Optical Element Groove Design for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements for surface spectroscopy face challenges in maintaining shape accuracy and optical performance under extreme temperature variations, due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients between materials.
Innovation Solution
The optical element comprises a substrate with a thermal expansion coefficient lower than the optical shape layer, and a groove is formed along the contours of the optical shape surfaces, where the side surfaces of the substrate and optical shape layer form the groove walls, thereby minimizing thermal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single substrate is used to form multiple optical function surfaces, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but thermal deformation occurs due to difference in thermal expansion coefficients between substrate and reflective layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical element into a substrate and a separate optical shape layer formed on top of it. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the substrate provides mechanical support while the optical shape layer provides the precise optical surfaces, reducing thermal deformation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a substrate with an optical shape layer made of different material (lower thermal expansion coefficient). This composite material approach allows the combination of mechanical strength from the substrate and thermal stability from the optical shape layer material.
2Weight of stationary object
If the optical shape layer is made thin to reduce mass, then thermal deformation is reduced, but structural strength and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the optical shape layer to be within 10-3000 μm. This parameter change allows balancing between mass reduction and structural strength, achieving the minimum necessary thickness for optical functionality while maintaining adequate structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If grooves are added to separate optical shape surfaces, then thermal deformation is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces grooves that divide and separate the optical shape surfaces. This segmentation isolates each optical surface from thermal deformation effects, allowing them to maintain their relative positional relationships accurately even when temperature varies.
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 suppresses thermal deformation of the entire optical element and maintains the accuracy of relative positional relationships between optical shape surfaces, even under extreme thermal environments.
Implementation Method 1
due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between materials constituting the optical element, and such a problem occurs that optical performance deteriorates
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element includes: a substrate; and an optical shape layer that is formed on the substrate and that has a plurality of optical shape surfaces, wherein a thickness of the optical shape layer is 10 μm or larger and 3000 μm or smaller; and the optical element is provided with a groove, and a side surface of the optical shape layer and a side surface of the substrate along each contour of the plurality of optical shape surfaces form a side wall of the groove.