Tunable Prism With Integrated Lens And Reduced Crosstalk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical image stabilization systems using tunable prisms with integrated tunable liquid lenses face challenges due to unwanted crosstalk between the prism and lens functions, caused by the displacement of the transparent rigid optical element along the optical axis, which alters the pressure in the liquid volume and changes the optical power of the tunable lens.
Innovation Solution
An optical device featuring a container filled with a transparent liquid, where a transparent rigid optical element is connected to an elastically deformable membrane, and a supporting structure that allows tilting of the optical element about specific axes while preventing linear translation along the optical axis, thereby maintaining constant pressure in the liquid volume and minimizing crosstalk between the prism and lens functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transparent rigid optical element is connected to the membrane for receiving and deflecting light, then the prism function is achieved, but the optical element can be displaced along the optical axis which alters liquid pressure and changes the optical power of the tunable lens, resulting in unwanted crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into functionally independent parts: the membrane structure handles prism function through tilting, while the liquid volume handles lens function through pressure control. The supporting structure segments the degrees of freedom, allowing tilting motion for prism operation while preventing axial displacement that would affect lens power.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure acts as an intermediary between the membrane and the optical element, mediating the motion constraints. It allows the optical element to tilt for prism function while preventing axial displacement, thus eliminating crosstalk without compromising either the prism or lens function.
2Reliability
If a separate conventional lens and prism are used to avoid crosstalk, then the crosstalk problem is solved, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens and prism functions into a single integrated device. The liquid-filled container with deformable membrane serves both as a tunable lens (through pressure-controlled curvature) and as a tunable prism (through tilting of the optical element), eliminating the need for separate components while avoiding crosstalk through the specialized supporting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-filled container with deformable membrane performs multiple functions: it acts as a tunable lens by changing curvature through pressure control, and simultaneously serves as a tunable prism by tilting the optical element. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate lens and prism components.
3Ease of operation
If the transparent rigid optical element is tilted to deflect light for optical image stabilization, then the OIS function is achieved, but the displacement along the optical axis alters the pressure in the liquid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic control of the optical element's orientation through tilting for OIS function, while the supporting structure dynamically constrains axial displacement. The membrane and liquid volume dynamically adjust to maintain pressure stability during tilting operations, enabling OIS without affecting lens power.
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 solution effectively minimizes crosstalk between the optical power adjustment of the tunable lens and the tunable prism, allowing for precise focusing and optical image stabilization without the bulkiness of separate components.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable prism comprises usually a liquid volume which is at least partially delimited by means of a flexible membrane... incident light is deflected by the tunable prism
Implementation Method 2
the container comprises a transparent and elastically deformable membrane delimiting said internal space at least partially
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical device (1), comprising: a container (10) enclosing an internal space (11) of the container (10), the internal space (11) being filled with a transparent liquid (12), wherein the container (10) comprises a transparent and elastically deformable membrane (13) delimiting said internal space (11) at least partially, wherein the container (10) further comprises a transparent rigid optical element (2) being connected to said membrane (13), the rigid optical element (2) comprising an optical surface (20) facing the membrane (13), the rigid optical element (2) being configured to receive light (L) for passing the light (L) through the transparent liquid (12) residing in the internal space (11) of the container (10), wherein the optical device (1) further comprises a supporting structure (3) supporting the rigid optical element (2) so that the rigid optical element (2) is tiltable about at least a first tilting axis (X) extending along said optical surface (20) of the rigid optical element (2) to deflect light passing through the container (10), wherein the supporting structure (3) is configured to prevent a translation of the rigid optical element (2) in a direction parallel to an optical axis (A) of the optical device.