Optical Element Adhesive Segmentation for Light Deterioration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joined lenses using UV-curable ene-thiol-based adhesives suffer from light-induced deterioration, leading to changes in optical characteristics, especially at high optical densities.
Innovation Solution
The optical element comprises a first light-transmissive member made of a first resin with an aspheric shape, a second light-transmissive member made of a different material, and joining members – a silicone adhesive for the first joining member and a higher adhesiveness adhesive for the second joining member, strategically disposed to minimize light exposure and ensure stable joining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a UV-curable ene-thiol-based adhesive is used to join light-transmissive parts, then the adhesive can be effectively cured and provide strong bonding, but the adhesive deteriorates due to light incident thereon, causing changes in optical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application area is segmented into two distinct zones: a first adhesive application area with smaller effective diameter positioned in the effective diameter region of the light-transmissive part, and a second adhesive application area with larger effective diameter positioned outside the effective diameter region. This segmentation allows different adhesive types to be used in different zones, protecting the optical path from deterioration while maintaining strong bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
Different adhesive materials are applied to different locations: a UV-curable adhesive (first adhesive) is applied only in the first adhesive application area where it will not interfere with the optical path, while a non-UV-curable adhesive (second adhesive) is applied in the second adhesive application area outside the effective diameter region. This local differentiation ensures that no adhesive deteriorates within the optical path while maintaining overall bonding strength.
2Strength
If the adhesive application area covers the entire bonding surface, then strong bonding is achieved, but light incident on the adhesive causes deterioration and optical characteristic changes
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application is extracted from the effective diameter region (optical path area) and confined to a first adhesive application area with smaller effective diameter positioned within the effective diameter region, while the majority of the bonding surface (second adhesive application area) is positioned outside the effective diameter region. This extraction removes the harmful interaction between light and adhesive from the optical path while maintaining bonding strength through the combined action of both adhesive areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial intermediary by creating two distinct adhesive application areas separated by their positional relationships to the effective diameter region. The first adhesive application area acts as an intermediary that provides necessary bonding within the optical path without causing deterioration, while the second adhesive application area provides additional bonding strength outside the optical path.
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 suppresses deterioration of the joining members due to light and heat, maintaining the stability of the optical characteristics and enhancing the imaging performance of the projection optical apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a first joining member and a second joining member that join the first joint surface and the second joint surface to each other. The first joining member is made of a silicone adhesive... The second joining member is made of an adhesive having adhesiveness higher than the adhesiveness of the silicone adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a first light-transmissive member made of a first resin and having a first surface having an aspheric shape
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a first light-transmissive member made of a first resin and having a first surface having an aspheric shape and a first joint surface provided on the side opposite from the first surface, a second light-transmissive member made of a material different from the material of the first light-transmissive member and having a second joint surface, and a first joining member and a second joining member that join the first joint surface and the second joint surface to each other. The first joining member is made of a silicone adhesive and disposed in the smaller one of effective diameter regions of the first light-transmissive member and the second light-transmissive member. The second joining member is made of an adhesive having adhesiveness higher than the adhesiveness of the silicone adhesive and is disposed outside the first joining member and outside the smaller effective diameter region.