Folded Metasurface Optics for Compact Precision Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized optical devices face challenges in achieving high precision, reliability, and low manufacturing cost while meeting tight assembly tolerances and structural strength within size and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A folded optical design using metasurfaces on a monolithic substrate with multiple internal reflections, enabling versatile beam control in a compact package, incorporating reflective and transmissive metasurfaces for beam manipulation, focusing, and beam splitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional optical devices are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but assembly precision and structural strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (beam steering, focusing, splitting) into a single monolithic substrate with integrated metasurfaces, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical components and their associated assemblies. This integration maintains optical precision while achieving miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metasurfaces that operate in the transverse dimension (perpendicular to beam propagation) to control light paths through phase modulation. This allows complex optical functionality to be achieved in a planar, two-dimensional structure rather than requiring three-dimensional component assemblies, thereby maintaining precision while reducing overall device volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are integrated, then device functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic substrate with multiple metasurfaces serves multiple optical functions simultaneously - beam steering, focusing, and splitting - all within a single integrated component. This multi-functionality approach enhances device versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as the functions are unified rather than separate.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical functionality is segmented into distinct metasurface regions on the monolithic substrate, with each region performing a specific function (steering, focusing, splitting). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function while maintaining overall integration, managing complexity through functional decomposition within a unified structure.
3Measurement precision
If tight assembly tolerances are required, then optical precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining all optical elements into a single monolithic substrate fabricated using semiconductor-like processes, the patent eliminates the need for precise mechanical assembly of multiple components. The optical precision is achieved through monolithic fabrication where all elements are created in their final positions simultaneously, avoiding cumulative assembly tolerances and reducing manufacturing cost.
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 design achieves compact, versatile optical devices with improved precision and reliability, allowing for efficient projection and detection applications such as pattern-based depth mapping and imaging, while maintaining a low manufacturing cost.
Implementation Method 1
a beam path that includes multiple internal reflections within the substrate
Implementation Method 2
propagation of a beam of optical radiation through the substrate
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the first and second optical metasurfaces is configured to focus the beam propagating along the beam path
Implementation Method 4
the second optical metasurface is configured to couple the beam of optical radiation propagating along the beam path out of the substrate while splitting the beam into multiple output beams
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a substrate that includes a parallelepiped of a transparent dielectric material. The substrate is configured for propagation of a beam of optical radiation through the substrate along a beam path that includes multiple internal reflections within the substrate. The device further includes first and second optical metasurfaces disposed on one or more faces of the substrate at different, first and second points of incidence of the beam path with the one or more faces.