Plastic Optical Lens with Metal Particles for Infrared Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical lens modules fail to effectively block infrared wavelengths greater than 1100 nm, leading to purple fringing issues due to light leakage, especially at larger incident angles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating light-absorbing particles, made of metal materials, into the plastic lens body at a concentration of 0.01 wt % to 0.05 wt %, which absorb infrared wavelengths greater than 1100 nm, thereby reducing transmittance and alleviating purple fringing without the need for additional filter elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an infrared cut-off filter is used to block infrared wavelengths, then infrared wavelengths from 700 nm to 1100 nm are effectively blocked, but infrared wavelengths greater than 1100 nm leak through
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of plastic resin and metal particles (such as aluminum, silver, or copper) with specific size ranges (0.1-10 μm). This composite structure combines the optical properties of metal particles for infrared absorption with the formability of plastic resin, creating a lens that can effectively block both 700-1100 nm and greater than 1100 nm infrared wavelengths simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the lens material by incorporating metal particles with specific size distributions (0.1-10 μm) into the plastic resin. This parameter change enables the material to absorb infrared wavelengths greater than 1100 nm while maintaining optical lens functionality, overcoming the limitations of conventional infrared cut-off filters
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional infrared cut-off filters are used, then manufacturing requires additional filter elements, but this increases device complexity and manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the optical lens and infrared blocking filter into a single integrated component. By incorporating metal particles directly into the plastic lens body, the lens simultaneously performs light focusing and infrared wavelength blocking, eliminating the need for separate filter elements and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical lens is designed with multi-functionality by integrating infrared blocking capability into the lens material itself. The plastic resin containing metal particles serves both as the optical focusing element and as the infrared filter, allowing one component to perform multiple functions that previously required separate elements
3Illumination intensity
If larger incident angles occur, then blue shift effect reduces infrared wavelength, but this worsens purple fringing problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the absorption characteristics of the lens material by using metal particles with specific size ranges (0.1-10 μm) that can absorb infrared wavelengths even when their effective wavelength is reduced due to blue shift at large incident angles. This parameter adjustment ensures consistent infrared blocking performance across different incident angles, preventing purple fringing
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 blocks infrared wavelengths greater than 1100 nm, reducing purple fringing and eliminating the need for extra filter elements, thus simplifying the manufacturing process and maintaining the strength of the optical lens module.
Implementation Method 1
light-absorbing particles... are capable of absorbing infrared having a wavelength greater than 1100 nm
Implementation Method 2
an optical lens includes a plastic lens body and a plurality of light-absorbing particles
Data Source
AI summary
An optical lens includes a plastic lens body and a plurality of light-absorbing particles. The light-absorbing particles are dispersed in the plastic lens body, are present in an amount ranging from 0.01 wt % to 0.05 wt % based on the total weight of the optical lens, and are capable of absorbing infrared having a wavelength greater than 1100 nm.