Topological Insulator Coated Optical Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical elements coated for improved mechanical performance often degrade their optical properties, as many coatings that enhance mechanical durability significantly impair optical performance.

Innovation Solution

A coated optical element featuring a topological insulator (TI) coating that maintains optical properties while providing enhanced mechanical performance, including improved hardness and reduced Fresnel loss, without substantial degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a coating is added to improve mechanical performance, then hardness and mechanical durability are improved, but optical properties such as transmittance and reflectivity are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical performanceVSAvoidoptical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters of the coating by using topological insulator materials with specific electronic band structures and surface states. These parameter changes enable the coating to maintain optical transparency while providing mechanical protection, resolving the contradiction between mechanical performance improvement and optical property preservation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures where topological insulator coatings are applied to optical elements. This composite approach combines the mechanical durability of the TI coating with the optical properties of the underlying element, achieving both improved strength and maintained optical reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a thick coating is applied to maximize mechanical protection, then mechanical durability is significantly improved, but optical transmittance is substantially reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical durabilityVSAvoidoptical transmittance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the unique electronic parameters of topological insulators, particularly their surface state conductivity and bulk insulation properties. By controlling the thickness parameter within an optimized range and adjusting material composition parameters, the coating provides mechanical protection while maintaining optical transmittance, avoiding the trade-off that plagues conventional thick coatings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If conventional coating materials are used to enhance hardness, then mechanical performance is improved, but Fresnel loss and optical degradation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehardnessVSAvoidFresnel loss

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the coating by selecting topological insulator materials with refractive indices and optical constants that minimize Fresnel reflections. Simultaneously, the mechanical parameters are optimized through TI material selection and thickness control, achieving both reduced energy loss and improved hardness without the conventional trade-off

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10845506B2Topological insulator protected optical elements

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Provided is a coated optical element that includes: an optical element; and a coating disposed on the optical element. The coating includes at least one layer of a topological insulator.