Optical Element with Roughened Outer Circumference Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical elements are insufficient in attenuating unwanted light that does not contribute to image formation, leading to ghosting and flare in imaging lenses.
Innovation Solution
The optical element features a roughened outer circumference surface around its effective portion, which effectively scatters and attenuates reflected light, preventing ghosting and flare by design rather than relying solely on embossed layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-parallel surface is used on the outer circumference to redirect reflected light, then light direction control is improved, but the power attenuation of reflected light is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface treatments to different regions: the object-side surface and image-side surface maintain optical quality for image formation, while the outer circumference surface is specifically roughened to scatter reflected light. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing direction control where needed without compromising overall light transmission quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of reflected light (which causes ghosting and flare) into a beneficial scattering effect. By roughening the outer circumference surface, reflected light that would otherwise be harmful is scattered in multiple directions, attenuating its power and preventing it from forming unwanted images on the sensor.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an embossed layer is added to scatter light, then light scattering is improved, but manufacturing complexity and trial-and-error adjustments increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light scattering function directly into the outer circumference surface of the optical element itself, rather than adding a separate embossed layer. This integration eliminates the need for additional manufacturing steps and assembly operations, reducing complexity while achieving the same ghosting and flare reduction effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element's outer circumference surface itself provides the light scattering function through roughening, eliminating the need for separate embossed layers or additional components. The structure serves its own light control needs, simplifying the overall device architecture and manufacturing process.
3Loss of energy
If the outer circumference surface is roughened, then reflected light attenuation is improved, but surface precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies roughening only to the outer circumference surface, while maintaining high precision on the object-side and image-side surfaces that are critical for optical performance. This localized approach achieves reflected light attenuation without compromising the precision needed for image formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical element's surface into different functional zones: precision-optical surfaces (object-side and image-side) and a roughened surface (outer circumference). This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without interfering with the precision requirements of other zones.
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 roughened surface significantly reduces the power of unwanted light, thereby minimizing ghosting and flare, enhancing image quality and eliminating the need for trial-and-error adjustments in lens design.
Implementation Method 1
The outer circumference surface includes a roughened portion. The roughened portion attenuates unwanted light reflected by the outer circumference surface of the optical element.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide an optical element and an imaging lens that reproduce clear images by restraining ghosting, flare, and/or similar occurrences caused by unwanted light reflected by the outer circumference surface of an edge of the optical element. An optical element 100 includes an optical effective portion 101 and an edge 102. The edge 102 is located around the optical effective portion 101 and has an outer circumference surface 103. The outer circumference surface 103 includes roughened portions 200. An imaging lens uses the optical element 100.