Laminate structure with embedded cavities for use with solar cells and related method of manufacture

Abstract

An integrated laminate structure (702a, 702b, 801) adapted for application in the context of solar technology, includes a first carrier element (704, 804), such as a piece of plastic or glass, optionally including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, a second carrier element (702, 802) provided with at least one surface relief pattern (802a) including a number of surface relief forms (708) and having at least one predetermined optical function relative to incident light, the second carrier element including optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, the first and second carrier elements being laminated together such that the at least one surface relief pattern has been embedded within the established laminate structure and a number of related cavities (709) have been formed at the interface of the first and second carrier elements. An applicable method of manufacture is presented.

Claims

1. An integrated laminate structure for a solar cell, comprising: a first carrier element, configured as an entirely flat, planar element, a second carrier element, configured as a flat, planar element in which at least one recessed surface relief pattern is formed, wherein the at least one recessed surface relief pattern comprises a number of surface relief forms configured to establish flat junction areas with the first carrier element and thereby having flat contact surfaces, and a number of associated recesses alternating with the surface relief forms, wherein said first and said second carrier elements are composed of an optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, wherein, upon formation of the integrated laminate structure by joining the first carrier element and the second carrier element together, the at least one recessed surface relief pattern has been embedded within the integrated laminate structure, whereby at least one embedded relief pattern comprising a number of optically functional cavities has been formed at an interface between the entirely flat and planar first carrier element and the at least one surface relief pattern of the second carrier element, wherein said at least one embedded relief pattern is configured to have the surface relief forms and associated cavities causing to trap external light incident thereto and redirecting or reflecting it towards the solar cell and to back-couple light internally reflected back to the direction it arrived from; and wherein the integrated laminate structure is integrated with the solar cell by applying it on a top surface, some internal surface or directly on a silicon surface/solar cell surface, wherein the solar cell incorporates one or more layers of semiconductor material.

2. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the cavities comprise fluid or solid different from the material of the second and optionally first carrier element, optionally with different refractive index relative to either or both of the carrier elements.

3. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the cavities comprise substantially air or other gaseous medium, optionally with a refractive index different from a refractive index of a surrounding material.

4. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the cavities comprise liquid or gel, optionally with a refractive index different from a refractive index of a surrounding material.

5. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, wherein said second carrier element is substantially a film.

6. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, further comprising a functional film.

7. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the-at least one-embedded relief pattern is further configured to couple the external light incident thereto within a total range of at least 130 degrees.

8. The integrated laminate structure of any claim 1, wherein the first carrier element, the second carrier element, or a further carrier element comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: plastic, elastomer, polymer, glass, semiconductor, silicon, adhesive, resin, and ceramic material.

9. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, further comprising a functional layer in the form of a coating and/or a surface structure, optionally as a surface relief pattern.

10. The integrated laminate structure of claim 9, wherein the functional layer comprises at least one additional function selected from the group consisting of: anti-reflection function, hydrophobic function, hydrophilic function, and self-cleaning function.

11. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, comprising another number of surface relief forms in the embedded relief pattern to be sub-micron in size.

12. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the number of surface relief forms of the at least one surface relief pattern comprises at least one form selected from the group consisting of: a groove, a protrusion, a ridge, a recess, a binary form, a slanted form, a rectangular form, a quadratic form, a triangular form, a grating pixel form, a trapezoidal form, an isosceles trapezoidal form, and a lens form.

13. A solar cell structure comprising the integrated laminate structure of claim 1.

14. The solar cell structure of claim 13, wherein the first carrier element or the second carrier element of the integrated laminate structure comprises a semiconductor material.

15. The solar cell structure of claim 14, wherein the semiconductor material comprises the surface relief pattern, and the surface relief pattern is configured to enhance light absorption into the material of the solar cell and/or to reduce reflections therefrom in order to raise the efficiency of the solar cell.

16. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional carrier elements in which at least one second recessed surface relief pattern is formed, wherein the one or more additional carrier elements and the second carrier element are laminated together such that the at least one second surface relief pattern of any one of said patterned carrier elements has been embedded within the integrated laminate structure.

17. A system comprising a solar cell structure and an integrated laminate structure according to claim 1, wherein the integrated laminate structure is disposed on and optionally secured to the solar cell structure.

