Nanoparticle Notch Filter for Selective Neuroactive Light Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for blocking neuroactive wavelengths of light, such as those affecting melanopsin-containing ganglion cells, often impair vision and distort colors due to broad spectrum attenuation, making them undesirable for selective filtering.

Innovation Solution

The use of notch filters containing nanoparticles, which selectively attenuate specific wavelengths by scattering and absorbing light irrespective of the incident angle, allowing for precise regulation of light reaching the eye without significantly impacting the rest of the visible spectrum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If broad spectrum attenuation lenses are used to block neuroactive wavelengths, then photophobia and migraine symptoms are reduced, but vision is impaired and colors are distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotophobia and migraine symptomsVSAvoidvision quality and color perception
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light spectrum into neuroactive and non-neuroactive portions by using nanoparticles tuned to specific wavelengths. The nanoparticles selectively target only the harmful neuroactive wavelengths (approximately 480nm for melanopsin-containing ganglion cells) while allowing other wavelengths to pass through, thus blocking harmful factors without degrading overall vision quality or color perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating a notch filter with a narrow attenuation band at the specific neuroactive wavelength range. The nanoparticles are engineered to have localized optical properties that interact only with specific wavelengths, providing selective attenuation at the targeted wavelength while maintaining high transmission in adjacent spectral regions, thereby preserving vision and color perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If broad spectrum attenuation lenses are used to block neuroactive wavelengths, then photophobia and migraine symptoms are reduced, but the filtering is not selective enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotophobia and migraine symptomsVSAvoidwavelength selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the nanoparticle size, shape, and material composition to precisely control the resonant wavelength. By varying these parameters, the notch filter can be tuned to target specific neuroactive wavelengths with high precision. The localized surface plasmon resonance frequency of the nanoparticles can be adjusted by changing particle dimensions and material properties, enabling selective attenuation at exactly the desired wavelength range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces exposure to neuroactive wavelengths, minimizing photophobia and related conditions like migraines while maintaining clear vision and color perception, even in low-light conditions.

Implementation Method 1

notch filters containing nanoparticles, which selectively attenuate specific wavelengths by scattering and absorbing light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

notch filters containing nanoparticles, which selectively attenuate specific wavelengths by scattering and absorbing light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3068342B1Nanoparticle light filtering method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 UNIV OF UTAH RES FOUND
  • EP3068342B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3068342B1 patent drawingFigure 4~4A
  • EP3068342B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5C

AI summary

Implementations of the present invention relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for blocking, attenuating, or filtering neuroactive wavelengths of the visible light spectrum and reducing or preventing the symptoms affiliated with exposure to those wavelengths. Nanoparticles of a predetermined composition, size, and structure are dispersed in a host medium to create an optical notch filter, thereby attenuating only a narrow range of the visible spectrum.