Optical apparatus with structure for liquid invariant performance
US8169716B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S977/932
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A phase-adjusting element configured to provide substantially liquid-invariant extended depth of field for an associated optical lens. One example of a lens incorporating the phase-adjusting element includes the lens having surface with a modulated relief defining a plurality of regions including a first region and a second region, the first region having a depth relative to the second region, and a plurality of nanostructures formed in the first region. The depth of the first region and a spacing between adjacent nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures is selected to provide a selected average index of refraction of the first region, and the spacing between adjacent nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures is sufficiently small that the first region does not substantially diffract visible light.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.