Transparent Electroactive Lenses With Nonlinear Conductive Traces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deformable optical lenses face challenges in achieving both electrical conductivity and optical transparency, as materials with high electrical conductivity are typically opaque, while transparent materials exhibit low or no conductivity, which is a barrier for applications like smart windows and artificial-reality systems that require conductive and transparent electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The development of transparent electroactive systems featuring nonlinear conductive traces as electrodes, which are positioned over or adjacent to a transparent electroactive material, allowing for efficient voltage application while maintaining optical transparency by using a combination of metallic and transparent voltage spreader materials, and configuring the conductive traces to minimize visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic materials are used for electrodes to achieve high electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but optical transparency deteriorates (materials become opaque)
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into discrete conductive traces rather than a continuous film. These traces are positioned at specific locations to provide sufficient electrical conductivity while leaving gaps that maintain optical transparency. The segmentation allows the electrode to conduct electricity where needed while remaining transparent in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode have different properties: conductive traces provide high conductivity in specific locations, while the spaces between traces provide optical transparency. This local differentiation allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve both conductivity and transparency by optimizing each region for its specific function.
2Illumination intensity
If transparent materials are used for electrodes to maintain optical transparency, then optical transparency is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates (conductivity becomes low or zero)
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode combines transparent voltage spreader material with conductive traces to create a composite structure. The transparent voltage spreader material provides optical transparency and distributes voltage, while the conductive traces provide high electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows both properties to coexist and work together.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent voltage spreader material acts as an intermediary between the conductive traces and the electroactive material. It distributes the voltage from the conductive traces across the transparent electrode surface, enabling the transparent material to fulfill both its optical and electrical functions effectively.
3Reliability
If conductive traces are made thicker or more prominent to improve electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but visibility to users increases (aesthetic quality deteriorates)
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive traces are optimized by adjusting parameters such as thickness, width, spacing, and material composition to achieve the minimum necessary electrical conductivity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the traces remain thin and subtle enough to be imperceptible to users while still providing sufficient conductivity for the application.
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 solution enables the creation of deformable optical lenses that can adjust focus and optical properties while being imperceptible to the user, enhancing the functionality of artificial-reality systems and other transparent electroactive applications by achieving both conductivity and transparency effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent electroactive material may be deformable upon application of a sufficient voltage to the transparent electroactive material
Implementation Method 2
The first electrode material may include conductive traces that are nonlinear... the transparent voltage spreader material may be positioned adjacent to the conductive traces
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed transparent electroactive systems may include at least one transparent electroactive material, a first electrode material disposed over a first surface of the transparent electroactive material, and a second electrode material disposed over a second, opposite surface of the transparent electroactive material. The first and second electrode materials may be configured to apply a sufficient voltage to the transparent electroactive material to deform the transparent electroactive material. At least the first electrode material may include conductive traces that are nonlinear. Various other methods and systems are also disclosed.