Integrated Light Interference Generator for Low-Loss Hologram Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hologram recording devices require a distance between optical elements and an imaging surface, leading to increased size and optical loss due to Fresnel reflection, which darkens the reproduced image.
Innovation Solution
A compact hologram recording device is achieved by integrating a birefringent material, phase modulator, and polarizer without gaps, generating two light waves with different phases directly onto an image sensor, reducing optical loss and enhancing image brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If optical elements are separated from the imaging surface with a distance, then the device structure is simpler and easier to assemble, but the device size increases and optical loss due to Fresnel reflection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the birefringent material, phase modulator, and polarizer into a single compact assembly that is directly mounted on the imaging surface of the image sensor. This merging of multiple optical elements into one integrated unit eliminates the need for separate mounting and spacing, thereby reducing the overall device volume while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the phase modulator is positioned within or between the birefringent material and the polarizer, all of which are closely integrated near the imaging surface. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional layers to occupy minimal space, reducing device size without compromising optical performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical elements are separated from the imaging surface with a distance, then the device structure is simpler and easier to assemble, but optical loss due to Fresnel reflection increases and image brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical elements into a tightly integrated assembly mounted directly on the imaging surface, the patent minimizes the number of air-glass interfaces. This reduces Fresnel reflection losses at each interface, thereby improving light transmission efficiency and image brightness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the harmful effect of Fresnel reflection by eliminating air gaps between optical elements and the imaging surface. By ensuring direct contact or minimal spacing, the design converts the potential harm of interface reflections into a benefit of reduced optical loss and enhanced image quality.
3Volume of stationary object
If optical elements are integrated without gaps near the imaging surface, then device compactness improves and optical loss decreases, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the overall structure by merging multiple optical functions into a single integrated assembly that mounts directly on the image sensor. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and mounting mechanisms, thereby lowering structural complexity despite the close integration of functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly performs multiple optical functions simultaneously: the birefringent material generates orthogonal polarized light waves, the phase modulator introduces phase shifts, and the polarizer aligns polarization components. By combining these functions into one multi-functional unit, the patent reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
4Loss of energy
If optical elements are integrated without gaps near the imaging surface, then optical loss decreases and image brightness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical elements into a pre-assembled integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of separate alignment operations required during final device assembly. The internal alignment of elements within the integrated assembly can be performed during manufacturing, thereby reducing the alignment precision requirements at the system integration stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary alignment and bonding of the birefringent material, phase modulator, and polarizer during the manufacturing of the integrated assembly. By performing alignment actions in advance during assembly rather than during final installation, the design reduces the precision requirements for field assembly and simplifies the manufacturing process.
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 device produces a bright, three-dimensional image with improved compactness and efficiency by minimizing optical loss and eliminating the need for additional illumination.
Implementation Method 1
a first birefringent material... generating two light waves whose radii of curvature are different from each other from linearly polarized lights that are orthogonal to each other
Implementation Method 2
a phase modulator configured to spatially, temporally, or spatially and temporally divide a polarization component whose polarization direction is parallel to or orthogonal to an optic axis of the first birefringent material to change a phase difference in two or more ways
Implementation Method 3
the polarization components of the two light waves are aligned to form an interference fringe with a polarizer whose transmission axis is in a diagonal direction
Implementation Method 4
form an interference fringe
Implementation Method 5
optical loss due to Fresnel reflection at an interface with air that is between optical elements or between an optical element and the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A hologram recording device includes an image sensor and a light interference generator that is attached to an imaging surface of the image sensor. The light interference generator is configured to generate two light waves whose phases are different from each other from an incident object light, and the image sensor is configured to record interference fringes that are formed from the two light waves as a hologram. The light interference generator includes a first birefringent material, a phase shifter array configured to spatially divide a polarization component whose polarization direction is parallel to or orthogonal to an optic axis of the first birefringent material to change a phase difference in two or more ways, and a polarizer whose transmission axis is in a direction that is inclined with respect to the optic axis of the first birefringent material. The first birefringent material, phase shifter array, and polarizer are arranged in this order starting from a side of incidence of light.