Infrared Reflective Optical Layering for Visible Appearance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices lack the ability to selectively reflect and transmit infrared light while matching desired appearance, performance, and directional properties.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a first selective light modulator layer with infrared transparent particles and at least one infrared reflective material, which can be in the form of a reflective layer or particles, is designed to achieve selective reflectance and transmission of infrared light, with options for oriented or diffuse reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared reflective material is added to optical device, then infrared light reflection is improved, but visible light appearance and transmission properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first layer with infrared transparent particles for visible light transmission, a second layer with infrared reflective particles for infrared reflection, and a third layer with infrared transparent particles for additional visible light transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between infrared reflection and visible light appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device uses composite material structures where different particle types are distributed across multiple layers. The first and third layers contain infrared transparent particles (such as dielectric particles) that allow visible light transmission, while the second layer contains infrared reflective particles (such as metal particles). This composite approach enables simultaneous optimization of both infrared reflection and visible light appearance.
2Reliability
If infrared reflective layer is deposited on substrate, then infrared reflection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into three sequential deposition steps: first depositing infrared transparent particles on the substrate, then depositing infrared reflective particles on top, and finally depositing another layer of infrared transparent particles. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to a single complex layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical device have different material compositions tailored to their specific functions. The first and third layers use infrared transparent particles optimized for visible light transmission, while the second layer uses infrared reflective particles optimized for infrared reflection. This local quality differentiation simplifies manufacturing by allowing standard deposition processes to be used for each layer type.
3Shape
If selective light modulator layer is added, then directional control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directional control function is segmented across multiple layers rather than implemented in a single complex layer. The first layer provides base transmission, the second layer provides infrared reflection with directional control, and the third layer provides additional transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to be simpler while collectively achieving the desired directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device uses composite particle distributions across multiple layers to achieve directional control. The specific arrangement of infrared transparent particles in the first and third layers with infrared reflective particles in the second layer creates a composite structure that controls the directionality of light transmission and reflection without requiring complex single-layer 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 optical device can control the transmission and reflection of infrared light, providing both functional and aesthetic properties, such as colored appearance and directional control, suitable for applications like automotive radar sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a first selective light modulator layer comprising infrared transparent particles
Implementation Method 2
at least one infrared reflective material chosen from an infrared reflective layer and a plurality of infrared reflective particles
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device, including a first selective light modulator layer comprising infrared transparent particles; and at least one infrared reflective material chosen from an infrared reflective layer and a plurality of infrared reflective particles is disclosed. A method of making the optical device is also disclosed.