Holographic Optical Element Using 3D Cell Segmentation for High Diffraction Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing optical elements with high diffraction efficiency require precise microfabrication techniques and high-processing precision, making the manufacturing process complex and productivity low.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing an optical element comprising a set of three-dimensional cells with a diffraction grating formed in an effective region, where the amplitude is recorded as the area of the effective region and the phase is recorded as a spatial positional phase, allowing for easier manufacturing and improved productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise microfabrication techniques are used to manufacture optical elements with high diffraction efficiency, then diffraction efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical element into a matrix of discrete three-dimensional cells, where each cell independently records amplitude and phase information. This segmentation allows parallel manufacturing processes and simplifies the fabrication of each individual cell, thereby improving productivity while maintaining overall diffraction efficiency through the collective function of all cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from recording only amplitude or only phase information to recording both amplitude and phase information by utilizing the third dimension (depth/groove depth) in addition to the two-dimensional plane. This dimensional extension enables high diffraction efficiency by capturing complete wavefront information without requiring complex microfabrication techniques
2Manufacturing precision
If groove width is precisely controlled to record amplitude information, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent records amplitude information in the two-dimensional plane (groove presence/absence or groove width) and phase information in the third dimension (groove depth). This dimensional separation allows amplitude recording to use simpler, less precise manufacturing methods while maintaining high overall precision through the combined amplitude-phase encoding scheme
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational methods to calculate the required groove patterns based on desired amplitude and phase distributions, then replicates these patterns across the matrix of three-dimensional cells. This copying approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements by using standardized, repeatable fabrication processes rather than requiring precise manual control of each groove
3Reliability
If complex microfabrication processes are used to record amplitude and phase, then hologram reproduction quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hologram into independent three-dimensional cells that can be manufactured and characterized separately. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized fabrication techniques to be applied to each cell type, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high reproduction quality through the collective array of cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent encodes amplitude and phase information by varying physical parameters of the three-dimensional cells (groove depth for phase, groove width or presence for amplitude). These parameter changes provide a straightforward manufacturing approach that avoids complex processes while ensuring high hologram reproduction quality through precise parameter control
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 simplifies the manufacturing process and enhances productivity while maintaining high diffraction efficiency, as the diffraction grating directs reconstruction illumination light to the desired viewpoint, eliminating phase differences and achieving effective hologram reproduction.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating, having a phase that is in accordance with the phase θ, is formed in an effective region having an area that is in accordance with the amplitude A... the diffraction grating directs reconstruction illumination light to the desired viewpoint, eliminating phase differences
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element having a set of a plurality of three dimensional cells. Each cell with a specific amplitude and a specific phase are defined and which has optical characteristics such that when a predetermined incident light is provided to the individual cell, an emitted light, resulting from changing the amplitude and the phase of the incident light in accordance with the specific amplitude and the specific phase defined for the cell is obtained.