Custom Arcuate Detector for Compact SWIR Spectrometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers are too large, costly, and complex for portable applications, with detectors that have limited wavelength range and sensitivity, making them impractical for consumer use and integration into other devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectrometer system with a custom detector featuring arcuate photo sensor elements and reduced electrical connections, optimized for short-wavelength infrared range, providing a two-dimensional pixel array functionality while being simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior spectrometers use high-resolution detectors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical spectrometer systems with a simplified detector-based system that uses machine learning algorithms to analyze light patterns. Instead of using traditional diffraction gratings and complex optical paths, the invention uses a single detector element with computational algorithms to achieve spectral analysis, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from spatially-resolved spectral detection to temporal or intensity-based detection combined with machine learning. By changing the detection parameters and using computational methods, the system achieves high spectral resolution without requiring complex optical components or multiple detector elements.
2Volume of moving object
If prior spectrometers are reduced in size, then portability is improved, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for large optical components such as diffraction gratings, prisms, and complex lens systems by using a simplified detector-based approach with machine learning. This substitution enables compact, portable device design while maintaining or improving measurement precision through computational analysis of light patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial spectral dispersion to a different detection dimension where machine learning algorithms process light intensity patterns over time or across different wavelengths. This dimensional shift allows for compact design without sacrificing spectral analysis capability.
3Reliability
If prior spectrometers use traditional detectors, then detection capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive traditional spectral detectors with simpler, lower-cost detector elements combined with machine learning algorithms. By using computational methods instead of complex optical components and specialized detectors, the system achieves reliable detection capability at a fraction of the cost of conventional spectrometers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive detector elements that can be manufactured using standard semiconductor processes. The use of software-based machine learning algorithms instead of expensive hardware components enables cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining detection reliability.
4Measurement precision
If prior spectrometers use CCD arrays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and number of connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex CCD array systems and implements it using a simplified single-detector or reduced-detector approach combined with machine learning. By taking out only the necessary detection capability and replacing the rest with computational methods, the system achieves comparable measurement precision with significantly fewer electrical connections and reduced device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical and electrical complexity of CCD array systems with a software-based machine learning approach. Instead of using multiple detector elements with complex readout circuits, the invention uses a simpler detector with computational algorithms to achieve the same measurement precision, thereby reducing electrical connections and device complexity.
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
The solution enables a compact, low-cost, and high-sensitivity spectrometer suitable for end-user measurements, offering improved resolution and accuracy across a wide range of wavelengths, addressing the limitations of prior spectrometers in size, cost, and detector performance.
Implementation Method 1
The detector comprises a plurality of arcuate photo sensor elements
Data Source
AI summary
A compact spectrometer system comprising an improved detector is provided herein. The spectrometer system herein disclosed can comprises a filter, a Fourier transform optical element, and a detector. The detector can comprise a custom detector having a shape that corresponds to the pattern of light incident on the detector. The custom detector may comprise a plurality of separate detection areas, each area configured to detect a portion of the light pattern incident on the detector. The custom detector may comprise a material capable of detecting wavelengths in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) range. The custom detector may be configured to require a relatively low number of electrical connections such that it may be implemented using standard, low-cost electronic packaging techniques. An improved, custom detector as described herein can provide the functionality of a two-dimensional pixel array detector while being relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.