A photoelectric transducer sensitivity adjustment device and method

Abstract

A photoelectric converter sensitivity adjusting device and method, comprising a light source module, a shielding cage, an optical fiber bundle, an optical power meter, a power supply, a photoelectric converter and a voltmeter, the light source module is used to generate test light, one end of the shielding cage is provided with a small hole for receiving the test light, the other end is provided with an optical fiber bundle connector connected with the optical fiber bundle, the test light entering the shielding cage from the small hole enters one end of the optical fiber bundle from the optical fiber bundle connector, the optical power meter is used to test the optical power emitted from the other end of the optical fiber bundle, the photoelectric converter has an optical fiber bundle connector and an output signal line, the optical fiber bundle connector is used to be detachably connected to the other end of the optical fiber bundle, and the voltmeter tests the output voltage of the photoelectric converter; the photoelectric converter is provided with a sensitivity adjusting resistor, and the output voltage can be changed under the same light intensity excitation. The device can shield the interference of environmental light in ordinary experimental environment, accurately adjust the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter, and has the advantages of low cost, high detection efficiency and convenient operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to a photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device and method. Background Technology

[0002] A photoelectric converter converts light signals into electrical signals. The stronger the light, the greater the current; in the absence of light, it is almost an insulator. Photoelectric converters are mainly used for radiation measurement and detection in the visible or near-infrared bands, and have wide applications in various fields of military and national economy. For weak light signals, photoelectric converters must have appropriate sensitivity to ensure a certain signal-to-noise ratio and a sufficient output electrical signal.

[0003] Currently, the most common method for testing the sensitivity of photoelectric converters is to pre-calibrate the optical power using specialized light source calibration equipment, and then measure the output current of the photoelectric converter under different light intensities under dark conditions to plot a light intensity-current curve. However, the light source calibration equipment in this method is complex in structure, expensive, and requires an absolutely dark room. The debugging efficiency is low, the steps are complex, and it is difficult to perform under ordinary laboratory conditions. Furthermore, when faced with nanowatt-level excitation light, it is difficult to accurately adjust the output voltage of the photoelectric converter.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only for understanding the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the aforementioned background technology and provide a photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device and method.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device includes a light source module, a shielding cage, an optical fiber bundle, an optical power meter, a power supply, a photoelectric converter, and a voltmeter. The light source module generates test light. One end of the shielding cage has a small hole for receiving the test light, and the other end has an optical fiber bundle connector for connecting the optical fiber bundle. The test light entering the shielding cage through the small hole enters one end of the optical fiber bundle through the optical fiber bundle connector. The optical power meter measures the light power emitted from the other end of the optical fiber bundle. The photoelectric converter has an optical fiber bundle connector and an output signal line. The optical fiber bundle connector is detachably connected to the other end of the optical fiber bundle. The power supply supplies power to the photoelectric converter. The voltmeter is connected to the output signal line of the photoelectric converter and measures the output voltage of the photoelectric converter. The photoelectric converter is equipped with a sensitivity adjustment resistor to change the output voltage under the same light intensity excitation.

[0008] Furthermore:

[0009] The shielding cage is equipped with at least one beam splitter, which forms multiple light output paths. Each of the multiple light output paths can be connected to an optical fiber bundle at its respective output port, and multiple photoelectric converters can be tested simultaneously.

[0010] It also includes an attenuation plate disposed between the light source module and the shielding cage, used to attenuate the power of the test light to a predetermined level.

[0011] The attenuator is used to attenuate the power of the test light from the milliwatt level to the nanowatt level.

[0012] The light source module includes a laser with adjustable output power.

[0013] While adjusting the output power of the laser, the output power of the fiber bundle is detected by the optical power meter. After adjusting the power to the nanowatt level, the fiber bundle is connected to the photoelectric converter. The voltmeter detects the output voltage of the photoelectric converter, and the adjustable resistor of the photoelectric converter is adjusted until the output voltage is detected to be the target voltage value.

[0014] The power source is a DC power source.

