Meta-structure Pillar Pitch Variation for Light Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical lenses are bulky and inefficient due to constant pitch sizes in meta-lenses, leading to reduced light-collection efficiency in full-color imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a meta-structure featuring different pitches in various sub-regions, allowing for optimized pillar spacing and widths to enhance light-collection efficiency, including a central region and surrounding regions with specific pillar configurations and Fresnel lenses for improved deflection angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If constant pitch size is used in meta-lens structures, then manufacturing is simplified, but light-collection efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the pitch of pillars across different regions of the meta-lens. The central region has a first pitch while the peripheral region has a second pitch, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific optical function. This regional differentiation improves light-collection efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through standardized pillar structures.
2Reliability
If multiple conventional optical lenses are combined to provide specific functionality, then functional performance is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple conventional optical lenses into a single integrated meta-lens structure. By combining the functions of color filters, light-focusing lenses, and beam splitters into one component with region-specific pillar configurations, the device achieves the required functional performance while significantly reducing volume and eliminating chromatic effects.
3Productivity
If pillar pitch is increased in peripheral regions, then light-collection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the meta-lens into distinct regions (central and peripheral) with different pitch requirements. This segmentation allows the peripheral region to use a larger pitch for improved light-collection efficiency while the central region maintains a smaller pitch for precise optical control. The segmentation approach reduces overall manufacturing precision requirements by allowing tolerances to vary by region.
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 optical device achieves enhanced light-collection efficiency by varying pillar pitches and widths across sub-regions, reducing bulkiness and improving performance in full-color imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The meta-lens has nano-structures using high refractive index materials to change optical phase
Implementation Method 2
the optical device further includes a Fresnel lens disposed adjacent to the meta-structure
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is provided. The optical device has a central region and a first-type region surrounding the central region. The first-type region includes a first sub-region and a second sub-region between the central region and the first sub-region. The optical device includes a substrate. The optical device also includes a meta-structure disposed on the substrate. The meta-structure includes first pillars in the first sub-region and second pillars in the second sub-region. In the cross-sectional view of the optical device along the radial direction of the optical device, two adjacent first pillars have a first pitch, two adjacent second pillars have a second pitch, and the second pitch is greater than the first pitch.