18. A method for constructing an integrated structure for a solar cell, comprising: obtaining a first carrier element, configured as an entirely flat, planar element, obtaining a second carrier element, configured as a flat, planar element with at least one surface relief pattern formed thereon, said at least one surface relief pattern comprises a number of prominent surface relief forms configured to establish flat junction areas with the first carrier element and thereby having flat contact surfaces, wherein said first and said second carrier elements are composed of an optically substantially transparent material enabling light transmission therethrough, and laminating the first and second carrier elements together to form a laminate structure such that at least one embedded relief pattern is formed within the laminate structure, thereby each surface relief form of the second carrier element established a flat junction area with the first carrier element, and a number of related, optically functional cavities are formed at an interface between the entirely flat, planar first carrier element and the at least one surface relief pattern of the second carrier element; wherein said at least one embedded relief pattern is configured to have the surface relief forms and associated cavities causing to trap external light incident thereto and redirecting or reflecting it towards the solar cell and to back-couple light internally reflected back to the direction it arrived from; and wherein the laminate structure is integrated with the solar cell by applying it on a top surface, some internal surface or directly on a silicon surface/solar cell surface, wherein the solar cell incorporates one or more layers of semiconductor material.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein during manufacturing a master for surface relief production, a pre-master with a pattern of surface relief forms is established and the pattern is modulated to generate the master by inclusion a material in the pattern to fill a number of forms thereof and to therefore prevent their introduction to the master.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein the surface relief form is produced using at least one technique selected from the group consisting of: embossing, imprinting, lithography, molding, micro-molding, and casting.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein adhesive or curing is applied during the lamination or forming of the surface relief pattern.

22. The method of claim 18, wherein the second carrier element comprises or is provided with curable material that is adapted to host the at least one surface relief pattern.

23. The integrated laminate structure of claim 1, wherein the optically functional cavities comprise one or more cavities of a polygonal shape in cross-section, and the polygonal shape comprises (i) a side that is (a) defined by the second carrier element, and (b) parallel to a surface of the first carrier element; or (ii) more than two sides that are defined by the second carrier element; or (iii) a side that is (a) defined by the first carrier element, and (b) has a length that is less than a shortest distance between two adjacent cavities, the shortest distance being measured on one of the junction areas.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS

(1) Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in which

(2) FIG. 1a illustrates various problems associated with contemporary solar cell arrangements.

(3) FIG. 1b illustrates various problems of surface relief structures when subjected to typical use conditions, e.g. outdoors.

(4) FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of an embodiment of the laminate structure in accordance with the present invention.

(5) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of another embodiment of the laminate structure in accordance with the present invention.

(6) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional illustration of a further embodiment of the laminate structure in accordance with the present invention.

(7) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of a further embodiment of the laminate structure in accordance with the present invention.

(8) FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of a further embodiment of the laminate structure in accordance with the present invention.

(9) FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of a laminate structure for a solar cell in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional illustration of a laminate structure for incoupling purposes in accordance with an embodiment the present invention.

(11) FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional illustration of a structure for incoupling purposes generally utilizing the principles set forth herein.

(12) FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional illustration of two other structures for incoupling purposes generally utilizing the principles set forth herein.

(13) FIG. 10 illustrates manufacturing an embodiment of the laminate structure in accordance with a present invention.

(14) FIG. 11 is a flow diagram disclosing an embodiment of the method of manufacture in accordance with the present invention.

(15) FIG. 12 illustrates various aspects of potential roll-to-roll manufacturing scenarios.

(16) FIG. 13 illustrates selected elements of a manufacturing process resulting in a creation of an embodiment of the laminate structure in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(17) FIGS. 1a and 1b were already contemplated in conjunction with the description of background art.

(18) The principles of present invention may be applied in various use scenarios and contexts. The context may relate to the utilization of visible, infrared and/or UV light, for instance.

(19) In some embodiments of the present invention, the laminate structure may be produced from bulk elements such as bulk plates or films. These may be provided with optical patterns having desired optical functions such as coupling, e.g. incoupling or outcoupling, function. Patterns with small surface relief forms such as gratings, binary, blazed, slanted and/or trapezoidal forms may be utilized. Discrete patterns such as grating pixels, small recesses, or continuous forms, elongated recesses or channels, basically almost any kind of two or three dimensional forms, may be utilized. Preferably there are at least small flat portions, i.e. contact surfaces, on the laminate junction areas (interfaces) to enhance adhesion of the associate laminate layers and/or to obtain desired light propagation and/or other behavior.

(20) The embedded surface relief pattern may form and be considered to include a number of closed cavities such as micro-cavities filled with air or other medium on the junction area. Also a number of larger structures such as refractive structures may be established. Accordingly, the cavities are preferably optically functional and have at least one predetermined optical function. Thus, when designing a surface relief form/pattern to be embedded, one shall naturally contemplate the functionality of the form/pattern as embedded in the laminate such that the surrounding laminate materials, shapes and forms, established cavities at the interfaces, etc. are properly taken into account as to their e.g. optical effect.

