Transparent Pixelized Optical Component with Absorbing Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ophthalmic lenses lack flexibility and modular optical functions, and existing pixelized optical components suffer from macroscopic scattering due to diffraction at absorbing walls, which compromises transparency and image quality.
Innovation Solution
A transparent optical component is produced with cells separated by absorbing walls that absorb or reflect light, reducing diffraction and maintaining transparency by using materials like metal particles or sol-gel resins, and manufacturing methods from microelectronics to create a cell network with high fill factor and controlled geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cells are separated by absorbing walls in a pixelized optical component, then optical functions and flexibility are improved, but macroscopic scattering and loss of transparency occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the walls absorbing only in specific orientations (sidewalls substantially perpendicular to the surface) while maintaining transparency in other directions. This selective absorption property allows the walls to block light for optical function while minimizing macroscopic scattering that would compromise transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining absorbing materials with specific optical properties (such as metal particles or sol-gel resins) within the wall structure. These composite materials provide both the absorbing function for optical control and the transparency function by reducing diffraction, resolving the contradiction between optical flexibility and scattering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If absorbing walls are used to separate cells, then optical functions are enhanced, but image quality and transparency deteriorate due to diffraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the orientation and dimensional parameters of the absorbing walls. By configuring walls to be absorbing primarily in the perpendicular direction while maintaining other orientations transparent, the patent changes the optical parameters to reduce diffraction effects and preserve image quality while enhancing optical functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pixelized structure with walls is implemented, then modular optical design is improved, but transparency and cosmetic appearance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying local quality through orientation-selective absorption. The walls are designed to absorb light in specific orientations (perpendicular to the surface) while remaining transparent in other directions, allowing the pixelized structure to provide design flexibility without creating visible transparency defects or cosmetic imperfections.
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 effectively reduces macroscopic scattering, ensuring high transparency and flexibility in optical design, suitable for ophthalmic lenses and other applications without cosmetic defects, while allowing for various optical properties and functionalities.
Implementation Method 1
the walls are absorbing on sidewalls of these walls oriented substantially perpendicular to the surface of the component
Implementation Method 2
The walls separating the cells of the optical component interact with the light by diffracting it
Implementation Method 3
associated with their refractive index, their light absorption or polarization capacity
Implementation Method 4
their light absorption or polarization capacity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A transparent optical component (10) comprises at least one transparent set of cells (15) juxtaposed parallel to one surface of the component, each cell being separated by absorbing walls (18) parallel to the component surface, and each cell being hermetically sealed and containing at least one substance with an optical property. The optical component may be cut out along a predefined contour and optionally drilled. The invention also relates to a method of producing such an optical component and its use for the production of an optical element. The optical element may especially be a spectacle lens.