Meta-Optical Nanostructure Layout for Wide-Angle Structured Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing depth recognition systems using diffractive optical elements (DOEs) face challenges in achieving a wide viewing angle due to decreased diffraction efficiency as the diffraction angle increases, limiting their ability to form structured light with a broad field of view.
Innovation Solution
A meta optical device is designed with nanostructures arranged in a specific pattern to modulate incident light, forming structured light with a viewing angle greater than 160° in both horizontal and vertical directions, utilizing a phase profile generated by an iterative Fourier transform of a first function defined in the spatial frequency domain, and incorporating a support layer to enhance the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a diffractive optical element (DOE) is used to generate structured light, then the structured light can be formed with a specific pattern, but the diffraction efficiency decreases as the diffraction angle increases, limiting the viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the optical element by transitioning from conventional DOE to meta-optical components with sub-wavelength nanostructures. The nanostructures have dimensions smaller than the wavelength of light, enabling unprecedented control over light diffraction patterns and maintaining high diffraction efficiency across wide viewing angles (greater than 160 degrees).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite nanostructure designs combining multiple materials with different refractive indices within each nanostructure. This composite approach enables precise phase control and enhances diffraction efficiency while maintaining broad angular coverage, resolving the trade-off between efficiency and viewing angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diffraction angle is increased to achieve wider viewing angle, then the viewing angle improves, but the diffraction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the operating parameters by using sub-wavelength nanostructures with dimensions less than the light wavelength. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both wide viewing angles (greater than 160 degrees) and high diffraction efficiency simultaneously, reversing the conventional trade-off relationship.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional scale by using nanostructures at the sub-wavelength scale, which is a different dimension compared to conventional DOE features. This dimensional change enables unique light-matter interactions that maintain high efficiency across broad angular ranges.
3Measurement precision
If conventional DOE is used for depth recognition, then the system can measure depth, but the accurate depth measurement is limited by the narrow viewing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using meta-optical components with sub-wavelength nanostructures, which maintain high diffraction efficiency across wide viewing angles. This enables depth recognition systems to accurately measure depth across broader fields of view, improving both measurement precision and angular coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal optical component that functions effectively across a wide range of viewing angles, making the depth recognition system more versatile and accurate for various measurement scenarios without being limited by narrow angular coverage.
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 achieves high diffraction efficiency, allowing for the formation of structured light with a wide viewing angle, enhancing the capability of depth recognition systems to capture detailed three-dimensional information with improved accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a meta optical device for forming structured light by modulating incident light having a preset wavelength including a plurality of supercells each including a plurality of nanostructures... shapes and arrangements of the plurality of nanostructures are configured to form the structured light as a point pattern having a viewing angle greater than 160°
Data Source
AI summary
A meta optical device for forming structured light by modulating incident light having a preset wavelength includes a plurality of supercells each including a plurality of nanostructures having a shape dimension less than the preset wavelength, and shapes and arrangements of the plurality of nanostructures are designed to form the structured light as a point pattern having a viewing angle greater than 160° in horizontal and vertical directions.