Apple Inc.
LIGHT-ABSORBING FLANGE LENSES

Abstract:

Light-absorbing flange lenses that may be used in the lens stacks of compact lens systems. In a light-absorbing flange lens, the effective area of the lens is composed of a transparent optical material, and at least a portion of the flange of the lens is composed of an optical material that absorbs at least a portion of the light that enters the flange. Using light-absorbing flange lenses may allow the lens barrel to be eliminated from the lens system, thus reducing the X-Y dimensions of the lens system when compared to conventional compact lens systems that include a lens stack enclosed in a lens barrel. In addition, using a light-absorbing material in the flanges of the light-absorbing flange lenses may reduce or eliminate optical aberrations such as lens flare, haze, and ghosting in images.