Spacer Wafer Light Shielding for Optical Cross-Talk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices, such as multi-aperture cameras, face challenges in miniaturization and maintaining optical quality while minimizing stray light and cross-talk between channels.
Innovation Solution
The use of spacer wafers with structured portions that act as light shields, positioned between optics and substrate wafers, to suppress stray light and cross-talk, allowing for more compact designs with improved optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between channels is reduced to miniaturize the optical device, then the device size is reduced, but stray light and cross-talk between channels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate light shielding structure positioned between adjacent optical channels. This shielding structure acts as a mediator that blocks stray light propagation between channels, allowing the channels to be placed closer together without increasing cross-talk. The shielding structure includes light-blocking material arranged to prevent optical interference while maintaining compact channel spacing.
2Reliability
If light shielding structures are added to suppress stray light, then optical quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light shielding function with existing structural elements of the optical device. The shielding structures are integrated into the housing or mounting framework rather than being separate components. This merging approach provides effective stray light suppression while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the shielding function is incorporated into already-present structural elements.
3Productivity
If channel distances are reduced for miniaturization, then productivity and compactness improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features during the manufacturing process, such as precision-machined mounting surfaces,定位 holes, and mechanical stops that guide the relative positioning of optical components. These pre-built alignment mechanisms ensure that even when channels are closely spaced, the components can be accurately positioned without requiring extremely tight tolerances during assembly, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
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 approach enables the creation of miniaturized optical devices with enhanced optical quality by effectively preventing undesired light propagation and reducing channel distances, facilitating efficient manufacturing and high-quality optical module production.
Implementation Method 1
spacer wafers with structured portions that act as light shields, positioned between optics and substrate wafers, to suppress stray light and cross-talk
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing one or more optical devices, each comprising a first member and a second member, and a spacer arranged between the first and second members. The method includes manufacturing a spacer wafer including a multitude of the spacers. Manufacturing the spacer wafer includes providing a replication tool having spacer replication sections; bringing the replication tool in contact with a first surface of another wafer; bringing a vacuum sealing chuck into contact with a second surface of the other wafer while the other wafer remains in contact with the replication tool; and injecting a liquid, viscous or plastically deformable material through an inlet of the vacuum sealing chuck so as to substantially fill the spacer replication sections.