Voltage-Tunable Diffractive Element for Multi-Wavelength Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface relief-type diffractive elements require different heights of multi-step structures for different wavelengths, leading to increased costs and lead times, and fixed focal lengths for specific wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A diffraction element device with a diffractive element and power source, utilizing piezoelectric or electrostrictive materials in multi-step structures, allows for adjustable heights and curvatures via applied voltage, enabling variable wavelengths and focal lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the height of the multi-step structure is made variable to support different wavelengths, then the adaptability to different wavelengths is improved, but the focal length changes and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the multi-step structure height adjustable through piezoelectric actuators. The height can be dynamically changed according to the operating wavelength, allowing a single device to adapt to different wavelengths without requiring multiple fixed designs. This resolves the contradiction by enabling wavelength adaptability while maintaining a single manufacturing template.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the multi-step structure height based on the operating wavelength. By using piezoelectric materials, the height parameter can be precisely adjusted to match the required diffraction conditions for different wavelengths, thereby achieving wavelength adaptability without increasing manufacturing complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the height of the multi-step structure is uniformly determined according to wavelength, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but different heights are required for different wavelengths increasing costs and lead time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single diffractive element with a fixed multi-step structure height that can serve multiple wavelengths through dynamic adjustment. The piezoelectric actuator enables the same structure to function at different wavelengths, eliminating the need to manufacture separate elements for each wavelength and thereby improving production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing dynamic adjustability through piezoelectric actuators, the patent transforms a static manufacturing process into a dynamic system. The fixed-height structure during manufacturing is adjusted to the required height during operation, combining manufacturing simplicity with production efficiency across multiple wavelengths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the height of the multi-step structure is made variable, then the adaptability to different wavelengths is improved, but the focal length changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the operating wavelength and adjusting the multi-step structure height accordingly. The piezoelectric actuator responds to control signals that indicate the required wavelength, automatically adjusting the height to maintain proper focal length and diffraction performance for that specific wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the height parameter of the multi-step structure in response to wavelength changes. By precisely controlling the piezoelectric actuator, the system maintains the correct optical parameters (focal length and diffraction efficiency) for the operating wavelength, thereby achieving wavelength adaptability while stabilizing the focal length.
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 device can operate across multiple wavelengths and focal lengths, reducing production costs and improving optical accuracy and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric material or an electrostrictive material is included in a part of the multi-step structures, the power source is connected to the electrode or the substrate, and a height of the multi-step structures changes due to a voltage applied from the power source
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric material or an electrostrictive material is included in a part of the multi-step structures, the power source is connected to the electrode or the substrate, and a height of the multi-step structures changes due to a voltage applied from the power source
Implementation Method 3
Optical systems for beam-forming in a desired light intensity distribution using the diffraction phenomenon of light are used in many fields such as industry and medicine
Data Source
AI summary
A diffraction element device includes a diffractive element and a power source, the diffractive element includes a substrate and a plurality of multi-step structures, each of the multi-step structures is composed of a plurality of steps, an electrode is provided at a part of the multi-step structures, a piezoelectric material or an electrostrictive material is included in a part of the multi-step structures, the power source is connected to the electrode or the substrate, and a height of the multi-step structures changes due to a voltage applied from the power source.