18570780. OPTICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING ANGLE CONTROL FILMS simplified abstract (3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY)

OPTICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING ANGLE CONTROL FILMS

Organization Name

3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY

Inventor(s)

John A. Wheatley of Stillwater MN (US)

Mark A. Roehrig of Stillwater MN (US)

Zhaohui Yang of North Oaks MN (US)

Bharat R. Acharya of Woodbury MN (US)

David J.W. Aastuen of Shoreview MN (US)

Serena L. Mollenhauer of Roberts WI (US)

OPTICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING ANGLE CONTROL FILMS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18570780 titled 'OPTICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING ANGLE CONTROL FILMS

The optical system described in the patent application consists of a lens layer with microlenses and a light-absorbing layer, designed to manipulate light beams carrying information.

• The lens layer has first and second microlenses on its first major surface, each corresponding to a through opening in the light-absorbing layer.
• The microlenses are centered on different optical axes, each making a specific angle with the normal to the light-absorbing layer.
• A light source emits light towards the lens layer, with the light beams propagating parallel to the optical axes, carrying distinct information.

Potential Applications: - Optical communication systems - Imaging devices - Virtual reality and augmented reality displays

Problems Solved: - Efficient manipulation of light beams carrying different information - Precise control of light propagation for various applications

Benefits: - Enhanced optical performance - Improved data transmission and imaging quality - Versatile applications in different optical systems

Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Optical Systems for Data Transmission and Imaging This technology can be utilized in telecommunications, medical imaging, and consumer electronics, offering high-performance optical solutions for various industries.

Prior Art: Readers can explore prior patents related to microlens arrays, light-absorbing layers, and optical systems for further research on similar technologies.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on advancements in microlens technology, light manipulation techniques, and optical system design for potential improvements in this field.

Questions about the Technology: 1. How does the one-to-one correspondence between microlenses and through openings enhance light manipulation in the optical system? 2. What are the potential challenges in scaling up this technology for industrial applications?

Original Abstract Submitted

An optical system includes a lens layer having a first major surface including first and second microlenses and a first light absorbing layer. The light absorbing layer defines first and second through openings with a one-to-one correspondence between the first and second microlenses and respective first and second through openings. Each pair of first microlens and first through opening centered on a first optical axis makes a first angle with a normal to the first light absorbing layer. Each pair of second microlens and second through opening centered on a second optical axis makes a second angle, different than the first angle, with the normal to the first light absorbing layer. A light source emits light incident on the first major surface side. The emitted light includes first and second light beams carrying respective first and second information and propagating substantially parallel to the first and second optical axes, respectively.