[0015] The laser is a 445nm blue laser, the wavelength of the optical power meter is set to 445nm, and the maximum test range is set to 20nW.

[0016] A method for adjusting the sensitivity of a photoelectric converter, comprising: using the aforementioned photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device to adjust the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter; the method comprising: using an optical power meter to measure at the output end of the optical fiber bundle to determine that the test light has reached a predetermined power level; then connecting the output end of the optical fiber bundle to the photoelectric converter, keeping the power of the light source constant; using a voltmeter to test the output voltage value of the photoelectric converter; and adjusting the resistance value of the adjustable resistor of the photoelectric converter until the output voltage is the target voltage value.

[0017] Furthermore, the method also includes: first passing the test light from the light source through an OD3 attenuator to attenuate the power to the microwatt level for optical path alignment, and then adding another OD3 attenuator to attenuate the power to the nanowatt level.

[0018] A method for testing the sensitivity of a photoelectric converter includes a process of adjusting the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter using the method described above.

[0019] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] This invention can shield ambient light interference in ordinary experimental environments, enabling the testing and adjustment of the output voltage of photoelectric converters under set levels of optical power irradiation (such as excitation by nanowatt-level laser power), accurately adjusting the sensitivity of photoelectric converters, and can be used to detect the performance of photoelectric converters. It has the advantages of low cost, high detection efficiency, and convenient operation.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the significant advantages of the present invention are:

[0022] (1) By using a combination of shielding cage and fiber bundle, the interference of ambient light is shielded, and the photoelectric converter can be tested in a normal laboratory environment without relying on absolute dark room conditions, thus reducing costs.

[0023] (2) The combined structure design of the shielding cage and the fiber bundle reduces the high requirements for the accuracy of the test device construction, and makes the photoelectric converter movable during testing, which greatly improves the convenience and flexibility of testing, and reduces the cost and difficulty of testing.

[0024] (3) It can precisely and continuously adjust the output voltage of the photoelectric converter under nanowatt-level excitation light.

[0025] (4) This invention is applicable to excitation light of different wavelengths. For example, commonly used light sources such as 445nm and 532nm can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter.

[0026] Other beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shielding cage according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope and application of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component. Furthermore, a connection can be used for fixing, coupling, or communication.

[0032] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of the present invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] See Figure 1 and Figure 2This invention provides a photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device, including a light source module 1, a shielding cage 3, an optical fiber bundle 4, an optical power meter 5, a DC power supply 6, a photoelectric converter 7, and a voltmeter 8. The light source module 1 generates test light. One end of the shielding cage 3 has a small hole for receiving the test light, and the other end has an optical fiber bundle connector for connecting the optical fiber bundle 4. The test light entering the shielding cage 3 through the small hole enters one end of the optical fiber bundle 4 through the optical fiber bundle connector. The optical power meter 5 is used to test the light power emitted from the other end of the optical fiber bundle 4. The photoelectric converter 7 has an optical fiber bundle connector and an output signal line. The optical fiber bundle connector is used to detachably connect to the other end of the optical fiber bundle 4. The DC power supply 6 supplies power to the photoelectric converter 7. The voltmeter 8 is connected to the output signal line of the photoelectric converter 7 and is used to test the output voltage of the photoelectric converter 7. The photoelectric converter 7 is provided with a sensitivity adjustment resistor, which is used to change the output voltage under the same light intensity excitation. Under the same light intensity excitation, the output voltage can be changed by adjusting the resistor.

[0035] This invention utilizes a shielding structure composed of a shielding cage and an optical fiber bundle. This not only effectively blocks ambient light interference, allowing for photoelectric converter testing in ordinary laboratory environments, reducing costs, but also offers advantages such as high flexibility and ease of setup. Utilizing the flexibility of the optical fiber bundle, it connects the shielding cage and the photoelectric converter end-to-end, facilitating light transmission between them. This reduces the positional requirements for the photoelectric converter, eliminating the need for it to be precisely fixed in place to ensure perpendicular light incidence. Therefore, this invention not only lowers the stringent precision requirements for device setup but also allows for the movable photoelectric converter during testing, significantly improving testing convenience and flexibility while reducing testing costs and difficulty. The device structure of this invention also boasts advantages such as low cost, small size, and light weight.

