Nanostructured Thin-Lens Optical System for Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems in mobile and wearable devices are limited in reducing thickness due to the need for multiple lenses to correct chromatic and geometric aberrations, which increases the overall thickness and size of the system.
Innovation Solution
The optical system employs a combination of thin-lenses with nanostructures, including a first optical device for focusing light based on incident angles, a second optical device for varying focal lengths based on position, and a third optical device for forming focal points on an image plane, with nanostructures configured to offset aberrations and reduce system thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple conventional optical lenses are used to correct chromatic and geometric aberrations, then aberration correction is improved, but system thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (chromatic aberration correction, geometric aberration correction, and focusing) into a single integrated lens structure. The lens includes a gradient refractive index region that simultaneously addresses multiple aberration types without requiring separate correction lenses, thereby reducing system thickness while maintaining correction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a gradient refractive index distribution within the lens material, where the refractive index varies continuously from the center to the periphery. This parameter change enables the lens to correct both chromatic and geometric aberrations within a single element, eliminating the need for multiple discrete lenses and reducing overall system thickness.
2Reliability
If predetermined lens shapes are used to perform optical functions, then optical performance is maintained, but design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different refractive index characteristics to different regions of the lens. The gradient refractive index structure provides locally optimized optical properties - the central region handles different aberration corrections compared to the peripheral region, enabling versatile aberration correction within a single lens without requiring multiple fixed-shape lenses.
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 allows for a compact optical system that effectively corrects chromatic and geometric aberrations while minimizing thickness, enabling smaller and more efficient image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical device configured to focus incident light onto different focal points according to incident angles of the incident light
Implementation Method 2
a second optical device configured to focus light transmitted through the first optical device to have different focal lengths according to the position on the second optical device on which the light having been transmitted through the first optical device is incident
Implementation Method 3
The third optical device may change a direction of light so that light transmitted by the third optical device is incident on the image plane at an angle normal to the image plane
Implementation Method 4
Nanostructures of the second optical device and nanostructures of the third optical device may be configured to offset chromatic aberration of the whole optical system including the first, second and third optical devices
Implementation Method 5
The first optical device may be configured to offset at least one of a geometric aberration and a chromatic aberration that occur in the second and third optical devices
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system and an image sensor including the same are provided. The optical system includes first, second, and third optical devices. At least one of the first, second, and third optical devices is a thin-lens including nanostructures.