Angled Illumination Oven for Photoconductive Switch Light Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical and photonic devices, such as photoconductive switches, face inefficiencies due to light reflection back into input optical fibers, reducing the amount of light absorbed and delivered effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of an illumination oven device with reflective surfaces and a tapered optical waveguide to encourage multiple reflections and chaotic light flow, minimizing light escape and maximizing absorption by the photoconductive device, thereby enhancing light delivery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light is delivered directly to the photoconductive device without reflective surfaces, then the device structure is simple, but light absorption efficiency is reduced due to reflection losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful reflection of light back into the optical fiber into a beneficial effect by using reflective surfaces to redirect light multiple times toward the photoconductive device. The reflected light that would otherwise be lost is now trapped and reused, improving absorption efficiency while managing the complexity through careful optical design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional illumination chamber with reflective surfaces on multiple walls, transforming the simple linear light path into a multi-dimensional optical environment. This allows light to undergo multiple reflections from different surfaces, increasing the probability of absorption by the photoconductive device without requiring a proportionally complex structure
2Loss of energy
If reflective surfaces are added to trap light, then light absorption increases, but the amount of light returning to the input optical fiber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric reflective surface configurations where the angles and orientations of reflective surfaces are deliberately designed to direct light toward the photoconductive device while preventing return paths to the input optical fiber. This asymmetric geometry ensures that reflected light is channeled in a specific direction that maximizes absorption while minimizing feedback to the source
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination chamber acts as an intermediary optical element between the input optical fiber and the photoconductive device. It mediates the light transmission by providing controlled reflection surfaces that manage the light path, allowing the system to benefit from light trapping while isolating the input fiber from harmful reflections
3Productivity
If multiple reflections are implemented to maximize light absorption, then illumination efficiency improves, but the uniformity of light distribution may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different reflective properties to different local areas of the illumination chamber. By varying the reflectivity, angle, and orientation of reflective surfaces in different regions, the system optimizes light distribution locally while maintaining overall uniformity. This allows efficient light trapping in some areas while ensuring even illumination across the photoconductive device surface
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 significantly reduces light loss and increases the amount of light absorbed by the photoconductive material, improving the operational efficiency and response of the photoconductive switch.
Implementation Method 1
The port is configured to allow the input light that enters the cylindrical body to be incident on and reflected downward from a surface of the top end, and wherein at least a portion of the input light that enters the cylindrical body undergoes multiple reflections from internal surfaces of the cylindrical body
Implementation Method 2
irradiance of light on a photoconductive switch triggers changes in the switch's electrical conductance
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for illuminating a photoconductive switch are disclosed. The disclosed technology minimizes an amount of light that is reflected back into an input optical waveguide. The disclosed technology provides an illumination oven that delivers light from the input optical waveguide to the photoconductive switch. The illumination oven is configured to trap light and cause multiple reflection passes of the light therewithin. The illumination oven is configured to reduce opportunities for the light to escape via the input optical waveguide. In particular, the illumination oven includes a tipped or angled top end that directs light downward to the photoconductive switch. The input optical waveguide is coupled to the illumination oven at a lateral offset, which, along with the tipped top end, causes the light to rattle and chaotically flow within the illumination oven to be ultimately absorbed by the photoconductive switch or dissipate.