Split GRIN Lens with Geometrically Coupled Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gradient index (GRIN) lens designs require multiple optical elements to achieve combined optical power and aberration control, which can be complex and inefficient, whereas the proposed solution involves a single GRIN device with geometrically coupled interfaces and zones of varying refractive index, allowing for a single optical element to combine these functions within a single volume.
Innovation Solution
The GRIN device features a lens volume with geometrically coupled interfaces, comprising zones with smoothly varying refractive indices and step changes, enabling the combination of optical power and aberration control within a single element, fabricated using stacked film layers with independent surface shapes and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical elements are used to achieve combined optical power and aberration control, then optical performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (optical power and aberration control) into a single gradient index lens element. The lens combines continuously varying gradient index material with step-changes in refractive index at specific interfaces, allowing one element to perform what traditionally required multiple separate optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The gradient index lens is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously - providing optical power through curved ray paths while also controlling aberrations through the gradient index profile. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional specialized optical elements.
2Device complexity
If a single optical element is used to combine optical power and aberration control, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens is segmented into distinct zones with different refractive index characteristics - regions of continuously varying gradient index and regions with step-changes in refractive index. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for specific optical functions while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the refractive index parameter throughout the lens volume - both continuous variations and discrete step-changes - to achieve different optical effects in different regions. This parameter variation allows a single element to provide multiple optical functions without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across the entire component.
3Reliability
If continuously varying gradient index material is used, then aberration control is improved, but optical power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lens employs a composite structure combining continuously varying gradient index material with discrete step-changes in refractive index. This composite approach allows the lens to benefit from the aberration control of continuous gradient index while the step-changes provide the necessary optical power through instantaneous refraction at the interfaces.
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 simplifies the design and manufacturing of GRIN lenses, enhancing optical performance by reducing manufacturing tolerances and allowing for higher-order corrections, while improving image quality and reducing spherical aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
A GRIN lens is an inhomogenous optical element in which the index of refraction varies over one or more dimensions of the lens. In such a volume, optical rays traverse curved paths rather than straight lines. Over long enough pathlengths these gradual curves can amount to significant ray bending, referred to as optical power, which is normally achieved via instantaneous refraction at a curved glass-air interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems, devices, and methods described herein relate to split GRIN lenses which may compartmentalize a single optical element into various zones of stacked film layers with geometrically coupled interfaces. The optical zones may include independent index of refraction values but may be connected through a nested GRIN contour geometry to allow for fabrication of all zones simultaneously.