(21) In some embodiments, the outmost laminate element such as the top or bottom laminate element, when in use, may contain integral light coupling optics such as incoupling optics, outcoupling optics and/or polarization gratings such as wire grid or other grating solutions. The optics may include embedded optics and/or surface optics.

(22) In some embodiments, a number of light sources may be functionally and/or physically connected to the laminate structure, via edge for example, using suitable optionally laminate- and/or light source-integrated coupling optics such as collimation and/or reflective optics. Bottom coupling is a further possibility.

(23) In some embodiments, a multilayer such as dual-layer optic structure is implemented by the laminate for coupling or other purposes. A layer or other element of the laminate may be configured for certain (range of) wavelength of light such as a certain range of wavelengths. Another layer may be configured for other wavelengths. For instance, a surface layer or a layer closer to the surface may be configured for IR (longer wavelength) and another layer residing deeper in the structure for visible light (shorter wavelength), or vice versa. The layer thicknesses may be selected on target wavelength basis. With proper thicknesses, desired layers may be made practically invisible from the standpoint of desired wavelengths. The laminate may incorporate coupling optics, e.g. coupling layers with surface relief patterns, on multiple sides thereof.

(24) In some embodiments, the laminate structure may be, instead of solar technology or in addition to it, applied in advertising and indicative windows, displays, signs or marks. An optically functional element, such as a plate or film, which may be a laminate, may be disposed on top of a target picture or other target element as a separate element or integrated therewith (laminated, for instance). It may contain a surface relief pattern optionally located closer to the picture or the other target element than the opposite surface to enhance contrast. A binary grating or other patterns may be utilized e.g. with a panel element. Binary grating may be desired for larger viewing angle applications and a blazed grating for narrower angle. Hybrid grating solutions are possible as well. Diffusing optics may be utilized for hot spot avoidance and for more uniform illumination. The solution is also applicable to UI solutions and license plates for instance. With license plates or other elements with identification data or other visual data provided thereon, the indicated numbers, letters, etc. may be laminated into contact with a front plate to make number/letter surroundings illuminated, for example, for improved contrast.

(25) In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more elements of the laminate structure may be substantially optically transparent, translucent or opaque. The required degree of transparency of each element naturally depends on each particular use case. For example, in some embodiments the preferred transmittance in relation to predetermined wavelengths of light (e.g. infrared, visible, or uv) may reside within the range of about 80 to 95%, for instance, for a material considered as substantially optically transparent in that context.

(26) Reverting to the figures, FIG. 2 depicts one scenario wherein an embodiment of the present invention may be applied. The integrated laminate structure 202 comprises two planar carrier elements 204 and 206 laminated together. More elements could be added, if needed. The broken line denotes the (ex-)interface between the two laminated elements 204 (hereinafter top element due to the location in the figure, whereas in use the position could be top or side, for example, depending on the alignment of the laminate), 206 (hereinafter bottom element for the corresponding reason) in the figure. The interface may be optically transparent as described hereinbefore. Few light rays are visualized as solid line arrows in the figure.

(27) The top element 204 has been originally provided with a surface relief pattern comprising a number of protruding surface relief forms 208 on the bottom thereof with corresponding recesses 210 in between. The top element 204 and bottom element 206, which may be considered as a substrate carrier of the top element 204 and a partial substrate for the created cavities defining at least a portion of the walls thereof at the interface of the elements 204, 206, have been then laminated together so that the protrusions 208 of the surface relief pattern extending downwards with the shape of e.g. a truncated cone (note the cross-sectional form of an isosceles trapezoid in the figure) have contacted the alignment-wise corresponding surface portions of the bottom element 206 having a substantially flat contact surface in the illustrated case. Thereupon, the recesses 210 have formed preferably closed cavities potentially including material such as air trapped therein unless a vacuum has been provided. The material may thus have a refractive index different from the surrounding material. If the material of the element 204 is plastic, its refractive index is generally higher than the refractive index of air, for instance.

(28) Regarding the use of different materials or refractive indexes in general, when multiple elements such as material layers bear the same index, these may be regarded as a single element by light, thus defining an optically transparent interface. On the contrary, different materials with unequal indexes may be utilized in order to modify light management, e.g. total internal reflectivity, as desired.

