Segmented Electrode Patterns for Tunable Optical Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical element designs are limited by the assumption of linear refractive index variation with respect to applied voltage, restricting the achievable optical power and aperture, and the complexity of independent electrode control increases manufacturing difficulty.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing electrode patterns with segmented resistances that allow precise control of refractive index variations across an active material, enabling a tailored voltage distribution to utilize the full birefringence range and reduce the number of required electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a voltage distribution scheme is used across the active material, then the optical power and aperture are limited, but the manufacturing process is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments along the optical axis, with each segment having a different thickness. This segmentation allows different voltage ranges to be applied to different regions of the active material, enabling the full utilization of the birefringence range while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process compared to fully independent electrode control
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode are designed with different local properties (thickness variations) to create the desired non-linear voltage distribution. This allows the system to achieve enhanced optical power and aperture by utilizing the entire birefringence range of the active material, while still using a single integrated electrode structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent electrodes are positioned at different regions of the active material, then any desired variation of refractive index can be produced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode segments that would traditionally be separate independent electrodes are merged into a single integrated electrode structure. The different thickness regions of this unified electrode create the equivalent effect of multiple independent electrodes, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to produce desired refractive index variations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the number and position of separate electrodes, the invention changes the thickness parameter of a single electrode at different regions. This parameter variation along the optical axis creates different voltage distributions that achieve the same functional result as multiple independent electrodes, reducing device 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
Enhances optical performance by allowing real-time manipulation of light and achieving a wider range of optical powers and larger apertures with simplified manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The change in the refractive index may be due to anisotropic optical properties of the liquid crystal material such as birefringence
Implementation Method 2
The liquid crystal material may be controlled by applying an electric field on the liquid crystal material. The application of the electric field may cause an orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material to be changed or altered
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for designing an electrode pattern (500) for obtaining an optical element (600), the method comprising: determining a refractive index profile (300) for an active material (602) included in the optical element; determining, based on the refractive index profile, a voltage profile (400) indicative of a voltage distribution to be applied along the radius or optical axis of the active material to cause a variation in a refractive index of the active material corresponding to the refractive index profile; generating an electrode pattern (500), with a pair of end-terminals (502a, 502b), constituting a set of segments (504a-504g) associated with a set of resistances; and obtaining the optical element by depositing the electrode pattern on the active material for application of the voltage distribution along the radius or optical axis of the active material when a set of drive voltages are applied to the pair of end-terminals.