Meta-lens Projector Nanostructures Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The demand for miniaturized laser projectors for augmented, virtual, and mixed reality applications is hindered by the size and complexity of traditional lens modules, which are difficult to manufacture and align effectively.
Innovation Solution
A projector design utilizing a meta-lens with nanostructures that focuses structured light, eliminating the need for multiple lenses and simplifying the manufacturing process by using a pattern mask and meta-lens integrated with a substrate, allowing for subminiature size and improved light control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional lens modules with multiple sheets of optical lenses are used, then desired optical performance is achieved, but the size of the laser projector increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation, focusing, pattern projection) into a single integrated meta-lens structure with nanostructures. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate lens sheets, reducing the overall projector volume while maintaining the required optical performance for structured light projection and depth recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces nanostructures with sub-wavelength dimensions (nanoscale features) to achieve optical control functions that traditionally required larger macroscale lens elements. By operating at the nanoscale dimension, the system achieves the same optical performance with dramatically reduced physical size, enabling miniaturization of the projector
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sheets of optical lenses are used, then desired optical performance is achieved, but manufacturing and alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions into a single meta-lens component with nanoscale features that perform collimation, focusing, and pattern projection simultaneously. This eliminates the need for manufacturing and aligning multiple separate lens sheets, dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The meta-lens structure with precisely engineered nanostructures performs multiple optical functions automatically through its integrated design. The nanoscale features are configured to inherently provide the required optical performance without requiring external alignment or adjustment, making the system self-sufficient and easier to manufacture
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 meta-lens projector achieves miniaturization and enhanced light control, enabling precise depth recognition and improved depth information capture, reducing image distortion and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
a meta-lens including a plurality of first nanostructures on a second surface of the substrate, the second surface facing the first surface, the first nanostructures having a sub-wavelength dimension that is less than a wavelength of light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
The nanostructures may receive the structured light pattern and focus it on a focusing plane spaced apart from the meta-lens
Implementation Method 3
The pattern mask may include a first portion which is a region where laser light is absorbed or reflected and a second portion which is a region where laser light is transmitted
Implementation Method 4
The pattern mask may include a first portion which is a region where laser light is absorbed or reflected
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are projectors, each including a light source configured to emit laser light, a substrate spaced apart from the light source, a pattern mask including a pattern disposed on a first surface of the substrate, the first surface facing the light source, and a meta-lens including a plurality of first nanostructures formed on a second surface of the substrate, the second surface opposite the first surface, the nanostructures having a dimension of a sub-wavelength that is less than a wavelength of light emitted from the light source.