Micro-Lens Array Asymmetry for Uniform Quadrangular Light Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-lens arrays struggle to uniformly diffuse light into quadrangular shapes, leading to reduced light utilization efficiency and variation in diffusion intensity, and periodic structures can generate diffracted light.
Innovation Solution
A micro-lens array design with micro-lenses arranged in a matrix, featuring four main sides inclined relative to row and column directions, varying intervals, vertex positions, and radii of curvature, along with an optional antireflection film, to control diffusion intensity and maintain quadrangular light distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lenses are arranged periodically in a matrix to diffuse light into a quadrangle, then light utilization efficiency is improved, but diffracted light is generated and uniformity of diffusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by inclining the main sides of micro-lenses relative to the row and column directions of the matrix arrangement. Specifically, each micro-lens has four main sides where each side is inclined at a specific angle (e.g., 15 degrees) with respect to the virtual lines parallel to the row or column directions. This asymmetric inclination breaks the periodic symmetry that causes diffraction, thereby maintaining uniform light diffusion while preserving the quadrangular light distribution and high light utilization efficiency.
2Shape
If the cross-sectional shapes of lenses are made non-uniform to achieve quadrangular diffusion, then light distribution shape is improved, but homogeneous diffusion becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the inclination angles of the main sides of different micro-lenses within the array. While all micro-lenses have the same basic quadrangular shape, each micro-lens has specific inclination angles (e.g., θ1, θ2, θ3, θ4) that are locally optimized. This local variation in inclination angles allows each micro-lens to contribute to both the quadrangular overall shape and the homogeneous diffusion, resolving the contradiction between shape control and uniformity.
3Shape
If vertex positions of lenses are displaced from basic pattern to achieve quadrangular diffusion, then light distribution shape is improved, but uniform diffusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by systematically inclining the main sides of micro-lenses rather than randomly displacing vertex positions. The inclination angles are carefully controlled (e.g., 15 degrees from the vertical or horizontal) to create asymmetric micro-lens shapes that collectively produce quadrangular light distribution. This controlled asymmetric approach maintains regular spacing between micro-lenses, preventing diffraction while achieving both shape control and uniform diffusion.
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 design achieves reduced variation in diffusion intensity and improved light utilization efficiency by ensuring uniform diffusion into quadrangular shapes, minimizing diffracted light, and reducing interface reflections.
Implementation Method 1
Light incident on the micro-lens array is refracted and diffused by the irregularity on the surface
Implementation Method 2
an antireflection film, and the antireflection film may be laminated on at least one of a first surface on which the plurality of micro-lenses are disposed and a second surface which faces the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
The micro-lens array is a micro-lens array in which a plurality of micro-lenses are arranged in a matrix in a plan view, wherein each of the plurality of micro-lenses has four main sides in a plan view, and each of the four main sides is inclined with respect to a row virtual line parallel to a row direction or a column virtual line parallel to a column direction.