Protected Micro-Optics Sleeve for Stray Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-optics manufactured from polymer materials using 3D printing are prone to mechanical damage, deformation, and stray light interference due to uncured polymer removal channels, which compromise optical performance and refractive index differences.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical optics module with adjacent cavities and a surrounding light-impermeable sleeve, connected by an adhesive, provides mechanical protection and shields against stray light while maintaining refractive index differences without penetrating into cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If channels are provided to remove uncured polymer material from cavities, then the uncured liquid polymer material can be removed from cavities, but the coating is prevented from being complete and efficient, allowing stray light to enter the optics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful uncured polymer material from the cavities through specifically designed channels, while the coating is applied to the outer surfaces. The channels are positioned and dimensioned such that they enable complete removal of uncured material without compromising the integrity or completeness of the protective coating on the optical element surfaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-impermeable coating is applied to shield against stray light, then stray light is blocked, but the uncured polymer material removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the light-impermeable coating after the uncured polymer material has been completely removed from the cavities. This preliminary removal action ensures that subsequent coating application is not interfered with by residual polymer material, allowing for complete and efficient coating that effectively blocks stray light.
3Reliability
If the optics module is protected from mechanical influences, then damage is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a jacket made of flexible polymer material that envelops the optics module. This thin-walled protective shell provides mechanical protection against damage, scratching, and deformation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The flexible nature of the polymer material allows the jacket to conform to the optics module geometry without requiring complex rigid protective structures.
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 enhances mechanical stability and optical performance by preventing damage and stray light entry, while maintaining the required refractive index differences and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
inserting a light-impermeable adhesive between the sleeve and the optics module, wherein the adhesive spreads between the sleeve and the optics module by means of the capillary effect
Implementation Method 2
The light-impermeable adhesive ensures that no stray light can enter the optics between the sleeve and the optics module
Implementation Method 3
The light-impermeable adhesive ensures that no stray light can enter the optics between the sleeve and the optics module
Implementation Method 4
The refractive index difference between the refractive index of the cavity and the refractive index of the optical element is in particular greater than 0.3, preferably greater than 0.4 and particularly preferably greater than 0.5
Data Source
AI summary
Micro-optics, in particular for connection to an optical fiber or a substrate, including an optics module. The optics module has at least one optical element and at least one cavity directly adjacent to one side of the optical element, and a sleeve completely surrounding the optics module. The sleeve and the optics module being connected to one another by a light-impermeable adhesive. A aperture of the optics module being formed by the light-impermeable adhesive.