Multifocal Lens With Complementary Waveplates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifocal lenses with a single diffractive waveplate element face complexity in arranging fast and slow axis arrays to form multiple focal points while minimizing phase distribution and optical aberration, limiting the number of focal points they can achieve.
Innovation Solution
A multifocal lens with multiple waveplates, where neighboring waveplates have complementary phase relationships, with opposite phase signs, such as Φ and −Φ, to increase the number of focal points, allowing for adjustable focal points by varying the thickness of the waveplates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single diffractive waveplate element is used in a multifocal lens, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost is low, but the number of focal points is limited and the arrangement of fast and slow axis arrays becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The single waveplate is divided into multiple waveplates with different phase signs. Each waveplate can be independently designed and manufactured with simpler axis arrangements, while collectively they achieve multiple focal points. The segmentation of the waveplate into multiple layers with complementary phases resolves the complexity of arranging fast and slow axes in a single layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple waveplates with different phase signs are combined to form a composite optical system. This composite structure allows each waveplate to contribute differently to the focal point formation, simplifying the individual axis arrangements while achieving the desired multiple focal points through their combined effect.
2Device complexity
If a single diffractive waveplate element is used in a multifocal lens, then the lens structure is simple, but the number of focal points that can be formed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single waveplate is segmented into multiple waveplates, each contributing to forming focal points. By stacking multiple waveplates with complementary phase relationships, the total number of focal points increases while maintaining relative structural simplicity through modular stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional arrangement of fast and slow axes in a single waveplate to a three-dimensional stacking of multiple waveplates. This dimensional transition allows for more focal points to be formed through the cumulative effect of multiple layers, each adding to the focal point diversity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple waveplates with complementary phases are disposed in a lens, then the number of focal points increases, but the lens structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveplates are nested or stacked in sequence within the lens structure. This nesting approach allows for a compact arrangement where multiple functional elements are integrated in a space-efficient manner, increasing the number of focal points while controlling overall structural complexity through systematic stacking.
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 significantly increases the number of focal points, enabling more effective vision correction for conditions like myopia and hyperopia, and can be applied to both ophthalmic lenses and industrial optics, with adjustable focal points through light intensity changes.
Implementation Method 1
two or more waveplates disposed in a direction of the same axis as the lens and made of a birefringent material
Implementation Method 2
a method involving a diffractive waveplate element made of a birefringent material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a multifocal lens having multiple waveplates. More particularly, the multifocal lens having multiple waveplates includes a lens having an incident surface and an opposite surface thereof; and two or more waveplates disposed on the lens in a direction of the same axis of the lens and made of a birefringent material, wherein respective phases of neighboring waveplates have opposite phase signs to have a complementary relationship, and when the number of waveplates is less than 2, the number of focal points increases.