Rotatable Wire-Grid Glass for Variable Polarization Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems require multiple optical elements and complex switching mechanisms to vary polarization, which occupy significant space and complicate setup and alignment.

Innovation Solution

A single piece of glass with regions of bare and wire-grid glass, rotatable to provide variable polarization without the need for multiple elements or switching mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical elements with switching mechanisms are used to vary polarization, then variable polarization can be achieved, but the device occupies significant space and becomes complex to set up and align

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable polarization capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of switching mechanisms and alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical elements (wire-grid polarizer and half-wave plate) into a single rotatable component. The wire-grid polarizer and half-wave plate are integrated on the same substrate, allowing them to function together as one unit rather than requiring separate mounting and alignment of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rotatable component performs multiple functions: it acts as both a polarizer and a wave plate, and by rotating it, it can provide different polarization states (linear, circular, elliptical) and control the polarization angle. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms between different optical elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical elements with switching mechanisms are used to vary polarization, then variable polarization can be achieved, but the setup and alignment becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable polarization capabilityVSAvoidease of setup and alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical elements (wire-grid polarizer and half-wave plate) into a single rotatable component. The wire-grid polarizer and half-wave plate are integrated on the same substrate, allowing them to function together as one unit rather than requiring separate mounting and alignment of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated component is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the polarization state by simply rotating the single component. This eliminates the complex static alignment procedures required for multiple fixed optical elements and enables easy reconfiguration of polarization parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single piece of glass with wire-grid and bare regions is used, then space is saved and alignment is simplified, but the ability to provide variable polarization is limited without rotation mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of single piece structureVSAvoidvariable polarization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated component is designed to be rotatable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the polarization state by simply rotating the single component. This eliminates the complex static alignment procedures required for multiple fixed optical elements and enables easy reconfiguration of polarization parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By rotating the single integrated component, the polarization parameters (polarization angle, ellipticity, handedness) can be changed continuously. The rotation transforms the fixed properties of the wire-grid and bare regions into variable polarization output, achieving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables compact, easily configurable polarizers that provide variable polarization with ease of assembly and alignment, saving space and eliminating the need for complex switching mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a second region of wire-grid glass having a grid of metallic wires, to polarize light incident on the second region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

The metallic wires 108 are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the grid of metallic wires 108 is contained in a coating applied to the second region 106

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Light with electric-field vectors parallel to the metallic wires 108 is reflected from the second region 106, while light with electric-field vectors perpendicular to the metallic wires 108 is transmitted through the second region 106

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250389883A1Piece of Glass and Rotational Motor to Provide Variable Polarization

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 KLA CORP

AI summary

A polarization system includes a single piece of glass and a motor. The piece of glass includes a first region of bare glass to provide null polarization for light incident on the first region, and also includes a second region of wire-grid glass having a grid of metallic wires, to polarize light incident on the second region. The motor is to rotate the piece of glass.