Nanostructured Optical Element Edge Sealing for Stain Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical elements with nanostructures on their front surfaces face handleability issues due to contaminants adhering to the side surfaces and spreading through capillary action, leading to stains that can affect the optical properties and are considered defective products.
Innovation Solution
Covering at least one of the edge and side surfaces of the optical element with a material that does not penetrate the gaps between the projected portions, such as ink or fine powder, to prevent contaminant components from entering and forming stains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a nanostructure is formed on the front surface of the optical element, then the reflectance is reduced and optical properties are improved, but contaminants can adhere to the side surface and spread through capillary action forming stains
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the optical element into distinct functional zones: the front surface maintains the nanostructure for optical performance, while the side surface is segmented into a non-staining portion that prevents contaminant spread. This spatial segmentation allows each surface to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different properties to different locations of the optical element. The front surface has a nanostructure with specific refractive index properties for anti-reflective performance, while the side surface is treated to have non-staining properties. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the front surface to optimize optical properties while the side surface prevents contamination.
2Ease of operation
If the side surface nanostructure is exposed, then the optical element can be handled, but contaminants spread through the nanostructure via capillary action causing stains
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a local quality difference between the front surface nanostructure and the side surface treatment. The side surface is specifically treated to have non-staining properties, allowing handling while preventing contaminant penetration. This localized property modification resolves the contradiction between ease of handling and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful capillary action that causes stain spread into a beneficial non-staining property on the side surface. By treating the side surface to prevent contaminant adhesion, the same nanostructure that could cause harm is transformed into a feature that prevents contamination while maintaining handleability.
3Illumination intensity
If a protective film is applied to cover the front surface, then optical properties are retained, but contaminants can still adhere to the exposed side surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different protective measures to different surfaces: the front surface uses a protective film to maintain optical properties, while the side surface receives a non-staining treatment to prevent contamination. This local differentiation allows each surface to address its specific requirements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the protection strategy into two distinct approaches: film protection for the front surface and non-staining treatment for the side surface. This segmentation allows the protective film to optimize optical property retention while the side surface treatment independently prevents contaminant adhesion.
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
Prevents the spread of contaminants through capillary action, maintaining the optical properties and preventing the formation of stains, thus enhancing the handleability and quality of the optical element.
Implementation Method 1
the moth-eye structure has a continuously changing refractive index from the air layer to the base material to cause the front surface of the base material 11 to be non-optical for incident light, significantly reducing the reflected light
Implementation Method 2
even when a small amount of contaminants adheres only to the side surface, a fine structure such as a nanostructure causes the capillary action through which components in the contaminants penetrate the side surface of the film to spread toward the inside of the film
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical element which prevents a contaminant component adhering to the edge thereof from spreading through the capillary action and thus from forming a stain; and a display device including the element. The present invention directs to an optical element including: a base material including a front surface provided with projected portions at a pitch equal to or shorter than the wavelength of visible light, and a side surface surrounding the front surface; and a covering material covering at least one of an edge of the front surface and the side surface, the covering material filling gaps between the projected portions. The present invention also directs to a display device including such an optical element.