Fresnel Lens-Prism Waveguide for Light Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planar waveguide systems face limitations in efficiently focusing and steering light sources with minimal volume and surface area consumption, particularly in multi-wavelength applications where precise wavelength separation and directionality are required.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a Fresnel lens and Fresnel prism patterned in the core material of a planar waveguide, which combines focusing and refracting capabilities while reducing the overall volume and surface area required, allowing for efficient light beam manipulation and wavelength separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional lenses and prisms are used separately in planar waveguide systems, then light focusing and steering functions are achieved, but the volume and surface area consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a Fresnel lens and a Fresnel prism into a single integrated lens-prism structure patterned in the core material. This merging of two separate optical elements (lens for focusing and prism for steering) into one component achieves both light focusing and directionality functions while reducing the overall volume and surface area required in the waveguide system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lens-prism structure performs multiple optical functions simultaneously - it acts as both a focusing element (lens function) and a light-steering element (prism function). This multi-functionality allows the single component to replace what would traditionally require separate lens and prism elements, thereby reducing system volume while maintaining full light manipulation capability.
2Area of stationary object
If separate lens and prism elements are integrated in planar waveguides, then focusing and steering functions are achieved, but the surface area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lens and prism functions into a single patterned structure within the core material, thereby minimizing the surface area occupied by optical elements while maintaining precise wavelength separation capability through the combined optical actions of the Fresnel lens and Fresnel prism portions.
3Device complexity
If conventional optical elements are used in planar waveguides, then light focusing is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system complexity by merging the lens and prism into a single integrated optical element patterned in the core material, eliminating the need for separate components and their associated alignment and integration complexities, while maintaining efficient light manipulation through the combined Fresnel lens-prism structure.
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 effectively focuses and refracts light beams with reduced volume and surface area consumption, enabling precise wavelength separation and directionality, enhancing the resolving power of the waveguide system and improving its efficiency in multi-wavelength applications.
Implementation Method 1
a lens-prism comprising a Fresnel lens portion, and a Fresnel prism portion
Implementation Method 2
The Fresnel lens portion is arranged on a first side of the lens-prism and includes a plurality of Fresnel zones each having a concave concentric annular surface and a substantially planar surface arranged substantially in parallel with the lens axis
Implementation Method 3
The Fresnel prism portion is arranged on a second side of the lens-prism opposite the Fresnel lens portion and includes a plurality of Fresnel zones each having a first planar surface and a second planar surface arranged at an oblique angle relative to the lens axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide system includes a substrate, a cladding layer arranged on the substrate, a core layer arranged on the cladding layer, and a lens-prism patterned in the core material, the lens-prism comprising a Fresnel lens portion, and a Fresnel prism portion.