Optical Component Refractive-Index Layout for Emitter-Detector Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable electronic devices, the integration of light-emitting and light-detecting components often leads to interference and cross-talk due to their close proximity, necessitating optical isolation without increasing device size.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical components with regions of different refractive indices, where a bulk region with a lower refractive index surrounds the emission and detection regions, providing optical isolation while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If light-emitting and light-detecting components are placed in close proximity, then device size is reduced, but optical interference and cross-talk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical component implements local quality by creating distinct regions with different refractive indices within the same component structure. The first region has a first index of refraction while the second region has a second index of refraction that is lower than the first, allowing each region to serve its specific function (emission or detection) while maintaining overall compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first region for light emission, a second region for light detection, and a bulk region surrounding these regions. This segmentation allows the component to provide optical isolation between emitter and detector while maintaining a compact integrated structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical isolation components are added, then cross-talk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical isolation function with the existing optical component structure by integrating regions of different refractive indices directly into the component. This eliminates the need for separate isolation components while maintaining optical isolation effectiveness, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component uses composite material principles by combining regions with different refractive indices (first material with first index of refraction, second material with second index of refraction) within a single component, creating a multi-functional structure that provides both optical guidance and isolation
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 effectively reduces light leakage and cross-talk between emitters and detectors, allowing for accurate environmental sensing and image capture without the need for additional isolation components, thus enabling a more compact and efficient electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
a bulk region at least partially surrounding a periphery of the first region and a periphery of the second region, the bulk region including a second material having a second index of refraction that is lower than the first index of refraction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include a housing defining an aperture, and an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector disposed in the housing. An optical component can be disposed in the aperture and can include a first region of a first material having a first index of refraction, the first region aligned with the electromagnetic radiation emitter, a second region of the first material, the second region aligned with the electromagnetic radiation detector, and a bulk region surrounding a periphery of the first region and a periphery of the second region, the bulk region including a second material having a second index of refraction that is lower than the first index of refraction.