Planar Lens Protrusions for IR Camera Height Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IR camera devices with vertically-stacked plastic lens sets face challenges in miniaturization due to their height, which hinders the development of compact semiconductor components while maintaining proper optical effects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a planar lens optical structure with protrusions, such as cylinders or hexagonal pillars, on a glass substrate, combined with a bandpass filter, reduces the overall package height and enhances optical maneuverability by controlling the phase of incident light, achieving high transmission rates and focusing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vertically-stacked plastic lens set is used, then proper optical effects are maintained, but the vertical height exceeds 3.5 mm which hinders miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertically-stacked lens configuration to a planar lens array structure where multiple lenses are arranged in the horizontal plane rather than stacked vertically. This dimensional change allows maintaining optical functionality while reducing the vertical height from over 3.5 mm to under 1.0 mm, effectively resolving the contradiction between optical performance and miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete planar lenses arranged in an array, where each lens is a separate element with specific geometric parameters. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each lens while achieving collective optical effects, enabling both proper optical performance and reduced overall height through parallel rather than serial stacking.
2Length of stationary object
If planar lens with protrusions is implemented, then package height is reduced to less than 1.0 mm, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise geometric parameters for the protrusions including diameter (150-300 nm), pitch (100-1,000 nm), and height variations to control optical phase. By establishing specific parameter ranges and relationships, the design provides clear manufacturing targets that balance the need for miniaturization with achievable fabrication precision through nanofabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protrusions with varying local geometric properties (different diameters, heights, and positions) across the lens array to control the phase of incident light locally. This local quality variation enables precise optical phase control at each position while maintaining overall compactness, addressing both the height reduction goal and the precision requirement through localized structural optimization.
3Ease of operation
If protrusions with high refractive index are used, then optical phase control is improved, but material selection and coating complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures combining high-refractive-index materials (TiO2, SiN, SiO2, SiH) with polymer materials. This composite approach enables achieving the required optical phase control through the high-index protrusions while the polymer matrix provides structural support and facilitates integration, balancing optical performance with manufacturing feasibility and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces the package height to less than 2 mm in COB and 1.2 mm in CSP configurations, maintains optical performance, and minimizes dispersion, making it suitable for replacing conventional vertically-stacked module lenses.
Implementation Method 1
The optimal size distribution of the planar lens controls the phase of the incident light to be between 0 and 2 π, achieving optical maneuverability and controlling wave behavior.
Implementation Method 2
The first bandpass filter allows light with a wavelength of 700 nm to 3,000 nm to pass through.
Implementation Method 3
a polymer layer disposed between the low-refractive-index material layer and the first bandpass filter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical structure is provided. The optical structure includes a sensor, a bandpass filter and a plurality of protrusions. The bandpass filter is disposed above the sensor. The protrusions are disposed on the bandpass filter. The bandpass filter allows light with a wavelength of 700 nm to 3,000 nm to pass through. The protrusions have a size distribution that controls the phase of the incident light to be between 0 and 2π.