(29) The utilized shapes and/or refractive indexes nair, n1, n2 of the materials carried by the elements 204, 206 may have been selected so as to provide a desired functional effect in terms of light propagation. It is illustrated in the figure by the arrows how a number of light rays with different incident angles may be collimated by the applied configuration of laminate layers and surface relief pattern therein to advance towards the bottom of the laminate in substantially perpendicular fashion. Thus the top element 204 may be considered to act as a light capture layer for the underlying one or more elements 206. In some embodiments, the element 204 may be thin, essentially a film, with only e.g. few nanometers thickness, whereas in some other embodiments it may be several millimeters thick or even considerably thicker. The same considerations apply to the bottom layer 206. The shown or a similar embodiment could be applied in the context of window illumination or solar cells, for instance.

(30) FIG. 3 discloses another embodiment 302 with two carrier elements 304, 306. In this embodiment, the bottom element 306 contains a surface relief pattern 308 with protrusion 308a and intermediate recess 308b forms, or profiles, on top of which a flat top element 304 is laminated. Again, the established cavities may contain air and/or some other material(s).

(31) FIG. 4 discloses an embodiment 402 in which a plurality of different embedded surface relief forms is configured to form a number of embedded surface relief patterns relative to elements 404, 406 laminated together. Triangular 408, trapezoidal 410 and slanted (rectangle or square) 412 forms are shown in the figure. For example, the forms and related patterns may have been configured for outcoupling and/or other type of light redirecting as visualized in the figure by the arrows. Forms of different shape and/or material may be configured so as to provide a common, collective optical function, or they may be utilized for different purposes. A certain embedded surface relief form may have multiple uses depending on e.g. the incident angle and/or face of light. For example, in the figure the leftmost triangle form or cavity has both outcoupling and light trapping functionalities, which has been visualized by the two rays. The established cavities may contain air and/or some other material(s). The laminate structure 402 may in some use scenarios be disposed on top of and optionally laminated with an indicative element such as a poster, sign or plate, for example.

(32) FIG. 5 illustrates a further embodiment 502 wherein three carrier elements 504, 505, 506 have been laminated together. Each of the elements 504, 505, 506 may contain a number of surface relief patterns and/or other features, but in the illustrated extract the bottom element 506 is free from them and merely acts as substrate for the upper elements 504, 505. The bottom element 506 may, in some use cases, contain and/or exhibit e.g. indicative data (advertisement data, informative data). It may be a sign or plate with indicative data printed or otherwise constructed thereon, for instance.

(33) The middle element 505 comprises a surface relief pattern of substantially rectangular (binary) forms 508, which may (being not visible in the cross-sectional figure) be dot or pixel like forms or longer grooves such as grating grooves or corresponding protrusions. The top element 504 comprises a pattern of triangular forms 510. The top element 504 may form in the laminate at least one optically functional layer the embedded surface relief pattern of which has at least one predetermined function such as incoupling or outcoupling function. The middle element 505 may form at least one other optically functional layer the embedded surface relief pattern of which has potentially other predetermined function such as reflective function. Again, a number of different forms and/or layers of microstructures may be configured regarding a common functionality from the standpoint of a desired functionality such as predetermined light incoupling or outcoupling property such as collimation or decollimation property. The cavities established by embedded surface relief forms may contain air and/or some other material(s).

(34) FIG. 6 discloses a further embodiment 602 wherein the top element 604 of the laminate comprises at least one pattern comprising a number of first, essentially square-shaped, surface relief forms 608 and second, essentially rectangular, surface relief forms 610 on the surface facing the bottom element 606 in the laminate structure. The forms may have similar or different purposes. For example, the first forms 608 may be configured in terms of the utilized material(s), dimensions and/or positioning, for functions such as outcoupling or incoupling whereas the second forms 610 are for reflection, potentially specular reflection.

(35) FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment especially suitable for the context of solar energy production, i.e. solar power, and solar cells. A carrier element such as a thin film element 702 (the depicted thicknesses and other dimensions are generally not in scale for clarity purposes) potentially configured to act as a light capture element may be provided with a surface relief pattern comprising a plurality of surface relief forms 708 capable of collimating light (with a narrower distribution) in the laminate structure towards predetermined direction, substantially the direction of the underlying components of the solar cell 706 from a wider range of incident angles of external light, typically sunlight, penetrated through the surface of the element 702 and incident on the pattern. The height/depth of the surface relief forms 708 of the pattern may be about 10 m, for instance.

