Wavefront Manipulator Diffractive Components Compact Focusing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical components for focusing and beam shaping are bulky and heavy, making them unsuitable for compact applications such as smartphones, HoloCams, and smartglasses, where space and weight are critical considerations.

Innovation Solution

A wavefront manipulator comprising at least two diffractive optical components with holographic structures arranged along an optical axis, allowing for variable wavefront manipulation through diffractive structures that can switch between different focal states, utilizing mechanisms like lateral displacement, electrical switching, or acousto-optic modulation to achieve compact and lightweight focusing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If refractive or reflective optical component parts are used for focusing and beam shaping, then the optical function is achieved, but the installation space increases and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing functionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional refractive/reflective optical components with diffractive optical components that utilize diffraction and interference effects of light waves. This substitution enables focusing and beam shaping functions while significantly reducing the physical size and weight of the optical system, as diffractive structures can be implemented as thin films or surface patterns rather than bulky lenses or mirrors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs diffractive optical elements with programmable or switchable parameters that allow dynamic control of wavefront manipulation. By changing the diffraction pattern parameters (such as grating periods, depths, or configurations), the system achieves variable focusing and beam shaping capabilities in a compact form factor, eliminating the need for large mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If refractive or reflective optical component parts are used for focusing and beam shaping, then the optical function is achieved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing functionVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces heavy refractive/reflective optical components with lightweight diffractive optical components. Diffractive structures can be fabricated as thin films, surface relief patterns, or planar integrated circuits, dramatically reducing the mass while maintaining optical functionality. This is particularly valuable in applications like smartphones, smartglasses, and portable devices where weight is critical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional optical components are used, then focusing capability is provided, but the device size becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocusing capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes traditional bulky optical components with compact diffractive optical elements that can be integrated into planar structures. These diffractive components manipulate light through interference patterns created by sub-wavelength structures or surface patterns, enabling focusing and beam control in a fraction of the space required by conventional lenses or mirrors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from three-dimensional volumetric optical components to two-dimensional planar diffractive structures. By encoding optical functionality in the lateral dimensions through patterned surfaces or films, the system achieves the same focusing capability with dramatically reduced depth and overall volume, enabling integration into thin-profile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 wavefront manipulator provides a compact, lightweight solution for focusing and beam shaping, enabling efficient use in space-constrained devices like smartphones and HoloCams, with the ability to switch between discrete or continuous focal states, reducing installation space requirements and maintaining image quality across different wavelengths.

Implementation Method 1

at least two diffractive optical components, which are arranged one behind the other along an optical axis... A diffractive optical component is understood to mean an optical component at which incident waves, in particular light waves, are diffracted and interference is generated in this way

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

incident waves, in particular light waves, are diffracted and interference is generated in this way

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS20240295702A1Wave front manipulator with diffractive components

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 CARL ZEISS JENA GMBH

AI summary

A wave front manipulator can include an optical axis and at least two diffractive optical components, which are arranged successively along the optical axis. The diffractive optical components each can include a diffractive structure having a number of diffractive holographic structural elements. The wave front manipulator is designed to vary a wave front between at least two different states via the diffractive structures of the at least two diffractive optical components.