Optical Axis Tunable Liquid Crystal Lens with Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of liquid crystal lenses often results in deviations from design values for electrode positions, shapes, and sizes, causing the optical axis to deviate from its intended position, which affects the optical function of the lens.
Innovation Solution
An optical axis tunable liquid crystal lens is designed with a control electrode comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, where the second electrode has independently addressable sub-electrodes, allowing for adjustment of voltage signals to control the optical axis by creating a variable electric field distribution across the liquid crystal layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional liquid crystal lens manufacturing is used, then the lens can be produced with simple structure, but the optical axis deviates from the intended position due to manufacturing deviations in electrode positions, shapes, and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrode is divided into multiple independently addressable sub-electrodes (first sub-electrode, second sub-electrode, third sub-electrode, fourth sub-electrode) arranged at different positions. This segmentation allows independent voltage control of each sub-electrode, enabling precise adjustment of the optical axis position by selectively activating specific sub-electrodes to compensate for manufacturing deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is made dynamically adjustable through independent voltage control of each sub-electrode. By dynamically changing the voltage signals applied to different sub-electrodes, the optical axis position can be adjusted in real-time to compensate for manufacturing deviations, transforming a static structure into a dynamically tunable system.
2Measurement precision
If independently addressable sub-electrodes are added to adjust optical axis, then the optical axis position precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing full three-dimensional adjustment capability, the patent uses four sub-electrodes arranged in a specific pattern to achieve effective two-dimensional optical axis positioning. This partial action approach achieves the necessary precision for most applications while keeping the electrode structure and control system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical axis position is controlled by changing the voltage parameters (voltage signals) applied to each sub-electrode. By adjusting the voltage magnitude and polarity on different sub-electrodes, the optical axis can be positioned at different locations, providing a simple parameter-based control method that avoids complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If multiple sub-electrodes are used to compensate for manufacturing deviations, then the optical function is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sub-electrodes are pre-positioned at specific locations (first, second, third, and fourth positions) during manufacturing, creating a built-in compensation mechanism. This preliminary arrangement of electrodes allows the lens to compensate for manufacturing deviations through electrical control rather than requiring precise mechanical positioning during assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-electrode structure serves multiple functions: it creates the basic liquid crystal lens effect, enables optical axis positioning, and compensates for manufacturing deviations. This universal structure combines several functions into one integrated electrode system, avoiding the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and simplifying the manufacturing process.
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 precise adjustment of the optical axis, improving the optical function of the liquid crystal lens by allowing for the formation of convex or concave lenses with uniform thickness, enhancing the lens's ability to focus or diverge light effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the control electrode comprises a first electrode configured to be provided with a common voltage signal and a second electrode configured to be provided with a control voltage signal
Implementation Method 2
Liquid crystal lens can control the direction of light by adjusting the alignment of liquid crystal molecules
Implementation Method 3
liquid crystal lens can control the direction of light by adjusting the alignment of liquid crystal molecules, thereby focusing or diverging light
Implementation Method 4
The liquid crystal lens has a simple structure and is easy to operate
Data Source
AI summary
An optical axis tunable liquid crystal lens includes a liquid crystal layer; and a control electrode configured to adjust an optical axis of the optical axis tunable liquid crystal lens. The control electrode includes a first electrode configured to be provided with a common voltage signal and a second electrode configured to be provided with a control voltage signal. The first electrode is on a side of the liquid crystal layer away from the second electrode. The second electrode includes a first sub-electrode and a second sub-electrode spaced apart from each other and being on two opposite sides with respect to a center of the second electrode, the first sub-electrode and the second sub-electrode being independently addressable, the first sub-electrode configured to be provided with a first voltage signal and the second sub-electrode configured to be provided with a second voltage signal.