Flat Transformational Electromagnetic Lenses Using Index Profiles

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lenses require curved surfaces for focusing, which leads to reflection issues and complexity in integration with optical and RF devices, and the use of negative-index materials is lossy and difficult to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

Design of flat lenses with planar faces using positive index materials and metamaterials, employing transformation optics to create an internal index profile that modifies electromagnetic radiation without the need for curved surfaces, allowing for beam convergence, divergence, and redirection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lenses use curved surfaces for focusing, then focusing capability is achieved, but reflection issues and integration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional lens design by using flat surfaces instead of curved surfaces. The focusing capability is achieved not through surface curvature but through an engineered internal index profile within the lens material, fundamentally reversing the traditional approach to lens design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the refractive index parameter within the lens material by creating a spatially varying index profile. This parameter change enables the flat lens to focus electromagnetic radiation without requiring curved surfaces, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and focusing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional lenses use curved surfaces, then refraction and focusing are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing effectVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional lens design by using flat surfaces instead of curved surfaces. The focusing capability is achieved not through surface curvature but through an engineered internal index profile within the lens material, fundamentally reversing the traditional approach to lens design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a spatially varying refractive index profile within the lens material. Different regions of the lens have different index values, enabling focusing functionality in a flat geometry. This local variation in material property simplifies manufacturing compared to precision curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If negative-index materials are used for flat lenses, then flat lens functionality is achieved, but power loss and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflat lens geometryVSAvoidpower loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the refractive index parameter within the lens material by creating a spatially varying index profile. This parameter change enables the flat lens to focus electromagnetic radiation without requiring curved surfaces, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and focusing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If conventional lenses use curved surfaces, then wave propagation manipulation is achieved, but reflection losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewave propagation controlVSAvoidreflection losses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional lens design by using flat surfaces instead of curved surfaces. The focusing capability is achieved not through surface curvature but through an engineered internal index profile within the lens material, fundamentally reversing the traditional approach to lens design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the refractive index parameter within the lens material by creating a spatially varying index profile. This parameter change enables the flat lens to focus electromagnetic radiation without requiring curved surfaces, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and focusing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flat lenses achieve efficient beam modification with reduced reflections and increased power transmission, enabling compact, directional radiation sources and improved focusing capabilities without the limitations of negative-index materials.

Implementation Method 1

In conventional lenses, the focusing effect is due to a combination of refraction at the lens faces and curvature of the lens faces. In some examples of the present invention, the focusing effect is due to an index profile within the lens material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8699140B2Flat transformational electromagnetic lenses

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 THE PENN STATE RES FOUND INC

AI summary

Examples of the present invention include methods and apparatus for modification of electromagnetic waves, including lenses with generally parallel flat surfaces. Lenses may comprise metamaterials, dielectric materials (such as glass), plastics, and the like. Lenses may have an index profile corresponding to a coordinate transformation for the desired effect on the electromagnetic waves.