Electrically-Tunable Lenses Asymmetric Pixel Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically-tunable lenses face challenges in achieving high optical performance, particularly in ophthalmic applications, due to limitations in pixel density, diffraction effects, and ghost images caused by regular pixel arrays, which affect the accuracy and smoothness of phase modulation profiles.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical devices with electro-optical layers and conductive electrodes of varying widths and orientations, along with control circuitry to apply specific voltage waveforms, enables the generation of complex phase modulation profiles, including separable and abrupt transitions, to improve focusing capabilities and reduce diffraction effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a regular pixel array is used in the electro-optical layer, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but diffraction effects and ghost images occur that degrade optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-uniform pixel sizes and/or non-uniform spacing between pixels in the electro-optical layer. Specifically, adjacent pixels are designed with different sizes or different spacings, breaking the regular periodic structure that causes diffraction. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates the constructive interference patterns that produce ghost images while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes.
2Ease of manufacture
If a regular pixel array is used in the electro-optical layer, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but ghost images are generated that degrade optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-uniform pixel sizes and/or non-uniform spacing between pixels in the electro-optical layer. Specifically, adjacent pixels are designed with different sizes or different spacings, breaking the regular periodic structure that causes diffraction. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates the constructive interference patterns that produce ghost images while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes of varying widths are used, then phase modulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the widths of electrodes or pixel elements at different locations within the electro-optical layer. Each region is designed with specific dimensional characteristics optimized for its local function - for example, different pixel sizes in different zones enable independent control of phase modulation precision. This local variation achieves high overall precision while maintaining relatively simple fabrication processes.
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
These devices achieve enhanced optical performance by allowing for precise control of focal power and optical axis alignment, reducing diffraction and ghost images, and enabling the emulation of spherical and cylindrical lenses with improved resolution and smooth phase modulation.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optical layer, having an effective local index of refraction at any given location within an active area of the electro-optical layer that is determined by a voltage waveform applied across the electro-optical layer at the location
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes an electro-optical layer, having an effective local index of refraction at any given location within an active area of the electro-optical layer that is determined by a voltage waveform applied across the electro-optical layer at the location. Conductive electrodes extend over the first and second sides of the electro-optical layer. The conductive electrodes include an array of excitation electrodes including parallel stripes of a transparent conductive material having gaps between the stripes of a gap width that is less than the layer thickness of the electro-optical layer. Control circuitry is coupled to apply respective control voltage waveforms to the excitation electrodes and to modify the control voltage waveforms applied to each of the excitation electrodes concurrently and independently so as to generate a phase modulation profile in the electro-optical layer.