Phase Modulation Element with Segmented Columnar Structures for Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase modulation elements, such as metalenses, face difficulties in accurately correcting aberrations for light with different wavelengths or incident angles due to varying nanostructure sizes and orientations, leading to inadequate performance with multiple light components.
Innovation Solution
A phase modulation element with a substrate featuring distinct regions of columnar structures optimized for specific light components based on wavelength, incident angle, or polarization state, allowing for tailored phase modulation and aberration correction across various light parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a metalens with uniform nanostructures is used for phase modulation, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the aberration correction performance deteriorates for light with different wavelengths or incident angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the substrate into multiple regions, where each region contains columnar structures with specific structural parameters (diameter, pitch, height) optimized for particular light components. This allows different parts of the device to have different optical characteristics, enabling effective aberration correction for multiple wavelengths and incident angles simultaneously while maintaining overall device simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If the size and orientation of nanostructures are varied to correct aberrations for different light components, then the aberration correction precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase modulation element into multiple distinct regions, each containing columnar structures with uniform structural parameters tailored for specific light components. This segmentation approach allows precise aberration correction for different wavelengths and incident angles while keeping each region's manufacturing process relatively simple and standardized
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying structural parameters (diameter, pitch, height) of columnar structures across different regions to optimize phase modulation for specific light components. This controlled parameter variation enables precise aberration correction while maintaining manufacturability through standardized fabrication processes for each region type
3Ease of manufacture
If a single type of columnar structure is used across the entire substrate, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to handle multiple light components with different parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating region-specific columnar structures with optimized structural parameters for different light components. Each region maintains sufficient uniformity for straightforward manufacturing, while the overall device achieves high adaptability through the diversity of regional structures
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate is segmented into multiple functional regions, each designed to handle specific light components (different wavelengths, incident angles, or polarization states). This segmentation enables the device to be manufactured using standardized processes for each region type while achieving versatile performance across multiple light parameters
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
Enables effective aberration correction and high-resolution imaging for multiple wavelengths and angles, achieving compact and high-quality display devices with minimal image quality deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of columnar structures have a refractive index and a pitch that produce a waveguide effect for incident light
Implementation Method 2
light is reflected by the reflection layer, and moreover exits from the first surface of the spacer layer
Data Source
AI summary
A phase modulation element of the present disclosure includes a substrate, and a plurality of columnar structures formed from a dielectric material provided at a first surface of the substrate, wherein the plurality of columnar structures have a refractive index and a pitch that produce a waveguide effect for incident light including a first light component and a second light component, the first surface of the substrate includes a first region provided with a plurality of first columnar structures that modulate phase for the first light component, and a second region provided with a plurality of second columnar structures that modulate phase for the second light component having parameters different from parameters of the first light component.