[0036] In some embodiments, the fiber bundle may be a single fiber bundle having an outer sheath and an inner assembly of fine optical fibers.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, at least one beam splitter 9 is installed inside the shielding cage, forming multiple light exit paths. When the test light passes through the beam splitter 9, the beam splitter 9 divides the light into two beams, one horizontal and one vertical, which are then emitted from the light exit aperture of the shielding cage. Figure 3The shielding cage contains four beam-splitting prisms (9) forming five light-emitting paths. Each path has a corresponding exit aperture, and these paths can be connected to fiber bundles at their respective exit apertures, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple photoelectric converters. This structural design allows for the placement of a specific number of beam-splitting prisms within the shielding cage to simultaneously test the sensitivity of multiple photoelectric converters, thus improving testing efficiency.

[0038] The beam splitter 9 can be installed in a removable manner. When only one photoelectric converter needs to be measured, the beam splitter can be removed from the shielding cage. At this time, the shielding cage does not perform beam splitting and forms a dark box with fiber optic bundle connectors that shields against external light interference.

[0039] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a preferred embodiment, the photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device further includes an attenuator 2 disposed between the light source module 1 and the shielding cage 3, for attenuating the power of the test light to a predetermined level. The attenuator 2 can be a single attenuator or a combination of multiple attenuators.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the attenuator 2 is configured to attenuate the power of the test light from the milliwatt level to the nanowatt level.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the light source module 1 includes a laser with adjustable output power.

[0042] In one specific embodiment, the laser is a 445nm blue laser, the wavelength of the optical power meter 5 is set to 445nm, and the maximum test range is set to 20nW.

[0043] In some embodiments, while adjusting the output power of the laser, the output power of the optical fiber bundle 4 is detected by the optical power meter 5. After adjusting the power to the nanowatt level, the optical fiber bundle 4 is connected to the photoelectric converter 7. The voltmeter 8 detects the output voltage of the photoelectric converter 7 and adjusts the adjustable resistor of the photoelectric converter 7 until the output voltage is detected to be the target voltage value.

[0044] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This invention also provides a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a photoelectric converter. The method involves using the aforementioned photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device to adjust the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter 7. The method includes: using an optical power meter 5 to measure the output end of the fiber bundle 4 to determine that the test light has reached a predetermined power level; then connecting the output end of the fiber bundle 4 to the photoelectric converter 7 while keeping the power of the light source module 1 constant; using a voltmeter 8 to test the output voltage value of the photoelectric converter 7; and adjusting the resistance value of the adjustable resistor of the photoelectric converter 7 until the output voltage is the target voltage value.

[0045] During testing, light at the nanowatt level is difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes: when setting up the optical path, first passing the test light from the light source through an OD3 attenuator to attenuate the power to the microwatt level for optical path alignment, and then adding another OD3 attenuator to attenuate the power to the nanowatt level.

[0046] This invention also provides a method for testing the sensitivity of a photoelectric converter, including a process of adjusting the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter using the method described above, thereby enabling the testing of the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter.

[0047] The significant advantages of this invention are:

[0048] The combination of a shielding cage and a fiber optic bundle shields against interference from external light. After the light source undergoes power attenuation through an attenuator, it is vertically incident into a small hole in the shielding cage and exited through the fiber optic bundle on the other side. The fiber optic bundle then leads to a photoelectric converter. Using the shielding cage and fiber optic bundle, the light source can be confined to a specific size while shielding against interference from external ambient light, without relying on absolute darkness.

[0049] This reduces the high precision requirements for the testing equipment setup and allows the photoelectric converter to be moved during testing, greatly improving the convenience and flexibility of testing, and reducing testing costs and difficulty.

[0050] It can achieve continuous and accurate adjustment of the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter.

