Varifocal Lens With Segmented Electrodes For Autofocusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing varifocal lens technologies face challenges in efficiently generating a non-uniform electric field within liquid crystal layers to control refractive indexes and form curved lens surfaces for improved imaging, particularly in achieving precise alignment and refractive index variations for autofocusing and zooming operations.
Innovation Solution
A varifocal lens design incorporating a first and second liquid crystal layer with non-uniform electric field generation units, including electrode portions and resistance or nanostructure layers, to generate distinct refractive indexes and form varied lens surfaces by aligning liquid crystal molecules differently based on position and electric field direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a liquid crystal layer is used to generate a non-uniform electric field for varifocal function, then the refractive index can be controlled to form curved lens surfaces, but the alignment precision and refractive index variation are insufficient for precise autofocusing and zooming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is divided into multiple electrode portions (first electrode portion, second electrode portion, third electrode portion) arranged at different positions. Each electrode portion can be independently controlled to generate specific electric field distributions, enabling precise control of liquid crystal molecule alignment and refractive index variations in different regions of the liquid crystal layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid crystal layer are assigned different functions by positioning electrode portions at specific locations. The first electrode portion controls central region alignment, the second electrode portion controls edge region alignment, and the third electrode portion provides additional field control. This local differentiation enables precise control of refractive index variations throughout the entire liquid crystal layer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical movement is used to achieve varifocal function, then the lens system can perform autofocusing and zooming operations, but the device complexity and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lens movement systems with an electrically-controlled liquid crystal lens system. By applying non-uniform electric fields through specifically designed electrode portions, the liquid crystal molecules are rotated to change the refractive index distribution, thereby achieving varifocal function without any mechanical moving parts. This eliminates mechanical wear and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The varifocal function is achieved by changing the electric field parameters (voltage, current distribution) applied to the electrode portions, which in turn changes the orientation of liquid crystal molecules and the resulting refractive index. This parameter-based control replaces mechanical position adjustment, enabling smooth and precise focal length variation without mechanical complexity.
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 design effectively creates a varifocal lens with adjustable refractive indexes and lens surfaces, enhancing imaging capabilities by allowing for precise control of focal length and reducing the need for mechanical movements, thereby improving autofocusing and zooming operations.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid crystal molecules are aligned along the direction of an electric field. Since the refractive index in a major axis direction is generally different from the refractive index in a minor axis direction in the case of liquid crystal molecules, the liquid crystal molecules have various refractive indexes according to their alignment states.
Implementation Method 2
if a boundary surface, where the refractive index changes due to the alignment of liquid crystal molecules, is curved, the liquid crystal molecules refract light transmitted thereto, thereby acting as an optical lens.
Data Source
AI summary
A varifocal lens including a first liquid crystal layer; a first electrode portion disposed below the first liquid crystal layer and having a flat shape; a first non-uniform electric field generator which generates a non-uniform electric field in the first liquid crystal layer together with the first electrode portion, and the first non-uniform electric field generator including a second electrode portion having a flat shape.