Optical Hydrogel material with Photosensitizer and Method for Modifying the Refractive Index

Synopsis

Patent US 9,060,847 B2 describes an optical hydrogel material with a photosensitizer and a method for modifying its refractive index. This invention presents a novel approach to creating optical components with customizable and modifiable optical properties, particularly the refractive index, through light exposure. This offers significant advancements in fields requiring reconfigurable or precisely tuned optical elements.

A key novel aspect of this invention is the use of a photosensitizer within a hydrogel material that allows for a permanent, localized change in the refractive index upon exposure to light of a specific wavelength or intensity. Unlike traditional optical materials that have fixed properties, this hydrogel can be "written" or "patterned" with desired refractive index variations. The patent details a process where exposure to light initiates a chemical reaction within the hydrogel, leading to a localized modification of its physical structure and, consequently, its refractive index. This controlled modification allows for the fabrication of complex optical elements, such as lenses, waveguides, or diffractive optics, with high precision and flexibility, after the material has been formed.

The commercial potential for this optical hydrogel material and its refractive index modification method is substantial across various high-tech and consumer industries:

• Ophthalmology and Optometry: This technology could revolutionize ophthalmic lenses. Imagine contact lenses or intraocular lenses whose optical properties can be fine-tuned after implantation or initial fitting, offering unparalleled customization for vision correction. This could lead to perfect vision correction for patients, adapting to changes in their eyes over time without needing new hardware.

• Micro-Optics and Integrated Optics: The ability to precisely pattern refractive index changes at a microscopic scale makes this material ideal for manufacturing micro-lenses, optical waveguides, and other integrated optical components for sensors, communication devices, and compact imaging systems. This enables higher levels of integration and functionality in miniature optical devices.

• Adaptive Optics and Displays: The material could be used in adaptive optical systems where dynamic control over light propagation is desired, such as in high-resolution displays, projectors, or advanced microscopy. While the current invention describes permanent changes, future developments might explore reversible modifications for truly dynamic applications.

• 3D Printing of Optical Components: This material offers a new avenue for 3D printing complex optical structures. Designers could "print" lenses, prisms, or diffusers with internal optical paths and variable refractive indices, leading to novel optical designs and rapid prototyping of specialized optical components.

• Biosensors and Medical Devices: The hydrogel's biocompatible nature, combined with its optical tunability, could enable new types of highly sensitive biosensors or miniature optical components for diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices.

• Security and Anti-Counterfeiting: The precise and intricate patterns of refractive index that can be created could be used for advanced security features in currency, documents, or high-value products, making them extremely difficult to counterfeit.

This invention provides a transformative approach to manufacturing and customizing optical elements, offering unprecedented flexibility and precision in tuning optical properties. Its broad applicability across medical, industrial, and consumer electronics markets positions it as a foundational technology for next-generation optical solutions.