Patterned Light Diffuser Layers for Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems in electronic devices, such as light diffusers, can be lossy, overly complex, or bulky, making it desirable to develop improved light diffusers that effectively manage light at both visible and infrared wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
The use of patterned light diffuser layers on transparent substrates, incorporating sealant layers, thin glass layers, and antireflection coatings, with specific refractive index differences to efficiently diffuse light, is proposed. For example, a patterned silicon layer with a high refractive index greater than 2.5 at infrared wavelengths, such as 3.5 at 940 nm, is used, and a low-index sealant layer is applied to enhance light scattering while minimizing contamination sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional light diffusers are used in optical systems, then light diffusion function is provided, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (diffuser layer, sealant layer, antireflection coating) into a single integrated optical component structure. The diffuser layer and sealant layer are formed as part of the same encapsulation structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining light diffusion effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical seal, a light diffuser, and an antireflection surface. The sealant layer with specific refractive index provides both sealing functionality and optical diffusion, while the antireflection coating reduces reflections, making a single component perform multiple roles.
2Ease of operation
If traditional light diffusers are used in optical systems, then light diffusion function is provided, but the system becomes lossy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the refractive index parameter of the sealant layer to be between 1.4 and 1.6, which matches well with common substrate materials. This parameter optimization minimizes optical reflections and maximizes light transmission through the interface, reducing energy loss. The antireflection coating further reduces reflections by additional percentages, collectively minimizing light energy loss while maintaining effective diffusion.
3Illumination intensity
If high refractive index materials are used for light diffusion, then light scattering efficiency is improved, but contamination sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials with different properties to different regions/layers of the optical component. The diffuser layer uses high refractive index material (silicon nitride or silicon oxide) for effective light scattering, while the outer sealant layer uses a lower refractive index material (1.4-1.6) that is less sensitive to contamination. This local differentiation allows each layer to optimize its function while mitigating the weaknesses of the other.
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 results in efficient light diffusion across various wavelengths, reducing the complexity and bulkiness of optical systems while maintaining effectiveness in diverse lighting conditions, including low ambient infrared light and dark outdoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
The silicon layer may have an index of refraction that is greater than 2.5 at infrared wavelengths of interest. For example, the silicon layer may have an index of refraction of at least 3.5 at 940 nm.
Implementation Method 2
antireflection coatings
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have an optical system that includes one or more light-based components. The light-based components may include light-emitting components such as light-emitting diodes or lasers and may include light-detecting components such as photodiodes or digital image sensors. The optical system may include a light diffuser. The light diffuser may diffuse light that is being detected by a light-detecting component or may diffuse light that is being emitted by a light-emitting component. Light diffusers in optical systems may be formed from patterned light diffuser layers on transparent substrates. Layers of sealant, thin glass layers, antireflection coatings, and other layers may be incorporated into the light diffusers. The light diffuser layers may operate at visible wavelengths and infrared wavelengths. An infrared light diffuser layer may be formed from a patterned silicon layer such as a patterned layer of hydrogenated amorphous silicon.