Single-Lobe Electromagnetic Wave Device Using Contact Area Height Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in forming electromagnetic wave patterns, particularly in achieving a mastered beam shape with a single lobe and optimal spread angle for applications such as augmented and virtual reality, integrated optical sensors, and light communication systems.

Innovation Solution

A device with a contact area of specific geometry, where the height of the contact area is less than 20% greater than the critical height, generates an outgoing electromagnetic wave with a single lobe when illuminated by an incoming wave. This device comprises a first material of lower refractive index and a second material of higher refractive index, allowing for the estimation of the refractive index of a fluid based on the characteristics of the outgoing wave.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional focusing devices are used, then electromagnetic wave patterns can be formed, but the beam shape cannot be mastered with a single lobe and optimal spread angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam shapeVSAvoidsingle lobe formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the height of the contact area between two materials with different refractive indices. By setting the height to be less than 20% greater than the critical height (h < 1.2 × hc), the device achieves single-lobe beam formation with optimal spread angle. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between forming a mastered beam shape and achieving precise single-lobe manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the height of the contact area is increased, then more material is available for wave generation, but multiple secondary lobes appear instead of a single lobe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact area materialVSAvoidsingle lobe
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies and optimizes the critical parameter of contact area height. By establishing that h < 1.2 × hc, the invention finds the optimal balance between having sufficient material quantity for effective wave generation and maintaining the single-lobe shape requirement. This parameter threshold resolves the contradiction between quantity and shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of moving object

If the spread angle of the beam is increased, then the beam covers a wider area, but the deviation angle and beam precision are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam coverage areaVSAvoiddeviation angle control
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves optimal beam characteristics by controlling the contact area height parameter. This single parameter optimization simultaneously determines both the spread angle and deviation angle, providing a mastered beam shape with known and controlled angular characteristics. The parameter h < 1.2 × hc ensures both adequate coverage and precise angular control.

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

The device effectively forms a single-lobe electromagnetic wave pattern, enhancing the accuracy of refractive index estimation and enabling applications such as trapping or moving nano-particles, and focusing incoming waves towards a focal point.

Implementation Method 1

a first part of a first material having a first refractive index n1 and a second part of a second material having a second refractive index n2 higher than n1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

When the device is illuminated by an incoming electromagnetic wave, an outgoing electromagnetic wave (or jet wave) is generated at the level of the contact area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3857295B1Device for radiating at least one outgoing electromagnetic wave when illuminated by an incoming electromagnetic wave
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 INTERDIGITAL CE PATENT HOLDINGS SAS
  • EP3857295B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3857295B1 patent drawingFigure 2~7
  • EP3857295B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~5c

AI summary

A device (200) is proposed comprising a first part (101) of a first material having a first refractive index n1 and a second part (102) of a second material having a second refractive index n2 higher than n1. Such device further comprises at least one contact area (110) in between the first and second parts, radiating an outgoing electromagnetic wave (100o) when the device is illuminated by an incoming electromagnetic wave (100i). A projection of the at least one contact area along a direction of propagation of the incoming electromagnetic wave has a non-vanishing height lower than 1.2 times a critical height equal to a wavelength in vacuum of the incoming electromagnetic wave divided by the difference between the second refractive index n2 and the first refractive index n1.