Metalens Array With Bounded Angular Field-Of-View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metasurface-based optical devices face limitations in large field-of-view applications due to constraints on allowable field-of-view to control geometric aberrations and crosstalk in the image plane, which restrict their potential in compact imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
Designs of meta-units and metasurfaces with angular-dependent transmissions or reflections enable the construction of metalenses with bounded angular field-of-views, allowing for extended overall angular and linear field-of-views, suitable for compact imaging systems in 2D and 3D applications, and metasurface angular filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If existing metasurface-based optical devices are used, then compact optical systems can be constructed, but the field-of-view is constrained to control geometric aberrations and crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The metasurface is divided into multiple meta-units with different geometric configurations. Each meta-unit is designed to manipulate light at specific angles, and by arranging these diverse meta-units across the metasurface, the system achieves both compactness and extended field-of-view without excessive geometric aberrations or crosstalk
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the metasurface are assigned meta-units with locally optimized geometric configurations tailored to their specific angular requirements. This local customization allows each region to handle its designated angular range effectively, enabling the overall system to achieve a broad field-of-view while maintaining image quality and controlling aberrations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the field-of-view is extended in metalens arrays, then large FOV imaging is achieved, but crosstalk and geometric aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each meta-unit within the metalens array is designed with specific geometric configurations optimized for its local angular range. This local optimization ensures that light at different angles is handled by appropriately designed meta-units, reducing geometric aberrations and minimizing crosstalk between adjacent elements while maintaining an extended field-of-view
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple copies of metalens units with systematically varied geometric configurations across the array. By carefully designing the distribution and variation of these copied units, the system extends the field-of-view while the systematic arrangement prevents excessive crosstalk and maintains control over geometric aberrations
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 proposed designs enable compact imaging systems to achieve large field-of-view imaging with reduced crosstalk and geometric aberrations, enhancing the performance of metasurface-based optical devices in applications like miniaturized imaging, light-field cameras, and biomedical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
meta-units and metasurfaces with angular-dependent transmissions or reflections enable the construction of metalenses with bounded angular field-of-views
Implementation Method 2
each metalens unit in the array is configured with an extended depth of view for projecting a cluster of object sources positioned in a range of object distances
Data Source
AI summary
A metalens array for three-dimensional (3D) imaging is disclosed. This metalens array includes an array of metalens units. Each metalens unit in the array is configured with an extended depth of view (DOV) for projecting a cluster of object sources positioned in a range of object distances in the axial direction into a cluster of image spots in an image plane such that each of the image spots remains in focus and is separated from other image spots in the cluster of image spots. Moreover, the metalens array is configured to project the cluster of object sources into multiple clusters of image spots in the image plane, wherein each cluster of image spots is a different copy of the cluster of object sources in the image plane located apart from other clusters of image spots.