Liquid Crystal Lens with High-k Layer for Compact Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid crystal lenses require complex electrode patterns, leading to high power consumption, manufacturing costs, and imaging performance issues due to light scattering and reflection, making them unsuitable for compact applications like camera modules and capsule medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal lens design featuring two liquid crystal cells with an intermediate high-k layer and a simple voltage control method using alternating voltages applied to the electrodes, eliminating the need for complex patterns and reducing power consumption while enhancing imaging performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If concentric transparent electrode patterns are used to form voltage gradients, then the liquid crystal lens can change focal length, but lens distortion occurs due to lead wire patterns and light scattering/reflection at pattern ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic concentric electrode patterns from the optical path. Instead of using concentric patterns that cause distortion and scattering, the invention uses a simplified electrode configuration where lead wires are positioned at corners or edges, completely eliminating the harmful patterns from the central optical region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary resin layer filled between the transparent electrodes to eliminate air gaps and reduce light scattering at interfaces. This resin acts as a mediator that improves optical transparency and reduces harmful light scattering effects.
2Measurement precision
If many transparent electrodes are used with fine patterns, then voltage gradients can be formed, but the driving circuit becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode system into simple corner or edge-positioned electrodes rather than using many fine concentric patterns. This segmentation reduces the number of electrodes from many to just a few, dramatically simplifying the driving circuit while maintaining focal length control capability through voltage gradients formed by these simplified electrode arrangements.
3Ease of operation
If current is supplied to patterned transparent electrodes to form voltage gradients through voltage drop across resistors, then voltage control is simple, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrode configuration parameter from many fine patterns to a few simplified corner/edge electrodes. This parameter change reduces the total resistance and current requirements, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to form voltage gradients for focal length control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If voice coil motors are used to move lenses for focus and angle-of-view adjustment, then these functions can be implemented, but the mechanism size increases making downsizing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lens movement systems (voice coil motors) with an optical field-based solution using liquid crystal lenses. By controlling the refractive index distribution through electric fields, the liquid crystal lens achieves focus and angle-of-view adjustment without any mechanical moving parts, dramatically reducing the overall system size.
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 solution allows for a compact, low-power, and cost-effective liquid crystal lens with improved imaging capabilities, enabling focus and angle-of-view adjustments without mechanical moving parts, suitable for miniaturized camera modules and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
This lens functions by changing the average tilt angle of liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate layer including a ring electrode and a high-k layer having a higher dielectric constant than a glass substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid crystal lens includes a first liquid crystal cell, a second liquid crystal cell, and an intermediate layer sandwiched therebetween. The first liquid crystal cell includes a pair of a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate, a first liquid crystal layer, and a first electrode. The second liquid crystal cell includes a pair of a third transparent substrate and a fourth transparent substrate, a second liquid crystal layer aligned in a direction perpendicular to the first liquid crystal layer, and a second electrode. The intermediate layer includes a high dielectric constant layer and a third electrode including one or a plurality of opening portions.