Optical Element with Deposited Conductors for Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements, such as those used in head mount displays and electronic viewfinders, face challenges in reducing size while maintaining optical performance, particularly due to arduous adhering processes of film-shaped wire grid polarizers which can lead to deterioration of optical performance like fogging when immersed in acid or alkaline solutions.
Innovation Solution
A transmissive reflective element with a concavo-convex structure where a conductor is deposited on convex portions of a base material, optimizing pitch, height, and thickness to achieve high polarization separating performance without the need for post-deposition processing, thereby simplifying manufacturing and avoiding performance degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a film-shaped wire grid polarizer is adhered to the surface of an optical element, then the polarization function is achieved, but the adhering process becomes arduous and optical performance deteriorates due to fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wire grid structure directly with the optical element by forming convex portions on the optical element surface and depositing conductor material onto them, eliminating the separate film adhering process. This integration resolves the contradiction by making the manufacturing process simpler while maintaining the polarization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces convex portions as an intermediary structure on the optical element surface. These convex portions serve as a foundation for conductor deposition, enabling direct formation of the wire grid without adhering external films, thus simplifying manufacturing while preserving optical performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the optical element is immersed in acid or alkaline solution to form wire grid directly, then the adhering process is simplified, but the optical performance deteriorates due to fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by forming convex portions on the optical element surface before conductor deposition. This pre-structured surface allows direct conductor deposition without subsequent acid or alkaline immersion, simplifying the process while preventing optical performance deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical etching process (acid or alkaline immersion) with a physical deposition process. By forming convex portions and depositing conductor material directly, the method substitutes chemical treatment with mechanical/physical processes, simplifying manufacturing while preserving optical quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pitch P and conductor dimensions are not optimized, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the polarization separating performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters including pitch P (0.05λ to 0.5λ), conductor height Dz, and conductor thickness Dx to achieve high polarization separating performance. By carefully controlling these parameters within specific ranges, the patent maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the three-dimensional geometry of conductors on convex portions, specifying height Dz and thickness Dx in addition to pitch P. This multi-dimensional parameter control enables precise optimization of polarization performance while maintaining feasible manufacturing processes.
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 solution enables the direct formation of a wire grid on optical elements, improving polarization separating performance and reducing manufacturing complexity, while maintaining high optical quality and avoiding issues like fogging.
Implementation Method 1
a transmissive reflective element with a concavo-convex structure where a conductor is deposited on convex portions of a base material, optimizing pitch, height, and thickness to achieve high polarization separating performance
Implementation Method 2
by depositing metal while changing a deposition angle using oblique deposition
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes a base material having a plurality of convex portions arranged along a first direction, and a conductor provided to each of the plurality of convex portions. Each of the plurality of convex portions extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In a section including the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to each of the first direction and the second direction, each of the plurality of convex portions has a rectangular shape. Predetermined inequalities are satisfied.