Metasurface Illumination Projector for Compact Spot Patterning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable computing devices, such as smartphones and augmented/virtual reality devices, require compact and efficient sources of optical radiation for both patterned and flood illumination, but current designs are limited by the need for multiple optical elements, which increase size, cost, and sensitivity to fabrication errors.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single metasurface optical element (MOE) that combines beamsplitting and collimation capabilities, mounted over an array of emitters, to direct collimated sub-beams toward a target, forming a pattern of spots or providing flood illumination, while also applying an angular tilt to ensure coverage across the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical elements are used for beam splitting and collimation, then the illumination pattern can be achieved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines beam splitting and collimation functions into a single metasurface optical element. The metasurface contains multiple zones with different geometric structures that simultaneously perform beam splitting (separating the input beam into multiple output beams) and collimation (making the output beams parallel). This integration eliminates the need for separate beam splitters and collimating lenses, reducing the number of optical elements while maintaining the required illumination pattern quality
Solution Approach 2:
The metasurface optical element is designed to perform multiple functions within a single component. Different regions of the metasurface are engineered with specific geometric patterns that enable the same element to split beams into multiple directions, collimate the output beams, and control the illumination pattern. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity while achieving the desired optical performance
2Reliability
If multiple optical elements are used, then the illumination function can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging beam splitting and collimation into a single metasurface element, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and aligned. This integration lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating multiple fabrication processes and reducing material requirements while maintaining the necessary illumination function
3Reliability
If multiple optical elements are used, then the optical pattern can be formed, but the sensitivity to fabrication errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions into a single metasurface element, thereby eliminating the interfaces and alignment requirements between multiple separate components. This reduction in the number of optical interfaces decreases the cumulative sensitivity to fabrication errors and misalignment, making the system more robust while maintaining accurate optical pattern formation
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 reduces the size and cost of optical projection systems, simplifies assembly, and enhances robustness against fabrication errors, while achieving efficient and uniform illumination across the target area.
Implementation Method 1
An optical metasurface is disposed on the optical substrate and configured to collimate and split each of the emitted beams into a respective group of collimated sub-beams
Implementation Method 2
An optical metasurface is disposed on the optical substrate and configured to collimate and split each of the emitted beams into a respective group of collimated sub-beams
Implementation Method 3
the optical metasurface is configured to apply an angular tilt to the second axis relative to the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optoelectronic apparatus includes an array of emitters configured to emit beams of optical radiation. An optical substrate is mounted over the array. An optical metasurface is disposed on the optical substrate and configured to collimate and split each of the emitted beams into a respective group of collimated sub-beams, and to direct the collimated sub-beams toward a target to form a pattern of spots on the target.