Micro-lens Array and Light Blocking Stack for Optical Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical apparatuses are limited in reducing thickness and cost due to the use of a single condensing lens, and they face challenges in easy fabrication and effective reduction of stray light interference.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus incorporates a light sensitive device with a matrix of photosensitive units and a light blocking stack layer featuring patterned metal layers with inclined light passages, along with micro-lenses, to limit incident angles and enhance sensing efficiency, eliminating the need for a single large lens and reducing size and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single condensing lens is used, then the optical apparatus can be fabricated, but the total thickness cannot be further decreased and cost cannot be effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single condensing lens is segmented into multiple micro-lenses arranged in an array, where each micro-lens corresponds to a photosensitive unit. This segmentation allows for reduced thickness while maintaining optical functionality, as each micro-lens can be independently optimized and the overall structure can be integrated with the sensor array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large lens in one dimension to multiple micro-lenses distributed across a two-dimensional array. This dimensional change enables better integration with the photosensitive unit array and allows for thinner overall construction while maintaining adequate light collection and focusing capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single condensing lens is used, then the optical apparatus can function, but cost cannot be effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the single lens into multiple micro-lenses, each micro-lens can be smaller and potentially manufactured using standard semiconductor fabrication processes, reducing cost. The segmented structure also allows for better integration with the sensor array, improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of micro-lenses instead of a single large lens. These micro-lens copies can be manufactured using repeatable fabrication processes, enabling cost-effective production while maintaining consistent optical performance across the array.
3Measurement precision
If light passages are inclined toward a direction away from the matrix center, then sensing efficiency in specific angles is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light passages are configured with different inclination angles depending on their position relative to the matrix center. Light passages farther from the center have larger tilt angles, while those closer to the center have smaller or zero tilt angles. This local differentiation optimizes sensing efficiency for specific angles at different positions without requiring complex overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light passage configuration introduces asymmetry by tilting passages at different angles based on their position in the array. This asymmetric configuration is deliberately designed to enhance sensing efficiency for specific incident angles, trading some structural simplicity for improved measurement capability.
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 compact, low-cost, and easy-to-fabricate optical apparatuses with improved sensing efficiency and reduced stray light interference, effectively detecting object movement while minimizing the thickness and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of micro-lenses is disposed on the light blocking stack layer and opposite to the light passages, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The light sensitive device is disposed on the substrate and configured to receive a reflected light beam formed by the object reflecting the light beam
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical apparatus including a substrate, a light emitting device, a light sensitive device and a plurality of micro-lenses. The light emitting device is disposed on the substrate and adapted to provide a light beam. The light sensitive device is disposed on the substrate and adapted to receive a light beam reflected from an object, wherein the light sensitive device has a plurality of photosensitive units arranged in matrix. The micro-lenses are disposed above the light sensitive device and respectively opposite to the associated photosensitive units. There is further provided a light sensitive device with micro-lens and a manufacturing method thereof.