Angle Restriction Filter for Miniature Spectrum Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectrum sensors face challenges in reducing their size, making it difficult to place multiple sensors in desired locations or for permanent placement due to their bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
The development of an angle restriction filter with an optical path wall section formed from laminated light shield members, using materials with low reflectance such as tungsten or titanium nitride, and an inclined wall surface to restrict incident angles of light, allowing for the creation of smaller-sized spectrum sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional spectrum sensors are used, then detection function is provided, but sensor size is large making it difficult to place in desired locations
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum sensor is divided into separate functional modules: a light-receiving element, an angle restriction filter with optical path wall section, and signal processing components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates miniaturization while maintaining overall detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path wall section uses multi-layer lamination in the vertical dimension to achieve angle restriction functionality. By stacking light shield members in layers, the filter achieves effective light angle control without increasing the horizontal footprint, enabling compact sensor design.
2Volume of moving object
If light shield members are laminated in layers to form optical path, then fine patterns and small size are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The angle restriction filter is integrated directly with the light-receiving element structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting components and alignment mechanisms. The optical path wall section is formed as part of the filter substrate, reducing assembly steps and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path wall section serves multiple functions: it restricts light incident angles, provides structural support for the filter layers, and defines the optical path geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If materials with low reflectance are used for light shield members, then light reflection is reduced improving angle restriction, but material selection becomes more limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light shield members use composite material structures combining metal layers (such as aluminum or tungsten) with dielectric coating layers. This composite approach achieves low reflectance through the dielectric coatings while maintaining the structural integrity and light-blocking properties of the metal substrate, expanding material selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectance properties are controlled by adjusting the thickness and refractive index of dielectric coating layers on the light shield members. By varying these parameters, optimal angle restriction performance is achieved while allowing selection from a broader range of base materials.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the manufacture of smaller spectrum sensors that effectively restrict light angles, reducing light reflection and transmission, thus enhancing the ability to place sensors in confined spaces while maintaining detection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an angle restriction filter includes an optical path wall section formed from a plurality of light shield members laminated in layers... The angle restriction filter restricts incident angles of light that passes through the optical path
Implementation Method 2
the optical path defines a wall surface that may preferably have an inclined section inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the substrate. As the wall surface of the optical path has the inclined section, light that may hit the wall surface of the optical pass while traveling through the optical path can be reduced
Data Source
AI summary
An angle restriction filter that allows light incident thereon in a predetermined range of incident angles to pass, includes: an optical path wall section formed from a plurality of light shield members laminated in layers including a common material, thereby forming an optical path in a lamination direction of the light shield members; and a light transmission section formed in a region surrounded by the optical path wall section.