Multi-Function Metasurface Beam Splitter for High-Temperature Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam splitters are limited by their material composition, which affects temperature stability and versatility, and can only perform single-mode beam-splitting functions, restricting their application in high-temperature environments and limiting functional customization.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function metasurface beam splitter comprising at least two metalens arrays, each with multiple metalens units having different light processing functions, arranged to satisfy specific positional and combination conditions for achieving diverse optical functions beyond beam splitting, including convergence, divergence, polarization conversion, and filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional plastic beam splitters are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost is low, but temperature stability deteriorates and they cannot withstand high-temperature applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a substrate (glass or crystal material) with metalens arrays (metal or dielectric materials). This composite material approach provides both structural stability for high-temperature operation and optical functionality, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional plastic mechanical beam splitters with metalens arrays that utilize optical phase modulation through metallic or dielectric nanostructures. This substitution enables high-temperature operation while maintaining beam splitting functionality, addressing the temperature stability issue.
2Device complexity
If single-mode beam splitters are used, then device complexity is low, but functional versatility deteriorates and they cannot perform multiple optical functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal beam splitting device using metalens arrays that can perform multiple optical functions including beam splitting, beam combining, focusing, defocusing, and polarization conversion. By configuring different metalens units with varying phase profiles and geometries, a single device achieves multiple functions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the beam splitting function into multiple independent metalens units, each capable of performing different optical operations. These segmented units can be independently designed and configured to achieve various beam processing functions, enabling functional customization without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional beam splitters are used, then they can only split light into two beams, but the ability to split light into multiple beams deteriorates and customization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-beam splitting to multi-beam splitting by utilizing angular and spatial dimensionality in the metalens design. By configuring metalens units with different phase gradients and geometries, the system generates multiple output beams at different angles and positions, achieving customized beam arrangements without complicating the basic beam splitting operation.
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
Enables versatile optical functions in extreme environments by leveraging metalens arrays with adjustable parameters for beam splitting and additional light processing capabilities, enhancing temperature stability and functional adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
The metalens unit set includes at least two metalens units with two different light processing functions... A combination relationship among each metalens unit in the metalens unit set satisfies a first preset condition for realizing a preset function
Implementation Method 2
Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) can realize hundreds to thousands of output beams... The DOE beam splitters enable customization according to the number of output beams, angles between output beams, and arrangement of output beams
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function metasurface beam splitter includes at least two metalens arrays. Any metalens array of the at least two metalens arrays includes at least one metalens unit, and the at least two metalens arrays include a metalens unit set. The metalens unit set includes at least two metalens units with two different light processing functions, and a combination relationship among each metalens unit in the metalens unit set satisfies a first preset condition for realizing a preset function. The preset function refers to a light processing function of the multi-function metasurface beam splitter. A combination relationship among the at least two metalens arrays satisfies a second preset condition for realizing the preset function.