Aperture Light Detector Array Background Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light detectors, such as photodiodes and silicon photomultipliers, are sensitive to low light intensities but are also disproportionately affected by background light, leading to reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of an aperture placed at the focal plane of a lens in a light detection system, which limits the amount of light transmitted to the array of light detectors, thereby reducing background light and increasing the detection area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light detectors are made sensitive to low light intensities, then detection sensitivity is improved, but background light interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent light detectors arranged in an array, where each detector can be independently controlled. This allows selective activation of detectors based on background light conditions, enabling the system to maintain high sensitivity while mitigating background interference by adjusting which detectors are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operating parameters of the light detectors based on detected background light levels. By making the detection sensitivity adjustable in real-time, the system can optimize between sensitivity and background rejection depending on environmental conditions.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light detectors are arranged in parallel arrays, then detection area is increased, but background light susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The large detection area is divided into multiple small detector elements arranged in parallel arrays. Each small detector has lower individual background susceptibility, and by combining their signals, the system achieves large-area detection with reduced overall background interference compared to a single large detector.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detector array can have different operational characteristics. The system can selectively activate or weight detectors in specific regions based on local background light conditions, allowing optimal performance across the entire large detection area while adapting to spatial variations in background interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If aperture size is reduced to limit background light, then background interference is reduced, but detection area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large aperture, the system uses multiple small apertures corresponding to each detector element in the array. This segmented aperture approach allows each small aperture to limit background light effectively while the collective array maintains a large effective detection area through the combined field of view of all detector elements.
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 configuration enhances the dynamic range, sensitivity, and imaging resolution of the light detection system by allowing more light detectors to cover the detection area and reducing light intensity, which helps in maintaining the accuracy of measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a lens disposed relative to a scene and configured to focus light from the scene onto a focal plane
Implementation Method 2
an aperture defined within an opaque material disposed at the focal plane of the lens... The aperture may limit the amount of light transmitted to the array of light detectors by limiting the amount of light transmitted at the focal plane of the lens
Implementation Method 3
After passing through the aperture, the light may diverge as the light approaches the array
Implementation Method 4
an array of light detectors disposed on a side of the focal plane opposite the lens and configured to intercept and detect diverging light focused by the lens and transmitted through the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to limitation of noise on light detectors using an aperture. One example embodiment includes a system. The system includes a lens disposed relative to a scene and configured to focus light from the scene onto a focal plane. The system also includes an aperture defined within an opaque material disposed at the focal plane of the lens. The aperture has a cross-sectional area. In addition, the system includes an array of light detectors disposed on a side of the focal plane opposite the lens and configured to intercept and detect diverging light focused by the lens and transmitted through the aperture. A cross-sectional area of the array of light detectors that intercepts the diverging light is greater than the cross-sectional area of the aperture.