Meta-surface Optical Element with Integrated Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Meta-surface optical elements face issues with increased assembling costs and reduced precision due to the use of semiconductor processes, particularly in depth sensors, where zero-order light or noise affects the quality of structured optical patterns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a meta-surface optical device that incorporates a light absorption layer to absorb zero-order light, combined with a multifunctional meta-surface structure, reduces zero-order effects by using optical absorption materials and specific nano-processes for pattern formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If semiconductor processes are used to manufacture meta-surface optical elements, then manufacturing precision and optical efficiency are improved, but assembling costs increase and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the meta-surface optical element and the light blocking layer into a single integrated structure. The light blocking layer is formed as part of the same manufacturing process that creates the meta-surface patterns, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps. This merging reduces assembling costs while maintaining the high precision achieved through semiconductor processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking layer serves multiple functions: it blocks zero-order light to improve optical quality, and it is manufactured using the same semiconductor process that creates the meta-surface patterns. This multi-functionality approach allows a single manufacturing process to achieve both the optical element fabrication and the zero-order light blocking, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Use of energy by moving object
If semiconductor processes are used to manufacture meta-surface optical elements, then optical efficiency is improved, but assembling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manufacturing of the meta-surface optical element and the light blocking layer into a single integrated process. This eliminates separate assembly steps that would increase costs, while maintaining the high optical efficiency achieved through precise semiconductor manufacturing of the meta-surface patterns.
3Reliability
If a light blocking layer is added to absorb zero-order light, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking layer is integrated into the same manufacturing process as the meta-surface patterns, forming a unified structure. This merging approach improves image quality by blocking zero-order light while avoiding the need for separate components or assembly steps, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking layer is designed to serve multiple purposes within the optical system: it blocks zero-order light to improve image quality, and it is manufactured using the same process that creates the meta-surface patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device structure.
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 approach enhances the quality of image regions by eliminating defects caused by zero-order light, thereby improving the precision and reducing costs associated with meta-surface optical element manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a light blocking layer configured to block light incident on peripheral regions of the meta-surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Provided are meta-surface optical device and methods of manufacturing the same. The meta-surface optical device may include a meta-surface arranged on a region of a substrate and a light control member arranged around the meta-surface. The light control member may be arranged on or below the substrate. A material layer formed of the same material used to form the meta-surface may be disposed between the light control member and the substrate. Also, the meta-surface may be a first meta-surface arranged on an upper surface of the substrate, and a second meta-surface may be arranged on a bottom surface of the substrate. Also, the meta-surface may include a first meta-surface and at least one second meta-surface may formed on the first meta-surface, and the light control member may be arranged around the at least one second meta-surface.