Nanoscale Lens Array for Compact High-Resolution 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital cameras are limited in size and cost due to large lens systems, making them unsuitable for nanodevice applications, and face challenges in achieving high resolution and wide-angle imaging due to diffraction limits and physical constraints.
Innovation Solution
The development of an imaging apparatus with multiple sub-micron or nanometer-scale optical elements on a radiation transmitting layer, allowing for focusing, light filtering, and optical correction, combined with flexible sensor arrays and nanofabrication techniques to create high-resolution, compact cameras capable of 3D imaging and panoramic views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional large lens systems are used to focus and define the image onto the focal plane, then imaging quality and light harvesting are improved, but the size and cost of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple segments: an array of nanoscale lenses (one per pixel element) rather than a single large lens, and multiple radiation harvesting elements (photodiodes, phototransistors, etc.) under each lens. This segmentation allows each component to be miniaturized while maintaining overall imaging quality through the collective function of the array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional 2D lens-sensor arrangement to a 3D stacked architecture where nanoscale lenses are positioned above the sensor plane in the vertical dimension. This allows the optical elements to be integrated closely with the radiation harvesting elements, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining optical path length for focusing.
2Device complexity
If the number of lens elements is reduced to decrease device complexity, then manufacturing is simplified, but diffraction limits prevent good imaging capability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fewer large lens elements, the patent segments the optical function across many nanoscale lenses, each serving a single pixel element. This segmentation approach maintains imaging capability by ensuring each lens operates within its diffraction limits while the array collectively provides high-resolution imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the size parameter of the lens elements from millimeter scale to nanometer scale, and changes the arrangement from a few large elements to many small elements. This parameter transformation allows the system to overcome diffraction limits by using sufficiently small lenses that can be placed close to the sensor plane.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional camera design is reduced to extremely small proportions, then device size is reduced, but far field light waves are blocked at wavelengths larger than the physical size of the aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the optical elements into the vertical dimension above the sensor plane, creating a stacked 3D architecture. This allows the nanoscale lenses to have sufficient physical dimensions in the vertical direction to transmit far field light waves, while the horizontal footprint remains extremely small for miniaturized applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the nanoscale lenses in advance above the radiation harvesting elements, creating a pre-configured optical path that guides far field light waves through the lenses and onto the sensors. This preliminary positioning ensures that light waves are not blocked before they can be focused and detected.
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 high-resolution imaging and 3D capabilities in extremely small dimensions, overcoming diffraction limits and physical constraints, while allowing for flexible material use and wide-angle views, including color and spectroscopic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
The material of the individual optical elements has a property that causes them to function as lenses
Implementation Method 2
The optical elements may also be composed of different layers of refractive material enabling radiation of different wavelengths to be manipulated during the path through the optical element to compensate for chromatic aberration effects
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system/camera consisting of multiple nano-sized optical elements arranged in an array format with more than one pixel per optical element will have a higher resolution than each element would be capable of individually, since each element being at a different point gathers slightly different overlapping information. Hence by processing such information one can obtain a clear image. Furthermore multiple information from sectors of an array of sensors can be processed to obtain 3-D, stereotypic and panoramic imaging and may be connected to each other allowing seeing around obstacles as well as enabling full 3-D tracking and/or metric determination of an unknown object. Color/spectroscopic imaging can be achieved by utilizing equally sized lenses and multi-wavelength sensing layers below the lenses. However, color/spectroscopic imaging and/or spectroscopy can be achieved by taking advantage of unique optical properties of nano-scaled lenses accepting various wavelengths below their diffraction limits.