Composite optical element

• US 8,537,475 B2
• Filed: 06/06/2007
• Issued: 09/17/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Panasonic Corporation (Panasonic Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Murata, Jun, Takano, Toshiaki
• Primary Examiner(s): AMARI, ALESSANDRO V
• Application Number:
  US12/304,607
• Publication Number:
  US 20090323502A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,295 Days
• Field of Search: 359/576, 359/743, 359/742, 359/565, 359/724, 369/112.04, 369/112.07
• US Class Current: 359/743
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00269 Fresnel lenses
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/0073 Optical laminates
• CPC Class Codes: B29D 11/00769 Producing diffraction gratings
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0037 with diffracting elements G02B27/0056 takes precedence; holographic optical elements G02B5/32; zone systems G02B5/1876
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/4238 in optical recording or readout devices optical pick-up devices such as for CD, DVD or BD reader or recorder using diffraction optics G11B7/1353
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/4272 having plural diffractive elements positioned sequentially along the optical path
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/1852 using mechanical means, e.g. ruling with diamond tool, moulding
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/1895 such optical elements having dioptric power
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2007/0006 adapted for scanning different types of carrier, e.g. CD & DVD
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 7/1353 Diffractive elements, e.g. holograms or gratings diffraction gratings per se G02B5/18; holograms per se G02B5/32; grating systems G02B27/44
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 7/1374 Objective lenses optical objectives per se G02B9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 7/13922 passive

Abstract

The present invention relates to composite optical elements, and particularly to a composite optical element including a first optical component and a second optical component coupled to the first optical component.

The present invention is advantageous in enhancing optical properties.

A composite optical element (1) includes a first optical component (10) and a second optical component (20). The first optical component (10) is made of first glass and has a lens surface (12). The second optical component (20) is made of a material different from the first glass, is coupled to the first optical component (10) at a lens surface (22), and has a lens surface (22) at a side opposite to the first coupling surface (21). The lens surface (12) partially has a first uneven region (12a). The lens surface (22) partially has a second uneven region (22a).

Claims

1. A composite optical element, comprising:

a first optical component having a first optical functional surface including a first smooth surface and a first uneven surface, and made of first glass; and

a second optical component made of a material different from the first glass, coupled to the first optical component in direct contact with the first smooth surface and the first uneven surface of the first optical functional surface, and having a second optical functional surface at a side opposite to a first coupling surface of the second optical component at which the second optical component is coupled to the first optical component, the second optical functional surface including a second smooth surface and a second uneven surface,

wherein the first optical component has a third optical functional surface at a side opposite to the first optical functional surface, and

the third optical functional surface has a third smooth surface and a third uneven surface.

2. The composite optical element of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second uneven surfaces is at least one of a diffraction part, a lens array region including a plurality of concave or convex lens surfaces, a phase stepped region, and an antireflective region.

3. The composite optical element of claim 1, wherein the second optical component is made of an energy-curing resin.

4. The composite optical element of claim 1, wherein the first optical functional surface and the second optical functional surface are curved in their entireties.

5. A composite optical element, comprising:

a first optical component having a first optical functional surface including a first smooth surface and a first uneven surface, and made of first glass; and

a second optical component made of a material different from the first glass, coupled to the first optical component in direct contact with the first smooth surface and the first uneven surface of the first optical functional surface, and having a second optical functional surface at a side opposite to a first coupling surface of the second optical component at which the second optical component is coupled to the first optical component, the second optical functional surface including a second smooth surface and a second uneven surface,

wherein the first optical component has a third optical functional surface at a side opposite to the first optical functional surface,

the composite optical element further comprises a third optical component coupled to the first optical component at the third optical functional surface and having a fourth optical functional surface at a side opposite to a second coupling surface of the third optical component at which the third optical component is coupled to the first optical component, and

the fourth optical functional surface has a fourth smooth surface and a fourth uneven surface.

6. A composite optical element, comprising:

a first optical component having a first optical functional surface including a first smooth surface and a first uneven surface, and made of first glass; and

a second optical component made of a material different from the first glass, coupled to the first optical component in direct contact with the first smooth surface and the first uneven surface of the first optical functional surface, and having a second optical functional surface at a side opposite to a first coupling surface of the second optical component at which the second optical component is coupled to the first optical component, the second optical functional surface including a second smooth surface and a second uneven surface,

wherein the first uneven surface at least partially overlaps the second smooth surface when viewed toward an optical axis.