Laser-Modified Polymer Lens Opaque Zones for CMOS Imager Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manufacturing of optical lenses for CMOS imagers involves complex structures and lengthy assembly processes, increasing costs due to the need for dedicated production lines and handling of components like diaphragms and infrared filters.

Innovation Solution

A method using laser light to locally degrade the molecular structure of polymer materials for creating opaque zones with optical functions, such as diaphragms and diffraction gratings, directly on lenses, which simplifies the assembly by eliminating the need for separate lens-holder frames and reducing assembly steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate diaphragm and infrared filter components are used in the micro-module, then the optical functions are well-defined, but the device complexity and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical function definitionVSAvoidmicro-module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the diaphragm and infrared filter functions directly into the lens body by creating opaque zones within the lens material itself. This eliminates the need for separate diaphragm and infrared filter components, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall micro-module structure while maintaining the required optical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lens is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs focusing, diaphragm control, and infrared filtering. By integrating multiple optical functions into a single lens element, the patent reduces device complexity and the number of assembly steps required for the micro-module.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate diaphragm and infrared filter components are used, then the optical functions are well-defined, but the assembly time and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical function definitionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single lens component, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for diaphragms and infrared filters. This integration directly reduces assembly time and simplifies the production process while maintaining well-defined optical functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diaphragm and infrared filter functions are created during the lens manufacturing process itself, rather than being added as separate components during assembly. By preliminarily forming the opaque zones within the lens material, the patent eliminates subsequent assembly steps and reduces production time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple separate components are used in the micro-module, then each component can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing cost and handling requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single lens component, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, handled, and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant production lines and handling requirements while maintaining the ability to optimize optical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional lens reduces the overall component count in the micro-module, simplifying the supply chain, inventory management, and assembly processes. By making the lens universal for multiple optical functions, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing by integrating optical functions directly onto lenses, allowing for simpler assembly and potentially lowering production costs while maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

producing in or on the lens at least one opaque zone having an optical function, by locally degrading the molecular structure of the polymer material by using a beam of laser light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS7580204B2Method for manufacturing lenses, in particular for an imager comprising a diaphragm

Publication Date: 2009.08.25 STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SAS

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a lens of a polymer material, includes producing in the core of the lens or on the surface of the latter at least one opaque zone having an optical function, by locally degrading the molecular structure of the polymer material using a beam of laser light. Example application is provided in particular but not exclusively to CMOS imagers.