Spatially Variant Microreplicated Layer for Tunable Optical Filters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical filters face challenges in efficiently tuning their spectral selectivity and sensitivity, particularly in applications like optical communication systems and sensors, where changing optical properties requires costly recalibration of manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a spatially variant microreplicated layer with a wavelength selective filter allows for post-manufacture tuning of optical properties by adjusting the light incidence angles, enabling the same base filter to produce different optical responses without altering its properties, thus customizing optical filters for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the spectral selectivity and sensitivity of optical filters are improved through manufacturing process adjustments, then the optical performance is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to requiring recalibration for each change
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is divided into two independent functional components: a base optical filter providing spectral selectivity and a separate spatially variant microreplicated layer providing angular control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured independently, eliminating the need for joint recalibration while achieving enhanced spectral selectivity and angular sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microreplicated layer introduces dynamic angular control capabilities to the otherwise static optical filter. By varying the incidence angle of light through the microreplicated structures, the effective spectral response can be tuned without physical modification to the base filter, enabling post-manufacture customization.
2Measurement precision
If the spectral selectivity and sensitivity are improved by changing optical properties during manufacturing, then the optical performance is enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases due to recalibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the spectral filtering function (base optical filter) from the angular control function (microreplicated layer), the invention allows the base filter to be manufactured once with fixed spectral properties. The microreplicated layer is then added as a separate component, eliminating the need for expensive joint recalibration processes while achieving enhanced spectral selectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control parameter from physical/optical properties (which require manufacturing recalibration) to angular parameters (which can be controlled after manufacture). The microreplicated layer enables spectral tuning by varying the angle of incidence rather than by changing the physical properties of the base filter.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single base optical filter is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base optical filter becomes a universal component that can serve multiple applications by combining it with different microreplicated layers. Each microreplicated layer can be designed with specific geometric parameters to provide different angular responses, allowing the same base filter to be adapted for hyperspectral imaging, biometric analysis, or other applications without remanufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The microreplicated layer provides dynamic adaptability to the static base filter. By changing the angular distribution of incident light through different microreplicated structures, the effective spectral response can be customized for different applications while using the same base filter, achieving versatility without additional manufacturing complexity.
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 allows for the customization of optical filters to achieve different optical responses without changing the base filter, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing spectral selectivity and sensitivity, making them suitable for diverse applications such as hyperspectral imaging and biometric analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The spatially variant microreplicated layer may include a plurality of microreplicated features, each microreplicated feature configured to transmit light to a different optical region of the wavelength selective filter at a different predetermined incidence angle
Implementation Method 2
Optical filters may include optical layers that manage the transmission of incident electromagnetic radiation, including light. Optical filters may reflect or absorb a portion of incident light, and transmit another portion of incident light.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique of determining the presence of a species in a sample may include passing light through an optical filter. In an example, the optical filter may include a spatially variant microreplicated layer optically coupled to a wavelength selective filter. The wavelength selective filter may have a light incidence angle-dependent optical band. The spatially variant microreplicated layer may be configured to transmit light to a first optical region of the wavelength selective filter at a first predetermined incidence angle and to a second optical region of the wavelength selective filter at a second predetermined incidence angle.