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indefinite electromagnetic medium is segmented into alternating layers of different materials, each with specific electromagnetic properties. This segmentation approach allows the complex function of evanescent-to-propagating wave conversion to be achieved through a series of simpler layered components, making the device more manufacturable while maintaining super-resolution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different electromagnetic properties (permittivity and permeability signs) to different layers of the medium. Each layer is optimized with specific local properties to facilitate the wave conversion process, enabling the overall system to exceed the diffraction limit while keeping individual layer designs relatively simple
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 approach enhances the resolution of imaging systems by converting evanescent waves to propagating waves, allowing for improved imaging beyond the conventional diffraction limit, thereby increasing the depth of field and enabling the transmission of electromagnetic waves with higher transverse wavevectors.
Implementation Method 1
an indefinite electromagnetic medium with specific permeability and permittivity properties allows for the conversion of evanescent waves to propagating waves
Implementation Method 2
enabling the propagation of electromagnetic waves with larger transverse wavevectors through a layered structure with alternating materials
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide conversion of evanescent electromagnetic waves to non-evanescent electromagnetic waves and/or conversion of non-evanescent electromagnetic waves to evanescent electromagnetic waves. In some approaches the conversion includes propagation of electromagnetic waves within an indefinite electromagnetic medium, and the indefinite medium may include an artificially-structured material such as a layered structure or other metamaterial.