[0051] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] like Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device according to one embodiment. The device includes the following modules:

[0053] A photoelectric converter is used to convert optical signals to electrical signals. One end is a fiber optic connector, and the other end is an output signal line. A DC power supply powers the photoelectric converter. A light source module includes a laser, a power adjustment knob, and a power display module. The laser generates optical signals and emits them horizontally. An attenuator, placed perpendicular to the laser direction, attenuates the laser power from the milliwatt level to the nanowatt level. A shielding cage, placed parallel to the laser direction, has a small hole at one end to allow the laser to pass through, and a fiber optic connector at the other end to connect the fiber optic bundle. The fiber optic bundle, connected to the shielding cage at one end and the photoelectric converter at the other, is used to transmit optical signals. An optical power meter is used to test the attenuated laser power. After measuring the nanowatt level laser power, the fiber optic bundle is input into the photoelectric converter. A voltmeter, connected to the photoelectric converter, is used to test the output voltage of the photoelectric converter.

[0054] The attenuated laser beam is directed at one end of the shielding cage, and the other end is led out using an optical fiber bundle. While adjusting the laser output power, the output power of the optical fiber bundle is measured using an optical power meter. After adjusting the power to the nanowatt level, it is connected to a photoelectric converter, and the output voltage of the photoelectric converter is measured using a voltmeter.

[0055] Specifically, firstly, an optical power meter is used to measure the power value at the output end of the fiber optic bundle after attenuation to the nanowatt level. Then, the output end of the fiber optic bundle is connected to the photoelectric converter. While keeping the light source power constant, a voltmeter is used to test the output voltage value of the photoelectric converter. The resistance value of the adjustable resistor in the photoelectric converter is changed, and the change in the voltmeter output voltage is observed until the output voltage displayed on the voltmeter meets the requirements. This process is then used to adjust the sensitivity to an appropriate level.

[0056] like Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic of the structure of a photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device according to an embodiment. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device includes a light source module 1, an attenuator 2, a shielding cage 3, an optical fiber bundle 4, an optical power meter 5, a DC power supply 6, a photoelectric converter 7, and a voltmeter 8.

[0057] After passing through the attenuator 2, the light source module 1 is aligned with one end of the shielding cage 3, and the other end is led out using an optical fiber bundle 4. While adjusting the output power of the light source module 1, the output power of the optical fiber bundle 4 is detected using an optical power meter 5. After adjusting the power to 1nW, it is connected to the photoelectric converter 7. Then, the output voltage of the photoelectric converter 7 is detected using a voltmeter 8. The adjustable resistor of the photoelectric converter 7 is adjusted to make the output voltage 4V, thereby achieving accurate adjustment of the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter 7.

[0058] In the light source module 1, the laser is a 445nm blue laser. In other embodiments, the laser may be replaced by a laser of other wavelengths.

[0059] The attenuator 2 is a combination of two OD3 attenuators, fixed to a bracket placed perpendicular to the optical axis. In other embodiments, different combinations of attenuators can be used according to different detection requirements.

[0060] The optical power meter 5 has a wavelength set to 445nm and a maximum test range set to 20nW to perform nanowatt-level power detection, which is used to provide real-time feedback on the power adjustment of the excitation light.

[0061] The photoelectric converter 7 has a sensitivity adjustment resistor. Under the same light intensity excitation, the output voltage can be changed by adjusting the resistor.

[0062] In one embodiment, a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a photoelectric converter includes adjusting the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter using the photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device of the foregoing embodiment, the method comprising the following steps:

[0063] Step 1: Power on the light source module and allow the system to warm up. Proceed to Step 2.

[0064] Step 2: Fix the attenuator, adjust the optical path so that the laser enters through the small hole in the shielding cage, turn off the indoor lights, and proceed to Step 3;

[0065] Step 3: Turn on the optical power meter, set the detection wavelength to 445nm, set the power range to 20nW, and proceed to step 4;

[0066] Step 4: Use an optical power meter to test the output power of the fiber bundle. Rotate the power adjustment knob of the light source module to adjust the output power to 1 nanowatt and proceed to step 5. Otherwise, repeat step 4.

