Optical assembly including plenoptic microlens array

摘要

An optical assembly includes a solid spacing layer between a plenoptic microlens array (MLA) and a pixel-level MLA, avoiding the need for an air gap. Such an assembly, and systems and methods for manufacturing same, can yield improved reliability and efficiency of production, and can avoid many of the problems associated with prior art approaches. In at least one embodiment, the plenoptic MLA, the spacing layer, and the pixel-level MLA are created from optically transmissive polymer(s) deposited on the photosensor array and shaped using photolithographic techniques. Such an approach improves precision in placement and dimensions, and avoids other problems associated with conventional polymer-on-glass architectures. Further variations and techniques are described.

主权项

1. An optical assembly, comprising:
a photosensor array, comprising:
a plurality of photosensors; anda pixel-level microlens array, comprising a plurality of microlenses, each microlens configured to direct light toward a corresponding photosensor, the pixel-level microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface; a spacing layer, comprising a solid optically transmissive material, adjoining and in contact with the top surface of the pixel-level microlens array; and a plenoptic microlens array adjoining and in contact with the spacing layer, configured to direct incoming light through the spacing layer and toward the pixel-level microlens array, the plenoptic microlens array having a top surface and a bottom surface; wherein the spacing layer is situated between the pixel-level microlens array and the plenoptic microlens array and is configured to separate the pixel-level microlens array from the plenoptic microlens array.