Optical Element Annulus Sections Aspect Ratio Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to maintain the stability and shape of fine uneven structures on optical elements, particularly as the pitch decreases, leading to increased aspect ratios and susceptibility to deformation under load, temperature, or pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
The optical element features a substrate with concentrically arranged annulus sections, where the first annulus section has a base layer in one area and not in another, with structures of varying widths in both areas. This design helps maintain the phase modulation and suppresses the aspect ratio of the uneven elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pitch of the fine uneven structure is reduced to increase diffraction efficiency, then the light condensing or diverging effect is improved, but the aspect ratio of the fine uneven structure increases making it difficult to form and maintain its shape
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is divided into a plurality of independent fine uneven structures (ridges or grooves) arranged in specific patterns. Each structure is segmented and positioned at predetermined pitches to collectively achieve the desired diffraction effect while maintaining individual structural integrity through optimized geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The fine uneven structures are designed with specific local geometric properties including controlled width, height, and cross-sectional shapes (such as triangular, rectangular, or trapezoidal profiles). These localized quality adjustments allow optimization of each structure's aspect ratio to prevent deformation while maintaining the overall diffraction efficiency of the optical element
2Reliability
If the pitch of the fine uneven structure is reduced to increase diffraction efficiency, then the light condensing or diverging effect is improved, but the fine uneven structure becomes susceptible to deformation under load, temperature, or pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes critical parameters of the fine uneven structures including width, height, pitch, and cross-sectional geometry to achieve an optimal aspect ratio range. By carefully controlling these parameters, the structures maintain structural stability and resistance to deformation under various environmental conditions while preserving the required diffraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element utilizes composite material structures or multi-layer configurations that provide enhanced mechanical support to the fine uneven structures. This composite approach increases structural stability and resistance to deformation from external factors such as load, temperature changes, and pressure, while maintaining the optical performance
3Reliability
If the aspect ratio of the fine uneven structure is increased to achieve smaller pitch, then the diffraction efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to form the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The design optimizes the geometric parameters of the fine uneven structures to achieve an optimal aspect ratio range that balances diffraction efficiency with manufacturability. By controlling width, height, and pitch within specific ranges, the structures become formable using conventional fabrication techniques while maintaining high diffraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The fine uneven structures are designed with curved or rounded cross-sectional profiles (such as semicircular, elliptical, or arc-shaped ridges/grooves) rather than sharp angular geometries. This curvature approach facilitates easier formation during manufacturing processes, reduces stress concentration points, and improves the overall formability of the structures while maintaining the required 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
This configuration enhances the stability and durability of the optical element by reducing the aspect ratio of the uneven structures, thereby maintaining their shape and functionality under various environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element (metalens) has conventionally been known that has a fine uneven (undulate, relief, or textured) structure formed on the surface of a substrate and provides a light condensing or diverging effect using diffraction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a substrate, and a plurality of annulus sections concentrically arranged on the substrate. The plurality of annulus sections include a first annulus section that includes a first area where a base layer is provided, and a second area where the base layer is not provided. A plurality of first structures having mutually different widths in a radial direction are arranged in the first area. A plurality of second structures having mutually different widths in the radial direction are arranged in the second area.