Blocking Coating With Adhesion Layer for UV Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesives used in optical systems that process UV light are prone to degradation due to exposure to UV light, leading to misalignment of optical elements, which affects the reliability and precision of the optical system.
Innovation Solution
A blocking coating with a light absorber is applied between the optical element and the adhesive, preventing UV light with wavelengths from 190 nm to 500 nm from reaching the adhesive, combined with an adhesion promoter to enhance the bonding between the coating and the optical element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to mount optical element to holder, then optical element can be fixed in position, but adhesive degrades under UV light exposure causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking coating is introduced as an intermediary layer between the optical element and the adhesive. This coating contains a light absorber that intercepts UV light before it reaches the adhesive, preventing degradation while maintaining the adhesive's bonding function. The adhesion promoter serves as another intermediary layer to ensure the blocking coating adheres properly to the optical element.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: the optical element, blocking coating with light absorber, adhesion promoter, and adhesive. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the blocking coating handles UV protection while the adhesive handles bonding, resolving the contradiction between fixation and UV resistance.
2Reliability
If blocking coating is applied to protect adhesive from UV light, then adhesive degradation is prevented, but additional coating layers increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the blocking coating layer: UV blocking, adhesion promotion, and optical compatibility. By combining these functions into a single integrated coating system rather than separate components, the solution protects the adhesive from UV degradation while minimizing the increase in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking coating is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a UV protective barrier and an adhesion-promoting interface. The adhesion promoter component provides universal compatibility with both the optical element and the blocking coating, reducing the need for additional specialized layers and simplifying the overall structure.
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 prevents adhesive degradation, maintaining the alignment and performance of optical elements by blocking UV light and improving the adhesion of the blocking coating to the optical element, thus ensuring consistent operation of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking coating includes a light absorber that does not transmit light with wavelengths from greater than or equal to about 190 nm to less than or equal to about 500 nm
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly and a method for making the optical assembly. The optical assembly includes an optical element; an adhesion promoter; a blocking coating; a holder; and an adhesive configured to adhere the optical element to the holder. The blocking coating includes a light absorber that does not transmit light with wavelengths from greater than or equal to about 250 nm to less than or equal to about 400 nm; The light absorber is positioned such that light having a wavelength from greater than or equal to about 190 nm to less than or equal to about 500 nm is not incident to the adhesive. The adhesion promoter improves adhesion of the blocking coating to the optical element and reduces the likelihood of delamination during handling, operation, or clearing of the optical assembly.