(36) The film element 702 and a carrier element 704 that may also act as the cover plastic or glass of the solar cell structure (indeed, often the solar cells are provided with integral cover glass) may be first laminated together and stored and delivered for later joining with the rest 706 of the complete solar cell structure as suggested herein, for example. This is highlighted at 702a of the figure wherein the vertical arrow depicts the fact how the already laminated film element 702 and cover glass 704 are to be joined with the solar cell stack 706 typically comprising a plurality of different layers and related elements illustrated in the figure by a plurality of horizontal lines.

(37) For example, the solar cell structure 706 potentially stacked below the cover glass 704, which preferably contains tempered glass, may incorporate one or more layers or elements selected from the group consisting of: a back contact, a p type semiconductor, an n type semiconductor, a front contact, transparent adhesive, and anti-reflective coating.

(38) At 702b, a use situation after completing the manufacturing of the overall solar cell structure comprising also the film element 702 for light capturing as an integral part is shown. Alternatively, the film element 702 may be provided as such onto the solar cell structure having the cover glass 704 already in place. As a further alternative or supplementary option, the element 702 may be provided between the glass 704 and the rest of the solar cell structure 706. Still as a further example, the glass 704 may be provided with a surface relief pattern. The established cavities 709 may contain air and/or some other material(s) left or specifically disposed therein during the manufacturing process of the laminate structure.

(39) Generally, the described nano- and microcavity film techniques can be utilized in different layers of a solar cell product 702b. E.g. complex undercut profiles are possible. Also multi-layers with multi-profiles are suitable as contemplated hereinbefore. An optically functional layer can be produced/applied on the top surface, some internal surface (e.g. to the middle under the glass plate) or directly on the silicon surface/solar cell surface including possible nanoprofile in the silicon/photovoltaic surface to improve light absorption. The optical profiles are preferably fully integrated.

(40) The arrows depict in the figure how the suggested construction may enhance the efficiency of the solar cell in a variety of ways. In addition to or instead of incident light coupling and/or directing (e.g. collimation) function 708a, reflective and generally light-trapping functions 710, 712 may be achieved by the utilized patterns including cavities, their positioning, alignment and material selections. The light traps may be thus formed without true, reflective mirror surfaces in the carrier material.

(41) The solar cell structure suggested herein may provide about 20-40% higher efficiency than the conventional solutions, whereupon the overall efficiency may approach e.g. 40% or 50%. Both rigid and flexible solar cell materials and structures may be applied and constructed.

(42) FIG. 8 visualizes an embodiment 801 wherein the light capture film or plate element 802 laminated on the glass 804 protecting the rest 806 of the solar cell has been further provided with a functional surface layer 808 implemented by a specific film, a coating, a surface relief pattern, or any combination of the above and/or other elements, for instance.

(43) For example, a number of anti-reflective (AR) and/or self-cleaning (nano)profiles may be utilized to minimize surface reflection and contamination. The AR functionality may preferably enable incoupling sunlight even with very large incident angles relative to the structure surface (normal), such as angles of about 70 or 80 degrees, into the structure from the atmosphere so that the solar cell receives as much light as possible and the efficiency thereof may be maximized. This is indicated in the figure by the arrows 808b. The embedded surface relief pattern 802a of element 802 may be then utilized to direct and collimate the incoupled light towards the solar cell 806. The pattern 802a may also be designed so as to be capable of coupling a considerable range of incident angles, e.g. a total range of 120, 130, 140, 150 or 160 degrees, as desired.

(44) For example, the pattern 802a may be configured to couple incident light such as sunlight having entered the structure so that the incident angles properly coupled optionally define a range of at least about 120, 130, 140, 150 or 160 degrees, and wherein the pattern is configured to couple the incident light with a collimation function substantially towards a predetermined direction of a solar cell.

(45) Also integrated reflectors with micro-cavities may be adopted for solar cell structures, which may improve maintaining the sunlight longer inside the structure, whereupon energy absorption can be potentially improved even more. Accordingly, the suggested laminate structure may in some embodiments improve the efficiency of the solar cell considerably.

(46) It shall be mentioned that in some embodiments the constructed overall solar cell structure including the light capturing or other laminated element may contain multiple, e.g. two, functional, such as anti-reflective, layers. One may be disposed on either side of the cover glass and the other on the other side in connection with the light capture film element such that it preferably receives the external, incident light prior to the light capture film element.

(47) The principal ideas presented hereinbefore relative to a solar cell coupling film or other element with a large incidence angle collimation are generally applicable to other scenarios as well including e.g. greenhouse related embodiments. These kinds of films may increase the use of sun light without extra mirrors, for instance. The transparency of the film may be enhanced by means of minimized pattern features relative e.g. to the size thereof.

