Meta-Optical Device Collimating Light Beams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical systems require large sizes and face challenges in maintaining processing precision due to the need for multiple optical components and curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A meta-optical device comprising a substrate assembly and multiple meta-optical arrays with nanostructures arranged in an array, which collimate and deflect light beams by inducing specific phase shifts, allowing for compact size while maintaining precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical components (prisms, lenses, curved surfaces) are used to deflect and focus light beams, then the optical system can achieve the required optical functions, but the system size becomes large and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light manipulation from geometric curvature to phase modulation. Instead of using curved surfaces with varying radii, the invention uses planar meta-optical arrays with nanostructures that induce specific phase shifts (Δφn(xn, yn)) on incident light beams. This parameter change from geometric shape to phase control enables compact integration while maintaining precise optical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical components (prisms, lenses, curved mirrors) with a meta-optical system based on nanostructure arrays. These nanostructures manipulate light through phase modulation rather than physical curvature, substituting a complex mechanical optical system with a compact planar device that achieves the same light beam deflection and focusing functions.
2Volume of moving object
If the radius of curvature of curved surfaces is reduced to compact the optical system, then the system size decreases, but maintaining processing precision becomes difficult due to technical limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the controlling parameter from radius of curvature to phase shift values. The phase difference Δφn(xn, yn) is calculated based on the desired light beam deflection angles and focal lengths, allowing precise control of optical paths without relying on difficult-to-manufacture small-radius curved surfaces. This parameter transformation enables compact design while maintaining high precision through programmable phase control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional curved surface geometry to two-dimensional planar nanostructure arrays. By encoding optical information in the spatial distribution and phase properties of nanostructures on a flat substrate, the system achieves compact size while maintaining precision through planar fabrication techniques rather than complex 3D曲面加工.
3Reliability
If multiple optical components are used to achieve collimation and deflection functions, then the optical performance is adequate, but the device complexity increases and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (collimation, deflection, focusing) into a single integrated meta-optical device. The substrate assembly with multiple meta-optical arrays performs all these functions simultaneously through phase modulation, eliminating the need for separate prisms, lenses, and mirrors. This functional integration maintains optical performance while significantly reducing device complexity and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The meta-optical arrays are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple optical operations. By adjusting the phase difference parameters Δφn(xn, yn) and nanostructure configurations, the same device can achieve different light beam manipulations (collimation, deflection at various angles, focusing at different focal lengths), replacing multiple specialized components with a single multi-functional device.
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-optical device effectively collimates and deflects light beams with high precision, achieving the same optical performance as traditional systems but in a significantly smaller form factor.
Implementation Method 1
each of the nanostructures thereof is configured to have a parameter Δφn(xn, yn) relating to: Δφn(xn, yn) represents a difference between a phase shift to be induced on the nth light beam by the nanostructure and a phase shift to be induced on the nth light beam by one of the nanostructures that is located at the origin
Data Source
AI summary
A meta-optical device for collimating and deflecting a light beam is provided to include a substrate assembly and at least one meta-optical array that is formed on the substrate assembly and that is disposed to receive at least one light beam. The at least one meta-optical array includes a plurality of nanostructures that are made in such a way that the at least one light beam is collimated and deflected after passing through the at least one meta-optical array.