Imaging Lens Nanostructure Coating for Higher Transmittance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the number of lens elements in imaging lens assemblies for portable electronic devices leads to decreased transmittance and stray light reflection, posing challenges in maintaining image quality while reducing research and development costs and time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating nanostructure layers made of alumina crystals with silica film connections between lens elements, optimizing refractive indices and layer dimensions to enhance transmittance and reduce light reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of lens elements is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but transmittance decreases and stray light reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing nanostructure layers with specific structural dimensions (98-420 nm) and refractive index characteristics onto lens element surfaces. This changes the optical parameters of the lens system, enabling reduced stray light reflection and improved transmittance even when multiple lens elements are used. The nanostructure layer's physical and optical parameters are specifically engineered to optimize light transmission while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the nanostructure layer (made of alumina or similar materials with specific refractive indices) with the lens element materials. This composite structure allows the lens assembly to achieve both high transmittance and good image quality by leveraging the complementary optical properties of different materials. The silica film connection further integrates these composite structures across multiple lens elements.
2Reliability
If the number of lens elements is increased to improve image quality, then image quality is improved, but stray light reflection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface optical parameters of lens elements by introducing nanostructure layers with specific structural dimensions (98-420 nm) and refractive index profiles. This parameter modification reduces stray light reflection at each lens interface, thereby suppressing the cumulative stray light problem that arises when multiple lens elements are used. The nanostructure's optical parameters are optimized to minimize harmful reflections while preserving useful light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of multiple lens interfaces (which normally cause stray light reflection) into a benefit by applying nanostructure layers that actively reduce reflection. The nanostructure layers transform the problematic interface into a reflection-suppressing surface, turning what would be a source of stray light into a component that enhances overall system performance.
3Reliability
If more lens elements are used to maintain image quality, then image quality is maintained, but research and development costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-engineering and standardizing the nanostructure layer design with optimized structural dimensions and material properties. This preliminary development of the nanostructure technology provides a reusable solution that can be applied across different lens assemblies, reducing the need for extensive new research and development when designing systems with multiple lens elements. The pre-validated nanostructure design accelerates the development process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by replicating the successful nanostructure layer design across multiple lens elements and different lens assembly configurations. Once the nanostructure technology is developed and validated on one lens element, it can be copied and applied to other lens elements with similar requirements, significantly reducing research and development time and costs for subsequent designs.
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 improves transmittance by up to 0.28% per added nanostructure layer, maintaining high image quality and reducing unnecessary costs and development time by simulating optimal coating surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating nanostructure layers made of alumina crystals with silica film connections between lens elements, optimizing refractive indices and layer dimensions to enhance transmittance and reduce light reflection
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first lens element and the second lens element includes at least one nanostructure layer... a structure dimension of the nanostructure layer is between 98 nm and 420 nm
Implementation Method 3
The structure connection film is disposed between a surface of the first lens element and the nanostructure layer and between a surface of the second lens element and the nanostructure layer, wherein the structure connection film includes at least one silica film, the silica film is directly contacted with a bottom of the nanostructure layer
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging lens assembly includes an imaging lens element assembly, and an optical axis passes through the imaging lens assembly. The imaging lens element assembly includes a plurality of lens elements, and the lens elements includes a first lens element and a second lens element, wherein a refractive index of the first lens element is different from a refractive index of the second lens element. Each of the first lens element and the second lens element includes at least one nanostructure layer and at least one structure connection film. The nanostructure layer is irregularly arranged, the nanostructure layer includes an alumina crystal. The structure connection film is disposed between a surface of the first lens element and the nanostructure layer and between a surface of the second lens element and the nanostructure layer.