Topcon‘s patent describes an optical scanner featuring a light source and a deflection element with a one-cycle diffraction grating. The design includes multiple pixels with a reflective layer, insulating layer, and a dielectric layer that modulates phase based on voltage, enabling precise light deflection at predetermined angles. GlobalData’s report on Topcon gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Topcon, Eye-tracking wearables was a key innovation area identified from patents. Topcon's grant share as of July 2024 was 52%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Optical scanner for deflecting light using phase modulation
The patent US12066739B2 describes an innovative optical scanner designed to deflect light emitted from a light source at a specific angle using a sophisticated deflection element. This optical scanner features a light source and a deflection element composed of multiple pixels arranged in either a one-dimensional or two-dimensional configuration. Each pixel consists of a reflective metal layer on a substrate, an insulating layer, and an electrode formed by two metal poles that are spaced apart in the alignment direction. A gap exists between these poles, filled with a dielectric material whose refractive index can be adjusted based on the applied voltage. The design includes a one-cycle diffraction grating made up of a series of continuous pixels, with the grating's length being smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Additionally, a phase modulation controller is integrated to manage the phase modulation of each pixel by varying the voltage applied to the dielectric layer.
Further specifications of the optical scanner include a gap length of 100 nm or less, pixel pitch ranging from 310 nm to 580 nm, and a specific ratio of the gap length to the electrode height, which is between 1:11 and 1:19. The height of the electrode is defined to be between 600 nm and 1000 nm. Notably, the dielectric material used in the design is identified as a liquid crystal material, which contributes to the dynamic control of the optical properties of the scanner. These features collectively enhance the scanner's ability to manipulate light effectively, potentially leading to advancements in optical technologies.
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GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