(48) In some embodiments, a number of embedded reflectors such as nanoreflectors may be manufactured by the techniques presented herein. Small patterns, e.g. grating based reflecting profiles can be laminated directly on e.g. a planar reflector and those small surface relief patterns of laminated elements can be completely embedded, unlike e.g. with conventional retroreflector films.

(49) In some embodiments, a polarizer may be manufactured in accordance with the principles set forth herein. E.g. a grating/wire grid polarizer may be produced optionally by a roll-to-roll method. Basic profiles may be manufactured by applying UV curing and related curable material, for example, after which deposition coating by higher refractive index by means of laser assisted deposition may be executed on the line. The laser may be used to deposit many different materials. Also orientated directional deposition (on-side deposition, asymmetric deposition) is possible. A grating profile may be binary, slanted, quadrate, etc. with different slanted surfaces, etc.

(50) In some scenarios, a number of features of the present invention may be utilized in connection with light incoupling and related solutions. Nowadays, e.g. LED light incoupling and collimation for a typically planar element may be a critical issue. A flat ball lens bar optionally in a row form is a unique solution. It could contain 2D or 3D surface depending on the collimation axis. Principally, one axis collimation may be enough. Such an optical solution may be produced separately or together with the planar element. Possible manufacturing methods include injection molding, casting, laser cutting, etc. It is possible to use mirror surface on the top and bottom for the light direction control. Also special grating orientating patterns on the edge and/or e.g. top may provide desired solutions. A wedge type of collimation with air medium is a further feasible option.

(51) FIG. 9a illustrates a scenario for incoupling purposes. The incoupling element 902 includes a number of potentially embedded (e.g. a laminated film) reflector forms 908 and a potentially embedded (e.g. laminated film) light directing structure 906 that may be provided as a laminated layer/element on a predetermined surface of the carrier material 904 such as plastic or glass. In the illustrated case, a plurality of LEDs 910 is applied as light sources.

(52) FIG. 9b illustrates further scenarios relating to the incoupling structures. At 920, on the left 920a, top/bottom view of one embodiment is shown with a plurality of light sources such as LEDs 910, incoupling forms such as lens forms 924a and a target element 922. The shown lens forms are basically circular or ellipsoidal. On the right at 920b, other embodiment with different incoupling forms such as lens forms 924b is presented.

(53) At 930, potential, corresponding side views are shown with additional, preferably integrated, reflector elements 932. Lens shapes 924a, 924b are apparent in the figure.

(54) Thus in various embodiments of the present invention, a laminated lens element such as lens film may be utilized to form nano-/microcavity coupling structures. Embossed/imprinted films can be laminated on a carrier material/film. This makes possible to produce new lens structures with multi layer patterns. Another benefit is that optical patterns are completely integrated/embedded and those can't be defected or destroyed easily. There are several feasible applications such as street lamps, halogen replacements, etc.

(55) Another potential illumination lens is a non-direct transmission element, which couples light e.g. from the air medium and directs it to preferred angles. One surface may have a reflector (2D or 3D) and the other a surface coupling pattern (2D or 3D).

(56) A light source, such as LED, bar may be collimated at least in 2D horizontal direction. This may make coupling pattern more simple and efficient. The solution may have applications in e.g. street lights, public illumination, etc.

(57) Another application is a light bar, rod or tube, in which the coupling structure or film forms or is in the outer or inner surface thereof for coupling and directing the light. In the tube solution a reflector rod may be utilized in the center (inner part). A coupling film may also be laminated in the glass to direct the light to preferred angles (inside or outside).

(58) One additional benefit with surface relief based, optionally embedded, lenses such as grating lenses is efficiency, which is better than with conventional Fresnel lens, for example, due to e.g. smaller features having much less back reflection than conventional larger patterns, and also to the possible (bottom) location of the patterns. When those patterns are on the bottom side of the overall structure, there is not so much direct back reflection, because medium carrier is on the top side.

(59) This may be a benefit for e.g. traffic signs due to the lower sun phantom effect (back reflection). Additionally, the solution is suitable for e.g. brake and signal lights in vehicles.

(60) FIG. 10 illustrates a laminate structure 1002 comprising a plurality of elements 1004, 1006 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A number of embedded, integrated functionalities may be provided to the laminate 1002 by adding new elements such as functional carrier films 1004 with surface relief patterns and/or particular material (e.g. in terms of refractive index) thereto. Surface relief patterns may be established directly on the target surfaces. Curable materials such as lacquer may be utilized. Basically the necessary coupling and/or other optics may be laminated as a film or a thicker element to the carrier entity thereof. Roll-to-roll processing techniques are possible and often preferred naturally still depending on the embodiment and the nature such as flexibility and thickness of the applied elements.

