Low-Index Optical Assembly for CMOS Light Focusing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Range image sensors, such as TOF, Stereo Vision, and Structured Light sensors, face challenges in reducing housing size and power consumption, particularly when integrated into portable devices like mobile phones, and existing laminated structures with functional films have issues with refractive index mismatch leading to poor light focusing and appearance.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly incorporating a low refractive index layer with a content of 60%-76% SiO2 hollow filler and a diffraction grating on a substrate, designed to minimize light refraction and prevent material penetration, ensuring optimal light focusing on CMOS image sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a functional film with refractive index 1.05-1.15 is used in the laminated structure, then the structure can be integrated into portable devices, but light focusing performance deteriorates due to refractive index mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the functional film from the conventional 1.05-1.15 to 1.20-1.40, which better matches the refractive index of the microlens material. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining the thin-film structure for compactness while improving light focusing performance through optimized refractive index matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material composition in the functional film, incorporating specific resin materials and additives to achieve the target refractive index range of 1.20-1.40. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of optical properties and mechanical properties, resolving the contradiction between compact size and light focusing performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If the refractive index of the functional film is increased to improve light focusing, then optical performance improves, but the film may penetrate through the microlens structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the refractive index parameter to a specific range of 1.20-1.40, which is high enough to improve light focusing performance but controlled to prevent excessive film penetration. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal balance point between optical performance and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material compositions and thicknesses at different locations within the functional film structure. The film has varying local properties to maintain structural integrity in critical areas while achieving the desired optical performance in the optical path regions, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and optical performance.
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 optical assembly achieves efficient light focusing and suppression of refractive index rise, preventing stains and maintaining desired optical properties, thereby enhancing the performance of range image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
The layer includes the low refractive index material at a content of 60%−76% by mass
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly including a layer including a low refractive index material and a medium, and a functional layer formed on a surface of the layer. The layer includes the low refractive index material at a content of 60%-76% by mass.