Chip-Scale ODMR Sensor for Sub-1000 nm Optical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection of magnetic resonances (ODMR) techniques face challenges in accurately measuring small changes in magnetic fields due to limitations in materials and configurations that affect fluorescence detection, particularly with traditional silicon waveguides and inefficient microwave signal application.
Innovation Solution
A compact ODMR sensor is developed using a semiconductor integrated circuit with a photonic integrated circuit, incorporating a solid-state host with color centers, optical modulators, gratings, and a microwave antenna, capable of transmitting light below 1000 nm, and a photodetector to enhance fluorescence detection and microwave pumping for precise magnetic field measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional silicon waveguides are used for optical transmission, then device integration is achieved, but light transmission below 1000 nm is absorbed rather than transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional silicon to silicon nitride, which has different optical transmission properties. Silicon nitride allows transmission of light below 1000 nm wavelengths, resolving the absorption issue while maintaining waveguide integration capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite photonic integrated circuit structure combining silicon nitride waveguides with other materials optimized for specific optical functions, achieving both integration and low-loss transmission at wavelengths below 1000 nm
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection sensitivity is increased, then magnetic field measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluorescence detection function directly into the photonic integrated circuit by incorporating photodetectors on the same chip, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic integrated circuit performs multiple functions including light generation, modulation, transmission, and detection on a single platform, reducing the number of separate components needed and simplifying the overall device architecture
3Productivity
If microwave pumping power is increased to improve fluorescence excitation, then color center excitation efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the microwave frequency parameter to match the resonant frequency of the color centers more precisely, improving excitation efficiency at lower power levels through resonant coupling rather than brute-force power increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional high-power microwave pumping with optically pumped color centers that convert optical energy to microwave-frequency electromagnetic fields, achieving efficient excitation with lower overall energy consumption
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 accurate and sensitive measurement of magnetic fields by improving fluorescence detection and microwave signal application, allowing for precise determination of magnetic field strength and direction, even at low magnetic strengths.
Implementation Method 1
the fluorescence of a crystal defect arising from excitation by an optical signal may be affected by the presence of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector in optical communication with the plurality of color centers
Implementation Method 3
when the crystal defect is subject to microwave pumping at a resonant frequency
Implementation Method 4
microwave pumping at a resonant frequency
Implementation Method 5
a photonic integrated circuit comprising optical modulators and a grating array in optical communication with the plurality of color centers via a material capable of transmitting light below 1000 nm
Implementation Method 6
a photonic integrated circuit comprising optical modulators and a grating array
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an integrated apparatus for measuring an external magnetic or other external stimulus are presented herein. This apparatus may include a solid-state host comprising a plurality of color centers, a photonic integrated circuit comprising optical modulators and a grating array in optical communication with the plurality of color centers via a material capable of transmitting light below 1000 nm, a semiconductor integrated circuit comprising a plurality of metal layers, a microwave antenna, and a photodetector in optical communication with the plurality of color centers.