Micro Lens Array for Photo Sensor Light Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Photo detecting sensors face inefficiencies in energy conversion between central and non-active areas due to varying light concentration and aberration, leading to optical loss in non-active areas.
Innovation Solution
A micro lens array with concave and convex lenses is interposed between the optical part and the photo detector to balance energy conversion efficiency by dispersing light in active areas and concentrating it in non-active areas, preventing optical loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a light incident on the central area is concentrated in small-sized spots, then the optical power is relatively great, but the optical energy density becomes saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different lens types (concave vs. convex) to different regions of the micro lens array. Specifically, concave lenses are used in the central area to disperse light and prevent optical energy density saturation, while convex lenses are used in the non-active area to concentrate light and improve detection sensitivity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region's optical properties according to its specific requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If a light incident on the non-active area has greater-sized spots due to aberration, then the coverage area increases, but only a part of spots incident on the active detecting area generates signal, causing optical loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses convex lenses in the non-active area to concentrate light onto the active detecting area, ensuring that light from the non-active area is properly focused and does not result in optical loss. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by maintaining coverage area while improving light utilization efficiency in the non-active region.
3Ease of manufacture
If the photo detecting sensor uses a uniform lens structure across all areas, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the energy conversion efficiency cannot be balanced between central and non-active areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a micro lens array with different lens types (concave and convex) arranged in different regions. This local differentiation optimizes energy conversion efficiency in each area - concave lenses in the central area prevent saturation while convex lenses in the non-active area improve light concentration - thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and energy conversion efficiency.
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 micro lens array effectively balances energy conversion efficiency across both areas, ensuring adequate light incidence and reducing optical loss, thereby enhancing the SNR and accuracy of light detection.
Implementation Method 1
a micro lens array interposed between the optical part and the photo detector to concentrate the optical signal having passed the optical part to within the active detecting area of the photo detector
Implementation Method 2
the micro lens array may include a first micro lens part having a concave lens characteristic and a second micro lens part having a convex lens characteristic
Data Source
AI summary
The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a photo detecting sensor including a photo detector configured to detect an optical signal incident on an active detecting area for optical detection, an optical part arranged at a front side of the photo detector to pass the optical signal, and a micro lens array interposed between the optical part and the photo detector to concentrate the optical signal having passed the optical part to within the active detecting area of the photo detector.