Segmented Optical Filter for Multi-Wavelength Emission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional air-gap-type electrostatically actuated optical filters face limitations in efficiently selecting and emitting multiple desired wavelengths of light without interference, as they rely on varying the gap between mirrors to achieve wavelength selection, which can be cumbersome and inefficient for simultaneous emission of different wavelengths.

Innovation Solution

The optical filter design incorporates first and second substrates with differently configured surfaces and mirror pairs, allowing for the formation of distinct gaps between mirrors, enabling the simultaneous and independent emission of different wavelengths through electrostatic actuation, with the use of dielectric multilayer films and conductive electrodes for precise wavelength control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional air-gap-type electrostatically actuated optical filter uses a single gap between mirrors for wavelength selection, then the structure is simple, but it cannot efficiently select and emit multiple desired wavelengths of light without interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength selection capabilityVSAvoidfilter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple independent filter units, each with its own mirror pair and gap configuration. Each filter unit is responsible for selecting a specific wavelength, and the units are arranged in parallel within the substrate. This segmentation allows multiple wavelengths to be selected simultaneously without interference while keeping each individual filter unit relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the gap between mirrors is varied to achieve wavelength selection, then wavelength tuning is possible, but multiple wavelengths cannot be emitted simultaneously without interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidmulti-wavelength capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter employs electrostatic actuators to dynamically adjust the gap between mirror pairs in each filter unit. By applying voltages to the actuators, the gap can be varied to tune the selected wavelength. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the filter to adapt to different wavelength requirements while maintaining the ability to simultaneously emit multiple wavelengths through the parallel filter unit structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filter units are arranged in parallel within the substrate, then multiple wavelengths can be selected simultaneously, but the substrate complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-wavelength emission capabilityVSAvoidsubstrate structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is designed to accommodate multiple filter units, each capable of independent wavelength selection. The substrate structure integrates common elements (such as support frameworks and electrical connections) that serve multiple filter units simultaneously, reducing the overall complexity increase. Each filter unit can be independently controlled to select different wavelengths, providing multi-wavelength emission capability while sharing common structural resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design allows for the simultaneous and efficient emission of multiple wavelengths without interference, reducing detection time and space requirements while maintaining high sensitivity in wavelength selection, making it suitable for applications like optical sensors and modules.

Implementation Method 1

a diaphragm portion is provided on the periphery of one mirror, and the diaphragm portion is displaced by electrostatic force between the electrodes to vary the gap (air gap) between the mirrors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

with the use of dielectric multilayer films and conductive electrodes for precise wavelength control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS8937276B2Optical filter and optical module provided with same

Publication Date: 2015.01.20 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

An optical filter includes first and second substrates, first and second mirrors and first and second electrodes. The second substrate includes first, second and third surfaces. The second surface surrounds the first surface in a plan view, and the third surface surrounds the second surface in a plan view. A second height of the second surface is lower than a first height of the first surface, and a third height of the third surface is higher than the first height of the first surface. The first, second and third surfaces face a single flat surface of the first substrate. The first mirror is disposed on the first substrate. The second mirror is disposed on the first surface of the second substrate. The first electrode is disposed on the first substrate. The second electrode is disposed on the second surface of the second substrate and faces the first electrode.