(61) FIG. 11 discloses, by way of example only, a flow diagram of a method of manufacture in accordance with the present invention.

(62) At start-up 1102 the necessary equipment such as embossing/imprinting gear, molding gear, casting gear, lamination gear, curing gear and/or roll-to-roll gear is obtained and configured. Yet, source materials for laminate layers and the lamination itself, such as necessary adhesives, if any, are obtained.

(63) At 1104, a first carrier element defining at least one layer of the integrated laminate structure is obtained. The first element may be provided with desired surface relief patterns and coatings. Curable material such as lacquer may be provided, embossed or otherwise processed to contain a surface relief pattern and cured, for example. The element may be molded or cut to desired dimensions from a larger piece of source material such as plastic or glass. It may be subjected to a number of treatments and/or provided with adhesive for lamination purposes. Optionally, the first element is a multilayer element such as a laminate element itself. It may be contain e.g. a plurality of solar cell constituting layers and/or elements.

(64) At 1106, a second carrier element to be utilized in the integrated laminate structure is obtained. It contains a number of surface relief patterns that may be fabricated, as the ones of the first element, with different methods, such as roll-to-roll embossing/imprinting, lithography, micro-molding, casting etc. on the surface thereof. It may contain plastic, glass or ceramic material, for example. Suitable curing may be applied. Further, desired additional elements and/or coatings may be provided to the second element. The second element may be a multilayer element such as a laminate element.

(65) In conjunction with the present invention, a surface relief pattern may be produced by means of pre-master pattern, master pattern and related elements. A pre-master element with a pre-mastering pattern may be first created by micro machining, lithography, imprinting, embossing and/or by some other method. This pre-mastering pattern may be then replicated by electroforming, casting or molding. Then formed nickel shim, a plastic master plate, a cast material plate, a molded plate may contain plurality of micro relief pattern on the surface, preferably small grooves, recesses, dots, pixels, etc.

(66) The preferably negative relief patterns of the pre-master are advantageously suitable for the inkjet and/or printing modulation process. This modulation process may be based on a profile filling method, in which the existing groove, recess, dot, pixel, etc. is potentially completely filled with inkjet/printed material. This material is dispensed by forming small pico-drops in order to fill and hide the existing patterns. Method is suitable to complete a filling factor modulation on the surface of the target element, i.e. the master. Naturally the method is suitable for many other applications as well, and not only to filling factors. It's suitable also to design different discrete figures, icons, forms and shapes, for example. This makes it possible to create low cost optical designing process, which is fast, flexible and first of all, easy to utilize. A skilled person will realize that the profile filling method suggested herein is generally feasible also in other contexts than merely the laminate context of the present application.

(67) The fill material such as ink could be transparent and optically clear, which has preferable the same refractive index than the plate material. This way it is possible to make real functional tests and trials. But e.g. colored ink is also possible, but then replication process may be needed in order to obtain a functional, optical test part.

(68) One issue to consider may be the drop size and material viscosity. This might be important in terms of controlled and high quality filling. If the viscosity is too low, the drop will flow for large area and it goes along the groove bottom. Thus completely filled structure is getting more difficult to achieve. If the viscosity is high, the drop size is getting bigger, but the form is more compact and doesn't flow on the groove too much. A preferred solution may therefore include low viscous material, which guarantees small drop size. And if utilizing only a small pattern, discrete grooves, recesses, dots or pixels, the drop advantageously fills only preferred patterns in the desired location. Thus the pre-master may be preferably patterned with small pixels or discrete profiles.

(69) At 1108, the first and second elements, and optionally further elements, are laminated together utilizing suitable pressure, heat and optionally adhesive(s) between the elements to be laminated together. Feasible curing may be applied. The embedded surface relief profiles basically establish associated micro- and/or nanocavity patterns. Potentially very complicated volumes (e.g. cavities) may be created, which is difficult if not impossible by other methods. Multilevel/multilayer patterns are possible by laminating several patterned medium carriers (elements) together. An element to be included in the laminate may comprise a surface relief pattern on multiple sides thereof. Different patterns can provide different functionalities in the laminate.

(70) One realization implies laminating e.g. UV embossed/imprinted thin films (patterned films) on a thicker carrier such as plastic or glass plate and then executing the final curing in order to obtain good adhesion between laminated film and plate. Roll-to-roll lamination is possible provided that the laminated elements are suitable, i.e. thin/flexible enough, for the purpose.

