Tapered Two-Layer Optical Waveguide for Light Extraction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguides require multiple layers to control and extract light efficiently, leading to increased costs and optical losses at interfaces, while also needing additional components for light distribution and extraction.
Innovation Solution
A two-layer optical waveguide design with a tapered first layer and a second layer of lower refractive index, bonded to one surface, controls light extraction through total internal reflection and surface features, minimizing the need for additional layers and optimizing light distribution and extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple layers are used to control and extract light, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light distribution function and light extraction function into a single integrated waveguide body structure. The tapered geometry of the waveguide body simultaneously achieves light distribution through its shape and light extraction through its surface features, eliminating the need for separate distribution and extraction layers that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide body serves multiple functions: it distributes light through its tapered geometry, extracts light through surface features, and controls light direction through its overall shape. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized components or layers.
2Loss of energy
If multiple layers are used to control and extract light, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light distribution function and light extraction function into a single integrated waveguide body structure. The tapered geometry of the waveguide body simultaneously achieves light distribution through its shape and light extraction through its surface features, eliminating the need for separate distribution and extraction layers that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surface features with specific geometric parameters (shape, size, spacing) to control light extraction. By optimizing these parameters, the design achieves high extraction efficiency without requiring additional layers, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional components are added for light distribution and extraction, then light control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light distribution function and light extraction function into a single integrated waveguide body structure. The tapered geometry of the waveguide body simultaneously achieves light distribution through its shape and light extraction through its surface features, eliminating the need for separate distribution and extraction layers that would otherwise be required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies surface features at specific locations on the waveguide body to control light extraction locally. The tapered geometry creates different optical properties at different locations, with the top surface featuring different characteristics than the bottom surface, enabling precise local control of light behavior.
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 design achieves high optical control and efficiency with fewer layers, reducing stray light and eliminating the need for extra components, while ensuring uniform and controlled light extraction, suitable for various waveguide geometries and applications.
Implementation Method 1
Light entering the bend element is reflected internally along an outer surface
Implementation Method 2
Discrete coupling optics use refraction, total internal reflection, and surface or volume scattering to control the distribution of light injected into the waveguide
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 3A~8
AI summary
An optical waveguide body includes a first layer of optically transmissive material and a second layer of optically transmissive material in contact with the first layer. At least one of the first and second layers is tapered and the first layer has a first index of refraction and the second layer has a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction and the first and second indices of refraction are both greater than about 1.0.