Lens Assemblies With Interrupted Bonding Agent Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In lens systems used in lithography and semiconductor inspection, the degradation of bonding agents due to light exposure leads to contamination and misalignment of optical lenses, affecting equipment performance.
Innovation Solution
The optical lens assembly features a bonding agent arranged in an interrupted configuration around the circumference of the optical lens, positioned to avoid high-intensity regions of the light footprint, minimizing exposure and degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a bonding agent is used to couple the optical lens to the lens holder, then the lens can be securely positioned, but the bonding agent degrades under light exposure leading to contamination and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding agent is applied in a segmented or interrupted configuration rather than as a continuous layer. This segmentation reduces the total surface area of the bonding agent exposed to light, thereby minimizing degradation while maintaining sufficient bonding strength at the discrete bonding locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding agent is strategically positioned only in specific regions where bonding is required, rather than covering the entire lens periphery. This local application ensures bonding strength is concentrated where needed while reducing overall light exposure and degradation risk.
2Strength
If the bonding agent is positioned to maximize bonding strength, then the lens is securely held, but the bonding agent is exposed to high-intensity light regions causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding agent is positioned in specific localized regions that balance bonding requirements with light exposure considerations. By carefully selecting bonding locations, the system achieves adequate bonding strength while minimizing exposure to high-intensity light regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the light intensity distribution pattern to advantage by positioning bonding agents in regions where light intensity is lower. What would normally be considered a limitation (non-uniform light distribution) is converted into a benefit by strategically placing bonding agents in low-intensity zones.
3Area of stationary object
If the bonding agent is applied in a continuous configuration, then complete coverage is achieved, but degradation occurs in high-intensity light regions leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous bonding agent layer is divided into segmented or interrupted sections. This segmentation maintains sufficient total coverage area for bonding while reducing the cumulative surface area exposed to degrading light, thereby minimizing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent effectively 'discards' the notion of continuous bonding agent coverage in favor of a more efficient segmented approach. This allows the system to achieve bonding functionality with reduced material exposure to harmful light, preventing degradation and contamination.
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 configuration reduces the degradation of the bonding agent, minimizing contamination and maintaining lens alignment, thereby enhancing the operational stability and performance of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
an optical lens positioned to transmit and refract light provided by the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An optical system includes a lens assembly and a light source. The lens assembly includes an optical lens positioned to transmit and refract light provided by the light source, and a lens holder coupled to the optical lens and maintaining a position of the optical lens relative to the light source. The optical lens is coupled to the lens holder with a bonding agent arranged in an interrupted configuration at positions proximate to a circumference of the optical lens. The light source provides light to the optical lens of the lens assembly. The light provided to the optical lens has an optical footprint that includes a plurality of high-intensity regions separated from one another by low-intensity regions and the bonding agent is positioned in a circumferential orientation relative to the light source such that the bonding agent is spaced apart from the high-intensity regions of the optical footprint of the light.