[0067] Step 5: Connect the fiber optic bundle to the photoelectric converter, power the photoelectric converter with a 10V DC power supply, test the output voltage of the photoelectric converter with a voltmeter, and proceed to step 6.

[0068] Step 6: Adjust the adjustable resistor on the photoelectric converter until the output voltage displayed on the voltmeter reaches 4V, thus completing the sensitivity adjustment of the photoelectric converter.

[0069] It should be noted that in the preferred embodiment described above, the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter is adjusted to generate a voltage of 4V under an excitation light of 1nW. In other embodiments, the sensitivity can be flexibly adjusted according to the usage requirements.

[0070] The method described above reduces ambient light interference by using fiber bundles and shielding cages, eliminating the need for absolute darkness and allowing photoelectric converter testing in ordinary laboratory environments, thus reducing costs. It enables accurate and continuous adjustment of the photoelectric converter's output voltage under nanowatt-level excitation light. It is applicable to excitation light of different wavelengths, such as commonly used 445nm and 532nm light sources, and can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter.

[0071] The background section of this invention may include background information about the problems or environment in which the invention is being developed, and is not necessarily a description of prior art. Therefore, the content included in the background section does not constitute an admission of prior art by the applicant.

[0072] The above description provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, and it should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various substitutions or modifications can be made to these described embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such substitutions or modifications should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. In the description of this specification, the reference to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "preferred embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples. Although the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of protection of the patent application.

Claims

1. A photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device, characterized in that, The device includes a light source module, a shielding cage, an optical fiber bundle, an optical power meter, a power supply, a photoelectric converter, and a voltmeter. The light source module generates test light. The shielding cage transmits the test light to the optical fiber bundle while shielding ambient light along the transmission path. One end of the shielding cage has a small hole for receiving the test light, and the other end has an optical fiber bundle connector for connecting the optical fiber bundle. The test light entering the shielding cage through the small hole enters one end of the optical fiber bundle through the optical fiber bundle connector. The optical power meter measures the light power emitted from the other end of the optical fiber bundle. The photoelectric converter has an optical fiber bundle connector and an output signal line. The optical fiber bundle connector is detachably connected to the other end of the optical fiber bundle. The power supply supplies power to the photoelectric converter. The voltmeter is connected to the output signal line of the photoelectric converter and measures the output voltage of the photoelectric converter. The photoelectric converter includes a sensitivity adjustment resistor to change the output voltage under the same light intensity excitation.

2. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding cage is equipped with at least one beam splitter, which forms multiple light output paths. Each of the multiple light output paths can be connected to an optical fiber bundle at its respective output port, and multiple photoelectric converters can be tested simultaneously.

3. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an attenuation plate disposed between the light source module and the shielding cage, used to attenuate the power of the test light to a predetermined level.

4. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The attenuator is used to attenuate the power of the test light from the milliwatt level to the nanowatt level.

5. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The light source module includes a laser with adjustable output power.

6. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The power source is a DC power source.

7. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The laser is a 445nm blue laser, the wavelength of the optical power meter is set to 445nm, and the maximum test range is set to 20nW.

8. A method for adjusting the sensitivity of a photoelectric converter, characterized in that, The sensitivity of the photoelectric converter is adjusted using the photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7. The method includes: using an optical power meter to measure at the output end of the optical fiber bundle to determine that the test light has reached a predetermined power level; then connecting the output end of the optical fiber bundle to the photoelectric converter, keeping the light source power constant; using a voltmeter to test the output voltage value of the photoelectric converter; and adjusting the resistance value of the sensitivity adjustment resistor of the photoelectric converter until the output voltage is the target voltage value.

9. The photoelectric converter sensitivity adjustment method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: First, the test light from the light source is passed through an OD3 attenuator to reduce the power to the microwatt level for optical path alignment. Then, another OD3 attenuator is added to reduce the power to the nanowatt level.

10. A method for testing the sensitivity of a photoelectric converter, characterized in that, This includes the process of adjusting the sensitivity of the photoelectric converter using the method described in claim 8 or 9.

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