Offset Meta-Structure Pillars for Phase Truncation in Optical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical lenses, including meta-lenses, suffer from finite unit cells with constant pitch sizes, leading to phase truncation, poor light-collecting efficiency, and image distortion due to chromatic effects.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising at least two meta-structures, where one meta-structure is offset relative to the other, featuring a substrate with first and second meta-structures having peripheral pillars with shifting distances, preventing phase truncation and enhancing light-collecting efficiency while reducing image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical lenses are combined together to eliminate chromatic effect, then image quality is improved, but device volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions (focusing, chromatic aberration correction) into a single meta-lens structure with multiple meta-structures having different dispersion properties, eliminating the need for separate physical lenses and reducing overall device weight while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses meta-structures composed of high refractive index materials with different dispersion characteristics integrated in a single substrate, creating a composite optical element that provides both focusing and chromatic correction functions simultaneously
2Ease of manufacture
If meta-lens uses finite unit cells with constant pitch sizes, then manufacturing is simplified, but phase truncation occurs resulting in poor light-collecting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces variable pitch sizes for meta-structures in different regions of the lens, with the pitch increasing from the center toward the periphery. This dynamic adjustment of pitch allows complete phase coverage without truncation while maintaining manufacturability through systematic variation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different pitch characteristics to different regions of the meta-lens: central regions use smaller pitches while peripheral regions use larger pitches. This local optimization ensures that each region contributes appropriately to the overall phase modulation without suffering from phase truncation
3Device complexity
If meta-lens uses finite unit cells with constant pitch sizes, then structure is simplified, but image distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic pitch variation across the lens aperture, transitioning from constant pitch in the center to increasing pitch toward the periphery. This dynamic structure compensates for optical path differences and reduces image distortion while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes the pitch parameter of meta-structures based on radial position from the lens center. This parameter variation optimizes phase distribution across the aperture, reducing image distortion through controlled modification of the pitch parameter
4Productivity
If offset meta-structures are used to prevent phase truncation, then light-collecting efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a systematic dynamic pitch variation scheme where the pitch of meta-structures increases progressively from the center to the periphery. This dynamic design naturally prevents phase truncation and improves light-collecting efficiency while maintaining a regular, manufacturable pattern that limits complexity
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
The offset meta-structures enhance light-collecting efficiency and minimize image distortion by preventing phase truncation, improving the performance of optical devices beyond conventional limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The meta-lens has nano-structures using high refractive index materials to change optical phase
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a first region and a second region surrounding the first region. The optical device includes a substrate. The optical device also includes a first meta-structure disposed on the substrate and has a plurality of first peripheral pillars in the second region. The optical device further includes a second meta-structure disposed on the substrate and has a plurality of second peripheral pillars corresponding to the plurality of first peripheral pillars. Each of the second peripheral pillars has a first shifting distance with respect to a corresponding first peripheral pillar in the direction extending from the center of the optical device to the edge of the optical device.