Axial Detector Array for Passive Range Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal imaging systems face challenges with large depth of field and range discrimination, particularly in clear air turbulence (CAT) detection, due to the limitations of planar focal plane arrays and the need for expensive, complex active electro-optical systems.
Innovation Solution
A detector system with axial EMR detector regions arranged progressively along a detector axis, utilizing nanoparticle plasmonic detectors and signal processing electronics to selectively detect EMR at specific angles and wavelengths, allowing for improved range discrimination and reduced background noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a planar focal plane array is used to detect thermal radiation from distant objects, then the system can achieve simple structure and low cost, but the depth of field becomes excessively large and range discrimination becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar focal plane array to a three-dimensional axial detector array. The detector regions are arranged along the optical axis at different distances from the imaging optics, adding a depth dimension to the detection structure. This enables each detector region to be sensitive to radiation from specific object distances, achieving range discrimination without requiring complex active systems.
2Measurement precision
If the f/number of the imaging lens is increased to reduce depth of field, then range discrimination improves, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The detector system is segmented into multiple detector regions arranged along the optical axis, with each region dedicated to detecting radiation from a specific distance range. This segmentation allows the system to achieve range discrimination through the detector architecture itself rather than requiring expensive optical components with high f/numbers. Each detector region can be optimized for its specific detection task.
3Measurement precision
If active electro-optical heterodyne laser velocimeter systems are used for CAT detection at large distances, then measurement precision improves, but the system becomes expensive, power-hungry, heavy, and physically large
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs passive detection of thermal radiation emitted naturally by clear air turbulence, eliminating the need for active laser sources and complex heterodyning optics. The axial detector array self-organizes to detect radiation from different distance ranges based on its geometric arrangement, providing inherent range discrimination without requiring complex signal processing or active illumination systems.
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 system enables effective detection of thermal radiation at large distances with improved image quality and target recognition, reducing the need for costly and complex active systems by using passive detection and nanoparticle plasmonic arrays for selective EMR detection.
Implementation Method 1
each detector region comprises a nanoparticle plasmonic detector having an array of nanoparticles
Data Source
AI summary
A detector system is described. The detector system includes imaging optics having a focal plane, and an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) detector. The EMR detector is arranged to receive EMR from the imaging optics, and has a detector axis perpendicular to the focal plane. The EMR detector has a plurality of detector regions arranged progressively along the detector axis. The detector regions are arranged to respectively detect EMR imaged from progressively different object distances from the imaging optics.