Metasurface Element Phase Design for Dual Projection Light Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing projection devices face challenges in integrating multiple projected light fields on metasurface elements due to difficulties in designing the metasurface element, particularly in applications with large fields of view.

Innovation Solution

A method for designing a metasurface element involves determining collimated and diffractive phases based on a target projection dot matrix, obtaining phases for p-polarized and s-polarized light, and distributing nano structures to integrate both dot matrix and light-homogenizing light fields, using iterative Fourier algorithms and relationship diagrams to optimize phase and size distributions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a metasurface element is designed to integrate multiple projected light fields, then the versatility and application scope are improved, but the design complexity and difficulty of achieving proper phase distribution increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of multiple light fieldsVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The metasurface element is divided into multiple independent nano structures, each capable of producing different projected light fields. By segmenting the metasurface into discrete controllable units, the design complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to integrate multiple light fields through proper arrangement and phase control of individual segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The metasurface element is designed with nano structures that can perform multiple functions - each nano structure can produce different projected light fields depending on its phase distribution. This multi-functionality allows a single metasurface element to integrate multiple light fields without requiring separate components, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through unified design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the field of view is increased for large coverage, then the application scope is improved, but the machining difficulty of microlens surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidmachining difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical microlens structures with a metasurface element consisting of subwavelength nano structures. This substitution eliminates the need for complex surface machining while achieving large field of view through the phase control capabilities of the nano structures, thereby improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of light control from macroscopic surface shape (microlens curvature) to subwavelength phase distribution. By controlling the phase of light through the arrangement and dimensions of nano structures rather than through bulk material shaping, the design achieves large field of view with significantly reduced machining difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables the metasurface element to project both dot matrix and light-homogenizing light fields effectively, enhancing the diversity and scope of applications by integrating multiple light fields, especially in large field of view scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

A metasurface element is an emerging optical element that has flourished in recent years. The metasurface element includes a subwavelength structure in two-dimensional arrangement, which may control an electromagnetic wave with multi-dimensional freedom, such as amplitudes, phases, and polarization.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetasurface:

Implementation Method 2

The 3D structured light generally uses a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE) to project a dot matrix.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

By using the polarization control capability of the metasurface element, two projected light field effects may be theoretically integrated in one device.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization control: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS20260050157A1Method for designing metasurface element, and projection device

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 SUNNY OMNILIGHT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method for designing a metasurface element, and a projection device are provided. The method for designing a metasurface element includes: determining a collimated phase φcollimator of a metasurface element and a diffractive phase φDOE of the metasurface element according to a target projection dot matrix, obtaining one of a phase φp when the metasurface element enters through p-polarized light and a phase φs when the metasurface element enters through s-polarized light according to the collimated phase φcollimator and the diffractive phase φDOE, and determining the other one of the phase φp and the phase φs according to a target projection light-homogenizing light field; and determining distribution of a plurality of nano structures of the metasurface element according to the phase φp and the phase φs.