Graded-Index Lens Array for Consistent Focal Characteristics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lens fabrication techniques often result in microlenses with varying focal characteristics due to differences in curvature, and the use of heat, UV treatment, and photoresist materials can affect the stability and optical properties of lenses, compromising image quality in imaging devices.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming lenses with a structure comprising first and second lens portions having different refraction indices, where the refraction indices vary gradually in a radial direction to achieve a consistent focus, and the lens materials can be any transparent material, such as glass or oxynitride, allowing for improved optical properties and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional additive microlens fabrication with reflow process is used, then lenses can be formed efficiently, but microlenses have different curvatures leading to varying focal characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a graded-index lens structure where the refraction index varies spatially - specifically, the lens material has a higher refraction index at the center and gradually decreases toward the edges. This local variation in optical properties compensates for curvature differences across the lens array, ensuring consistent focal characteristics while maintaining efficient additive fabrication processes
2Ease of manufacture
If heat and UV treatment are used during additive process, then lens material can be formed and hardened, but stability and optical properties of lens materials are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple lens materials with different refraction indices in a graded configuration. This composite structure allows the lens to achieve the desired optical properties through material composition rather than relying heavily on post-processing treatments like heat and UV, thereby improving material stability while maintaining ease of manufacture
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 solution ensures consistent focal characteristics across a lens array, enhancing image quality by mitigating the issues of varying curvatures and material instability, leading to improved performance in imaging devices.
Implementation Method 1
A method of forming lenses with a structure comprising first and second lens portions having different refraction indices, where the refraction indices vary gradually in a radial direction to achieve a consistent focus
Data Source
AI summary
A lens, a lens array and imaging device and system containing a lens, and a method of forming a lens array and an imaging device and system containing a lens. Each lens has varying reflection indices in a radial direction.