CCD Detector Restriction Unit for Optical Spectrum Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for reducing the unit measurement time for optical spectra while maintaining a certain Signal/Noise (S/N) ratio using a general-purpose CCD detector without developing a new CCD detector, as existing methods either increase costs or reduce the S/N ratio when reducing the number of rows.
Innovation Solution
An optical spectrum measuring apparatus with a CCD detector that includes a restriction unit to limit the irradiation of specific rows and columns, allowing for a downsized detection area and efficient charge acquisition, using an optical system that splits light into rays and collects them onto restricted light-receiving devices, thereby reducing measurement time and improving S/N ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the number of rows and columns of light-receiving devices is reduced to shorten measurement time, then the unit measurement time is reduced, but the S/N ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The CCD detector's light-receiving devices are segmented into three distinct groups: first light-receiving devices for acquiring optical spectra, second light-receiving devices for acquiring reference spectra, and third light-receiving devices that are not irradiated with light. This segmentation allows the system to use only the necessary portion of the detector, reducing measurement time while maintaining S/N ratio by concentrating light collection on specific devices rather than distributing it across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the CCD detector are assigned different functions with optimized characteristics. The first light-receiving devices are optimized for spectral measurement, the second for reference acquisition, and the third are excluded from irradiation. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall system performance without requiring a complete redesign of the entire detector.
2Area of stationary object
If a new CCD detector with optimized detection area is developed, then the detection area can be optimized, but development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A general-purpose CCD detector is used instead of a specially designed one, making the system more versatile and reducing development costs. The detector serves multiple functions: acquiring optical spectra with the first light-receiving devices, acquiring reference spectra with the second light-receiving devices, and providing a basis for comparison with the third non-irradiated devices. This multi-functionality allows a single standard component to replace what would otherwise require custom-engineered specialized detectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the CCD detector by selectively controlling which light-receiving devices are irradiated with light and how they are used. Rather than physically modifying the detector's structure, the invention changes its operational state by activating specific regions for specific purposes, effectively creating a customized detection area from a standard detector without incurring development costs.
3Loss of time
If the detection area is downsized, then the measurement time is reduced, but light intensity for detection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary control mechanism that selectively directs light to specific light-receiving devices while excluding others. By using the restriction unit to control which devices are irradiated, the system maintains high light intensity on the active first and second light-receiving devices while keeping the third devices non-irradiated. This intermediary control allows downsizing of the effective detection area without compromising light intensity on the devices that are actually used for measurement.
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 apparatus achieves a shorter unit measurement time and maintains a desired S/N ratio without the need for a new CCD detector, reducing development costs and improving light intensity for the light-receiving devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that splits light to be incident on the CCD detector into rays, and irradiates the CCD detector with the rays
Implementation Method 2
a CCD detector including a plurality of light-receiving devices that are two-dimensionally arranged
Data Source
AI summary
An optical spectrum measuring apparatus includes: a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) detector including a plurality of light-receiving devices that are two-dimensionally arranged; an optical system configured to split incident light into rays and irradiate the CCD detector with the rays; and a restriction unit configured to restrict one or more rows and/or one or more columns out of the rows and columns of the plurality of light-receiving devices from being irradiated with light from the optical system.