Light Collection Layer for Optical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical elements with a wave guide color filter (WGCF)-type structure, oblique light absorption by metal grids leads to a drop in quantum effect (QE) especially for peripheral pixels, necessitating an improvement in QE while maintaining low cross-talk between color filters.
Innovation Solution
A high-refractive-index light collection layer with a refractive index of 1.6 to 1.9 is introduced between the color filter and the substrate, surrounded by a patterned organic layer, featuring shapes like curves, tapers, or polygons to enhance light focusing and reduce cross-talk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a wave guide color filter structure is used, then the structure can guide light effectively, but the metal grids absorb oblique light causing quantum effect to drop especially in peripheral pixels
Solution Approach 1:
A light collection layer with refractive index of 1.6-1.9 is introduced as an intermediary component between the color filter and substrate. This layer mediates the optical interaction by collecting oblique light that would otherwise be absorbed by metal grids and redirecting it to improve quantum effect in peripheral pixels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the light collection layer to 1.6-1.9, which is higher than surrounding materials. This parameter change enables effective light collection and redirection, converting the harmful oblique light absorption into beneficial light guidance that improves quantum effect
2Illumination intensity
If the light collection layer has higher refractive index to improve light collection, then quantum effect improves, but cross-talk between color filters may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light collection layer is designed with spatially varying properties - it is positioned only in peripheral pixel regions where quantum effect degradation occurs, and its width is controlled to be between 1/4 to 1 times the color filter width. This local application improves quantum effect in affected areas while avoiding interference with central regions and adjacent color filters
Solution Approach 2:
The light collection layer is applied partially rather than universally - specifically in peripheral regions where light collection is needed, with controlled width to provide sufficient light collection action while preventing excessive action that would cause cross-talk between adjacent color filters
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 specific light collection layer improves QE peaks of blue and green color filters by 3% and 1% respectively, while maintaining low cross-talk between color filters, and can be tailored for various pixel configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the refractive index of the light collection layer is greater than that of the patterned organic layer
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element is provided. The optical element includes a substrate, a plurality of metal grids formed on the substrate, a patterned organic layer formed on the plurality of metal grids, a color filter surrounded by the patterned organic layer, and a light collection layer formed between the color filter and the substrate, and surrounded by the patterned organic layer. The refractive index of the light collection layer is greater than that of the patterned organic layer.