Polarization-Wavelength Separation Lens Array for Image Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarization-color imaging elements require multiple filter layers, leading to reduced light utilization efficiency and increased manufacturing complexity and cost, as they necessitate the use of both polarization and color filters, which restrict the amount of received light and complicate the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A polarization-wavelength separation lens array is integrated with a pixel array, where microstructures within the lenses separate light based on polarization direction and wavelength, allowing for simultaneous polarization and color information acquisition without additional filters, thereby maximizing light utilization and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter layers (polarization filter and color filter) are integrated in a cascade arrangement, then polarization and color information can be acquired, but light utilization efficiency is reduced to 1/6 of incident light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polarization filter and color filter into a single integrated filter layer, eliminating the cascade arrangement of multiple separate filters. This integration allows both polarization and color information to be acquired simultaneously while maintaining higher light transmission efficiency, as light passes through only one filter layer instead of multiple sequential layers that would progressively reduce light intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated filter layer performs multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as both a polarization filter and a color filter. This multi-functional design enables the system to acquire both polarization information and color information through a single optical element, improving light utilization efficiency while maintaining the versatility to capture both types of optical data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter layers are integrated, then polarization and color information can be acquired, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the polarization filter and color filter into a single integrated layer, the patent reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps required. Instead of producing, aligning, and bonding multiple separate filter layers, the integrated structure is manufactured as one component, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated filter layer is designed with segmented or patterned structures that allow different regions to perform different functions (polarization filtering and color filtering) simultaneously. This segmentation approach enables complex functionality to be achieved through a single manufactured component rather than multiple separate layers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polarization filter and color filter are stacked in cascade arrangement, then polarization and color information can be acquired, but the total amount of received light is reduced to 1/6 of incident light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polarization filtering and color filtering functions into a single optical layer, eliminating the need for light to pass through multiple sequential filter layers. This integration ensures that a much larger portion of incident light reaches the detector, improving the quantity of received light while maintaining the capability to acquire both polarization and color information.
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 approach enables accurate generation of color and polarization images with enhanced light sensitivity and reduced manufacturing complexity, achieving higher light utilization efficiency and lower costs compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a spectral element including a plurality of microstructures for condensing incident light at different positions on the pixel array according to the polarization direction and wavelength components of the incident light
Implementation Method 2
a polarization-wavelength separation lens array opposed to the pixel array, the polarization-wavelength separation lens array including polarization-wavelength separation lenses placed in a two-dimensional array, the polarization-wavelength separation lens including a plurality of microstructures for condensing incident light at different positions on the pixel array according to the polarization direction and wavelength components of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging element (100) includes a pixel array (110) in which pixels (130) are placed in a two-dimensional array, the pixel including a photoelectric conversion element; and a polarization-wavelength separation lens array (120) opposed to the pixel array (110), the polarization-wavelength separation lens array (120) including polarization-wavelength separation lens (160) placed in a two-dimensional array, the polarization-wavelength separation lens (160) including a plurality of microstructures for condensing incident light at different positions on the pixel array (110) according to the polarization direction and wavelength components of the incident light.