Sub-wavelength Electromagnetic Wave Propagating Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems are limited by the diffraction limit, which restricts the minimum achievable resolution and precision, particularly in focusing light spots, and reducing light wavelength is costly and challenging.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic wave propagating structure with wave-propagating channels and periodically disposed grooves that allow electromagnetic waves to propagate and focus into spots smaller than half the wavelength, overcoming the diffraction limit by utilizing sub-wavelength antenna and light bending effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the wavelength of the light beam is reduced to enhance resolution, then the resolution and precision of optical systems are improved, but the manufacturing difficulties and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical system by introducing a specific optical element with unique geometric characteristics (asymmetric structure with specific curvature relationships) that enables super-resolution without requiring wavelength reduction. This parameter change in the optical element's geometry allows the system to achieve resolution beyond the diffraction limit while using conventional wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical element that acts as a mediator between the light source and the object being observed. This element, with its specific asymmetric geometric structure, modifies the light propagation to achieve super-resolution, thereby avoiding the need to directly reduce the wavelength of the light beam itself
2Ease of manufacture
If the diffraction limit is accepted as the fundamental constraint, then optical systems can be designed with conventional components, but the resolution and precision are restricted to approximately 0.61 times the wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes specific curvature relationships in the optical element's geometry, where the first and second curvatures at different surfaces are designed with particular ratios and orientations. This curvature-based design enables the element to manipulate light waves to achieve super-resolution while maintaining manufacturability through well-defined geometric parameters
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical lenses with half-angle maximum cone of light are used, then the system design is straightforward, but the resolution is limited compared to potential super-resolution capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into distinct functional components, with the specialized optical element serving as a separate module that can be designed, manufactured, and optimized independently. This segmentation allows the element to be precisely engineered with the required asymmetric geometry while the rest of the optical system can maintain conventional design approaches
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 structure enhances the resolution and precision of optical systems by focusing light into spots smaller than half the wavelength, achieving sub-wavelength resolution and producing super-collimated beams, suitable for various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The behavior of light is limited by the diffraction limit, which restricts the minimum value of the product of angular divergence (sine of diffraction angle (sin θ)) and a width of light beam (2w)
Implementation Method 2
The main body is further formed with a plurality of periodically disposed grooves in the exit side
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic wave propagating structure includes a main body having surfaces capable of blocking propagation of an electromagnetic wave, and including an incident side and an exit side opposite to the incident side in a wave-propagating direction. The main body is formed with two wave-propagating channels that are spaced apart from each other by a distance not greater than the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Each of the wave-propagating channels extends from the incident side to the exit side, and has an inner dimension not greater than half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic wave propagating structure is adapted to allow an electromagnetic wave to propagate therethrough via the wave-propagating channels for focusing into a light spot having a spot size that is smaller than half of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave.