ITO Core-Shell Resin Composition for Broadband Diffractive Optics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing curable resin compositions containing ITO particles struggle to achieve high transmittance in the visible light to shortwave infrared wavelength region while maintaining a desired wavelength dependence of refractive index, and they also face issues with dispersion stability over time due to low affinity between near-ultraviolet light-absorbing organic compounds and ITO particles.

Innovation Solution

A curable resin composition comprising core-shell structured ITO particles, monofunctional or higher (meth)acrylate compounds, and dispersants, with specific tin concentration and particle size ranges, to enhance transmittance and maintain refractive index stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ITO particles are added to achieve desired refractive index wavelength dependence, then chromatic aberration reduction effect is improved, but transmittance in visible light to shortwave infrared wavelength region deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechromatic aberration reduction effectVSAvoidtransmittance in visible light to shortwave infrared wavelength region

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of ITO particles to 0.1 μm or less, which fundamentally alters the optical interaction between particles and light. This size reduction minimizes light scattering and absorption in the visible to shortwave infrared range, allowing the composition to achieve both desired refractive index characteristics and high transmittance simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining ITO particles with specific resin components. This composite approach allows the ITO particles to provide refractive index wavelength dependence while the resin matrix and optimized particle characteristics maintain high transmittance, resolving the contradiction between chromatic aberration correction and light transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If near-ultraviolet light-absorbing organic compounds are used to adjust refractive index, then wavelength dependence of refractive index is improved, but dispersion stability deteriorates due to low affinity with ITO particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength dependence of refractive indexVSAvoiddispersion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the near-ultraviolet light-absorbing organic compounds and ITO particles. This coupling agent creates chemical bridges that enhance affinity and interaction between the organic compounds and particle surfaces, ensuring stable dispersion while maintaining the refractive index wavelength dependence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameter of the organic compound system by adding silane coupling agent, which changes the surface chemistry and interaction mechanisms. This parameter change enables stable dispersion of ITO particles while preserving the optical properties needed for chromatic aberration correction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition achieves high transmittance across the visible light to shortwave infrared wavelength region while maintaining a desired refractive index, suitable for diffractive optical elements and multilayer diffractive optical elements.

Implementation Method 1

a near-ultraviolet light-absorbing organic compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear-ultraviolet light absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a curable resin composition in which ITO particles are dispersed in a resin containing a photopolymerization initiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12559616B2Curable resin composition, cured product, diffractive optical element, and multilayer diffractive optical element

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 FUJIFILM CORP

AI summary

Provide are a curable resin composition containing ITO particles, in which a cured product obtained from the curable resin composition can exhibit high transmittance over a visible light to shortwave infrared wavelength region while maintaining a wavelength dependence of a desired refractive index; a cured product formed of the curable resin composition; and a diffractive optical element and a multilayer diffractive optical element.A curable resin composition includes particles which have a core-shell structure, in which a core portion is composed of indium tin oxide, a monofunctional or higher (meth)acrylate compound, and a dispersant; a cured product formed of the curable resin composition; and a diffractive optical element and a multilayer diffractive optical element.