Meta-lens with Central Opening for Light Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional meta-lenses have a structural constraint that limits the focal length shortening to a range achievable by phase design, making it difficult to focus light on a position closer to the light incident surface than the focus point based on phase design.
Innovation Solution
The light detector incorporates a meta-lens with a grid pattern of unit structures and an opening region at its center, allowing for simultaneous diffraction by the meta-lens and the opening region, which enables focusing light at a position closer to the light incident surface than the focus point based on phase design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a conventional meta-lens with periodic unit structures is used for phase design, then the focal length can be controlled within a certain range, but the focus point cannot be positioned closer to the light incident surface than the phase design focus point
Solution Approach 1:
The meta-lens is segmented into two functional regions: an annular region with periodic unit structures for phase design and a central opening region without unit structures. This segmentation allows independent control of diffraction from each region, enabling the superposition of multiple focal points and achieving focus positions closer to the incident surface than conventional phase design alone permits.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameter by introducing a central opening region with different diffraction characteristics compared to the annular region. By controlling the size and position of the opening region relative to the unit structures, the effective focal length can be adjusted to achieve focus points closer to the light incident surface while maintaining the phase design functionality of the annular region.
2Ease of manufacture
If the meta-lens is configured by periodic unit structures only, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the light receiving sensitivity cannot be maximized at positions closer to the incident surface
Solution Approach 1:
The meta-lens structure is segmented into an annular region with periodic unit structures (easy to manufacture) and a central opening region (enhances sensitivity). This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for the majority of the structure while adding a functional element that improves light receiving sensitivity at positions closer to the incident surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The central opening region provides local quality enhancement by creating a specific diffraction pattern that complements the annular region. This localized modification at the center of the meta-lens achieves improved light collection and sensitivity without requiring changes to the entire structure, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing performance.
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 configuration allows for improved light receiving sensitivity by focusing light closer to the light incident surface, enhancing the light collection effect and effectively improving the detection efficiency of the light detector.
Implementation Method 1
a meta-lens configured by a plurality of unit structures arranged in a grid pattern and disposed on the light incident surface to focus the detection target light
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to simultaneously generate diffraction by a meta-lens (a plurality of unit structures) and diffraction by an opening region (opening diffraction)
Data Source
AI summary
The light detector includes a light detection substrate having at least one light receiving region and a light incident surface on which a detection target light is incident, and a meta-lens including a plurality of unit structures arranged in a grid pattern and disposed on the light incident surface to focus the detection target light. When viewed in a thickness direction of the light detection substrate, an opening region in which no unit structure is formed is provided in a region including a center of the meta-lens.