Ballistic Carrier Spectral Sensor for Compact High-Resolution Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical spectrometers are large, require precise optical alignment, and have mechanical adjustments, making them unsuitable for compact, portable applications, and their miniaturization often compromises resolution and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-terminal electronic device using ballistic carriers as a spectrometer, with adjustable potential barriers and a spillage well to collect low-energy carriers, allowing for electronic tuneability and compact size without mechanical adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dispersive elements (prism, diffraction grating) are used to achieve high spectral resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dispersive elements (prisms, diffraction gratings) with an electronic system consisting of a photodetector array and signal processing circuitry. The spectral resolution is achieved through electronic filtering and processing rather than mechanical wavelength separation, eliminating the need for precise optical alignment and rotating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the spectral analysis function from the optical path by using a photodetector to detect total light intensity and employing electronic filters to isolate spectral components. This separates the detection function from the dispersion function, allowing spectral resolution without mechanical dispersive elements in the optical path.
2Measurement precision
If dispersive elements are used to achieve high spectral resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes bulky mechanical dispersive elements with a compact electronic detection system. The photodetector array combined with electronic filtering achieves spectral resolution in a much smaller footprint than traditional spectrometers requiring optical benches and large dispersive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial wavelength separation (requiring large optical paths) to electronic frequency domain separation. By detecting all wavelengths simultaneously and separating them electronically, the system achieves spectral resolution without the spatial expansion required by dispersive optics.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical surfaces are used in dispersive spectrometers, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to fouling susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral filtering function from the optical path, eliminating multiple optical surfaces that are susceptible to fouling. By using a photodetector with electronic filtering, the system achieves spectral analysis capability without exposing multiple optical interfaces to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic filtering system as an intermediary between light detection and spectral analysis. Instead of using multiple optical filters or dispersive elements that require clean surfaces, the system uses electronic signal processing to achieve spectral separation, removing the reliability issue of optical surface fouling.
4Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is applied to reduce device size, then volume is reduced, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electronic filtering and signal processing to achieve spectral resolution without relying on the physical dimensions of optical components. This allows miniaturization while maintaining spectral precision, as the resolution is determined by electronic processing capabilities rather than optical path length or component size.
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 device provides high-resolution spectral analysis without the need for dispersive elements or mechanical adjustments, enabling integration into portable devices and maintaining sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a photon absorption region configured to generate photo-generated carriers from incident light
Implementation Method 2
Ballistic electrons have been utilized in prior art devices... by using ballistic carriers, functions as a spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A ballistic carrier spectral sensor includes a photon absorption region to generate photo-generated carriers from incident light; a first potential barrier region adjacent the photon absorption region and having an adjustable height defining a minimum energy of the photo-generated carriers required to pass therethrough; a second potential barrier region having an adjustable height defining a minimum energy of the photo-generated carriers required to pass therethrough; a spillage well region disposed between the first potential barrier region and the second potential barrier region and configured to collect photo-generated carriers having an energy lower than that required to pass through the second potential barrier region; and a collection region adjacent the second potential barrier region and configured to collect carriers that cross the second potential barrier region. A total thickness of the first potential barrier region and the spillage well region is less than a mean free path of the photo-generated carriers.