Liquid Crystal Metasurfaces for Compact Camera Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera modules are bulky and prone to generating particles, which can cause blurry images and are difficult to integrate into compact devices due to their physical space requirements and susceptibility to debris, making them unsuitable for small form factor designs such as wearable devices and augmented/virtual reality systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of liquid crystal metasurfaces on optical lenses, which are tunable via electrodes to adjust optical characteristics like amplitude, phase, or polarization, allowing for a compact camera module design with reduced component size and minimized dust generation, utilizing materials like diamond, cubic zirconia, or indium tin oxide for the metasurfaces and electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional camera modules with moving lens components and multiple lens stacks are used, then optical functionality is achieved, but physical space requirements increase making the module bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving lens components with a liquid crystal metasurface that uses electrical fields to control light focusing. The liquid crystal layer between electrodes can dynamically adjust its refractive index and optical properties without any mechanical movement, thereby eliminating the need for bulky mechanical lens stacks while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal metasurface changes its optical parameters (refractive index, phase delay) in response to applied electrical voltage. By varying the voltage across the liquid crystal layer, the focal length and optical characteristics can be dynamically adjusted, replacing the need for physical lens movement or replacement while keeping the module compact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional camera modules with moving components are used, then optical adjustment is possible, but device complexity and susceptibility to particle generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical moving components by using an electrically controlled liquid crystal metasurface. The liquid crystal layer can be programmed to create different optical configurations (lens, mirror, waveguide coupling) through electrical patterns, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal metasurface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a lens for focusing, a waveguide coupler for directing light, and a tunable optical element for adjusting focus and field of view. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate mechanical elements.
3Reliability
If conventional camera modules with larger components are used, then optical performance is maintained, but reliability decreases due to particle generation from component contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving components that generate particles through contact and vibration with an electrically controlled liquid crystal system. The liquid crystal molecules reorient in response to electrical fields without physical contact between moving parts, thereby eliminating the source of particle generation while maintaining optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal metasurface is a solid-state, sealed system that requires no external maintenance or adjustment mechanisms. The liquid crystal layer is encapsulated between electrodes, creating a closed system that prevents particle ingress and eliminates the need for mechanical adjustments that could generate contaminants.
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 solution enables the creation of ultra-compact camera modules that reduce thickness, minimize debris-related failures, and function effectively in small form factor devices, including wearable and augmented/virtual reality applications, while maintaining image quality and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal metasurface formed on the first optical lens... the pair of electrodes may comprise an optical trace, e.g., a metal trace, configured to individually regulate the characteristic and/or functionality of the liquid crystals through the individual electrodes
Implementation Method 2
tune sections of the liquid crystal metasurface and adjust an optical characteristic of the optical signal
Implementation Method 3
a liquid crystal reflector may further direct the optical signal to the waveguide
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses may provide optical lenses comprising liquid crystal metasurfaces. Systems and methods may include a lens system comprising a first optical lens and a liquid crystal metasurface formed on the first optical lens, and a pair of electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the first optical lens. The pair of electrodes may individually tune sections of the liquid crystal metasurface to adjust an optical characteristic of the optical signal. A waveguide may be configured to receive the adjusted optical signal passed through the first optical lens and may provide the optical signal to an image sensor for an image.