Multi-Wavelength Object Lens with Segmented Diffraction Regions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical pickups require multiple object lenses and complex optical systems to achieve compatibility with different optical disc formats, leading to issues such as suboptimal lens inclination, increased cost, and reduced sensitivity due to the need for additional optical parts and precise assembly of diffraction units.

Innovation Solution

A single object lens with a diffraction unit having multiple diffraction regions on one face is used to manage optical beams of different wavelengths, ensuring suitable condensation and minimizing spherical aberration for three types of optical discs, thereby simplifying the optical pickup structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple object lenses are used to achieve compatibility with different optical disc formats, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different optical disc formatsVSAvoidnumber of object lenses and optical parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single object lens is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different wavelengths (405nm, 655nm, 785nm) through a diffraction unit with multiple diffraction regions. Each region is optimized for specific wavelength combinations, allowing one lens to replace multiple dedicated lenses for different optical disc formats (BD, DVD, CD).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The diffraction unit is segmented into multiple diffraction regions (first, second, and third diffraction regions) with different diffraction structures. Each region handles specific wavelength combinations, enabling the single object lens to manage multiple optical disc types without requiring separate lenses for each format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple object lenses are used to cover different wavelengths, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength compatibilityVSAvoidlens inclination and assembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single object lens is designed with universal applicability across multiple wavelengths through the diffraction unit. By incorporating multiple diffraction regions with optimized structures for different wavelength combinations (405nm/655nm, 405nm/785nm, 655nm/785nm), the lens achieves multi-wavelength compatibility without requiring multiple separate lenses, thereby reducing the cumulative precision requirements associated with assembling and aligning multiple lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional optical parts are added for different disc types, then adaptability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport for multiple optical disc typesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single object lens with an integrated diffraction unit that supports multiple optical disc types (BD, DVD, CD) across different wavelengths. This universal design eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate object lenses and associated optical parts, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining full compatibility with various disc formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple object lenses are used, then adaptability is improved, but sensitivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-format supportVSAvoidsignal sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The diffraction unit is divided into multiple specialized diffraction regions, each optimized for specific wavelength combinations. This segmentation allows each region to be finely tuned for its target application, maintaining high signal sensitivity for each wavelength while still providing multi-format support through the collective functionality of all regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables efficient recording and playback of signals from multiple optical disc formats using a common object lens, reducing the number of optical parts, lowering costs, and improving manufacturing precision while maintaining high signal quality.

Implementation Method 1

a diffraction unit provided on one face of an optical element or the object lens positioned on the optical path of the optical beams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS8102749B2Object lens, optical pickup, and optical disc device
Publication Date: 2012.01.24 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US8102749B2 patent drawing
  • US8102749B2 patent drawing
  • US8102749B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical pickup includes: a first emitting unit to emit an optical beam of a first wavelength; a second emitting unit to emit an optical beam of a second wavelength; a third emitting unit to emit an optical beam of a third wavelength; an object lens to condense optical beams emitted from the first through third emitting units onto a signal recording face of an optical disc; and a diffraction unit provided on one face of an optical element or the object lens positioned on the optical path of the optical beams of the first through third wavelengths; wherein the diffraction unit includes a generally circular first diffraction region provided on the innermost perimeter, a ring zone shaped second diffraction region provided on the outer side of the first diffraction region, and a ring zone shaped third diffraction region provided on the outer side of the second diffraction region.