Structured Electrode for 3D Refractive Index Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Standard thermal poling techniques for refractive index structuration in amorphous inorganic materials lack full control over the refractive index gradient in three dimensions, particularly in directions parallel to the material surface, limiting the fabrication of optical devices like micro-lenses arrays due to abrupt transitions and limited length scales.

Innovation Solution

A device with a structured electrode comprising conductive and non-conductive zones, confined between the amorphous inorganic material and a dielectric material, generates a spatially controlled refractive index gradient by modifying electric field lines to allow cation movement parallel to the surface, enhancing the smoothness and control of refractive index variations up to several hundreds of micrometers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If standard thermal poling technique is used with structured electrode, then refractive index modulation is achieved, but full spatial control of refractive index gradient in three dimensions is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial control of refractive index gradientVSAvoidelectrode configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple independent conductive zones separated by non-conductive zones, allowing independent control of electric potential in different regions. This segmentation enables precise spatial control of the refractive index gradient by applying different potentials to different zones, resolving the contradiction between control precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary between the structured electrode and the amorphous inorganic material. This dielectric layer modifies the electric field distribution, enabling better control over cation migration patterns and achieving full three-dimensional spatial control of the refractive index gradient while maintaining manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If step shape structured electrode is used, then refractive index contrast is controlled, but smoothness of transition between regions cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoothness of refractive index transitionVSAvoidelectrode fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the electrode structure are assigned different properties: conductive zones for potential application and non-conductive zones for isolation. The dielectric material provides gradual field transition zones. This local differentiation of properties enables controlled smoothness of refractive index transitions while keeping the electrode fabrication process manageable through standard patterning techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If electrode is placed directly on material surface, then processing is simple, but cation movement in directions parallel to surface is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidcation displacement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structure is extended into the third dimension by introducing a dielectric layer, transforming the electrode from a surface-level component to a multi-layer structure. This dimensional change enables electric field lines to be oriented at various angles, including parallel components that drive cation movement along the material surface, thereby improving cation displacement control while maintaining processing simplicity through additive manufacturing approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 precise control of refractive index gradients in three dimensions, facilitating the fabrication of optical devices such as micro-lenses arrays with smoother transitions and improved parallel cation displacement, overcoming the limitations of standard thermal poling methods.

Implementation Method 1

thermal poling consists in applying an electrostatic potential, with a structured electrode, to the previously heated material to be treated. Then the material is cooled down while keeping the electrostatic potential applied... the applied potential moves the cations away from the electrodes, resulting in a redistribution of charge and mass inside the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

thanks to the high temperature the ions mobility is increased

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10919801B2Device and method for inducing by thermal poling a spatially controlled refractive index gradient inside an amorphous inorganic material

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

A device for inducing by thermal poling a spatially controlled refractive index gradient inside at least one amorphous inorganic material to be treated, includes a structured electrode arranged on the surface or in proximity to the surface of the material to be treated; and at least one dielectric material. The structured electrode includes at least one conductive zone and at least one non-conductive zone and it is confined between the amorphous inorganic material to be treated and the dielectric material.