Nanostructured Thin Lens Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging apparatuses using optical lenses face limitations in reducing thickness due to the need for multiple lenses to correct chromatic and geometric aberrations, which increases the size and thickness of the device.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multilayer structure with nanostructures in a thin-lens configuration, where the heights and shapes of the nanostructures are varied to compensate for aberrations and reduce the overall thickness, allowing for a more compact imaging apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple optical lenses are used to correct chromatic and geometric aberrations, then image quality is improved, but the thickness and size of the imaging apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (chromatic aberration correction, geometric aberration correction, and focusing) into a single integrated lens structure. This is achieved by incorporating multiple types of nanostructures (first, second, and third nanostructures with different height ranges) within one lens, eliminating the need for multiple separate lenses and thereby reducing the overall thickness while maintaining comprehensive aberration correction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional bulk optical materials to nanostructured surfaces, introducing a vertical dimension of control at the nanoscale. By varying the heights of different nanostructure types (first nanostructures: 0.1-0.5λ, second nanostructures: 0.5-1.5λ, third nanostructures: 1.5-3.0λ), the lens achieves multi-functional optical correction in a thin profile, effectively solving the thickness-quality tradeoff through dimensional transformation at the nanoscale.
2Length of stationary object
If the thickness of the imaging apparatus is reduced, then the device size is minimized, but the ability to correct optical aberrations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical correction function into distinct nanostructure types, each responsible for specific aberration corrections. First nanostructures (height 0.1-0.5λ) address one set of aberrations, second nanostructures (height 0.5-1.5λ) address another set, and third nanostructures (height 1.5-3.0λ) address additional aberrations. This segmentation allows comprehensive aberration correction within a single thin lens, preventing performance degradation despite reduced thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different height characteristics to different nanostructures within the same lens. Each nanostructure type is strategically designed with specific height ranges to provide localized optical correction for different spatial frequencies and aberration types. This local differentiation of nanostructure properties enables the thin lens to maintain superior aberration correction capabilities across the entire optical field.
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 enables the creation of smaller, more compact imaging systems that effectively offset chromatic and geometric aberrations, reducing the thickness and size of the apparatus while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging apparatus includes a first optical device, a second optical device disposed such that light transmitted through the first optical device is incident on the second optical device, and a third optical device disposed such that light transmitted through the second optical device is incident on the third optical device
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first optical device, the second optical device, and the third optical device includes a plurality of nanostructures, and heights of at least two nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures are different from each other
Data Source
AI summary
Provided an imaging apparatus including a first optical device, a second optical device disposed such that light transmitted through the first optical device is incident on the second optical device, and a third optical device disposed such that light transmitted through the second optical device is incident on the third optical device, wherein at least one of the first optical device, the second optical device, and the third optical device includes a plurality of nanostructures, and heights of at least two nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures are different from each other.