(71) At 1110 further elements and/or functionalities may be provided to the laminate. Post-processing actions such as cutting, excess material removal, (re-)reeling, testing, etc. may be performed.

(72) The method execution is ended at 1112.

(73) The mutual ordering and overall presence of the method items of the method diagrams disclosed above may be altered by a skilled person based on the requirements set by each particular use scenario. Execution of some method items may be alternately repeated during the method as illustrated by the broken arrows.

(74) FIG. 12 illustrates various aspects of possible roll-to-roll manufacturing scenarios applicable in connection with the present invention. In the shown sketch, two elements, basically films, sheets or foils, 1204, 1206, are laminated together and a surface relief pattern 1206b is replicated by the cylinder/roll 1208 to the element 1206 during the process prior to the lamination. The laminate structure 1216 is formed and the pattern 1206b is laminated within the structure 1216 by the lamination cylinder/roll 1210. Pre-curing 1212 such as UV light curing may take place as well as post-curing 1214, optionally again UV curing. A number of further process actions such as cutting, reeling and testing actions may be implemented (not shown in the figure). A target element such as element 1204 could also be provided with multiple additional layers such as films optionally on both sides thereof. This might be implemented in one go, if the amount and nature of necessary hardware such as cylinders/rolls etc. is sufficient. Alternatively, the same result could be obtained via multiple runs during which e.g. a single layer is added to the laminate per round.

(75) FIG. 13 illustrates different potential items of a further embodiment of a preferably roll-to-roll based manufacturing method in accordance with the present invention. The particular example is about foil lamination, but a skilled person will realize the principles apply to various other carrier elements to be laminated as well. At 1302, it is generally shown how a functional such as an optically functional element may be provided to a carrier material such as a film. As alluded in the figure, a foil, film or other type of element may be first provided 1312 with material such as lacquer that enables forming surface relief forms therein and is curable. The material hosting the surface relief pattern may indeed be thermally curable, UV curable, moisture curable, or e-beam curable, for instance, among other options. Additionally, combined curing techniques utilizing at least two curing methods such as UV curing+thermal curing, UV curing+moisture curing, thermal curing+e-beam curing, etc. may be applicable depending on the used materials.

(76) After establishing 1316 a surface relief pattern A on the lacquer-provided foil by embossing or some other technique, the pattern may be, when needed, pre-cured 1318 by a suitable method such as UV curing potentially followed by lamination 1320 relative to a carrier element such as another film. The established laminate A including the pattern A preferably as embedded may be cured at 1322 after which it a further functional element such as foil may be coupled, preferably by lamination 1324, thereto, which is generally shown, by way of example only, at 1304 with substantially similar process items indicated by identical reference numerals supplemented by b, however. Nevertheless, these process items do not have to be similar and e.g. different pattern formation technique and/or curing technology could be applied. The further functional element may include a pattern B as indicated in the figure. The final laminate comprising both patterns A and B may be subjected to a number of applicable curing 1326 procedures and/or other treatments.

(77) Consequently, a skilled person may, on the basis of this disclosure and general knowledge, apply the provided teachings in order to implement the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims in each particular use case with necessary modifications, deletions, and additions, if any.

(78) For example, in some embodiments, one or more elements of the integrated laminate structure may contain the explained cavity optics for predetermined purpose such as uniform illumination or discrete illumination. The optically functional elements may be integrated by lamination with other elements such as covers of various electronic or other devices.

(79) The present invention enables providing localized optical functions within integrated structures such as laminates. Local effects and visual indications, such as informative indications, may be created in certain embodiments thereof.

(80) Generally in different embodiments of the present invention the relief forms may be positive or negative relative to the associated surface level of the carrier substrate.

(81) In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to lamination, the elements of the integrated structure may be attached using some other methods such as mechanical fastening structures, mere adhesives, etc.

(82) In some embodiments, a laminate structure according to the present invention may be further integrated with or configured to contain other elements such as chips, chip packages, solar cell structures, light sources, lighting elements, electronics, cover or body structures, etc.

(83) Each of the afore-explained various functions/functionalities may be implemented in the laminate structure by a dedicated element, a shared element or by a plurality of cooperating elements.

(84) Instead of or in addition to optics and particularly solar technology, the laminate solution presented herein could be utilized in other contexts such as microfluidics. E.g. cooling structures and cooling channels could be manufactured therewith. Also lubricant channels could be formed.