Dichroic Mirror Array for Multicolor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In photodetectors using dichroic-mirror arrays, increasing the number of dichroic mirrors to enhance multicolor detection accuracy leads to increased maximum optical-path length, reducing sensitivity and dynamic range due to larger spot sizes and crosstalk between light spots.
Innovation Solution
A dichroic-mirror array with two groups of dichroic mirrors arranged in a specific configuration, where one group has positive X coordinates and the other negative, allowing for a two-layer structure that reduces the maximum optical-path length and optical-path-length difference, enabling highly sensitive and accurate multicolor detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of dichroic mirrors is increased to enhance multicolor detection accuracy, then the spectral resolution and detection accuracy are improved, but the maximum optical-path length increases causing larger spot sizes and crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer linear arrangement of dichroic mirrors to a two-layer configuration where mirrors are arranged in parallel rows (first and second rows) with corresponding mirrors in each row. This dimensional change allows light to be split into multiple wavelengths through both reflection and transmission paths simultaneously, achieving spectral separation without proportionally increasing the maximum optical-path length. The two-layer structure creates multiple optical paths that converge on the sensor, enabling enhanced multicolor detection accuracy while controlling spot size and crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic-mirror array is segmented into multiple independent dichroic mirrors arranged in a two-layer configuration, where each mirror handles specific wavelength bands. This segmentation allows the system to process different wavelength ranges through separate optical paths (reflection and transmission) simultaneously, improving spectral resolution without requiring a single long optical path. The segmented structure enables parallel wavelength separation, reducing the maximum optical-path length compared to sequential arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the maximum optical-path length is increased to accommodate more dichroic mirrors, then more wavelength bands can be detected, but the spot size increases and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a two-layer dichroic-mirror array configuration that processes multiple wavelength bands through parallel optical paths rather than sequential paths. This dimensional arrangement allows simultaneous detection of multiple wavelength bands without proportionally increasing the maximum optical-path length, thereby maintaining illumination intensity and detection sensitivity while expanding wavelength band detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges reflection and transmission optical paths to achieve wavelength separation. By combining both reflection and transmission modes in the two-layer dichroic-mirror array, the system can detect multiple wavelength bands through integrated optical paths that are more compact than purely sequential arrangements, thus maintaining sensitivity while expanding detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If the number of dichroic mirrors is increased to improve spectral resolution, then more colors can be distinguished, but crosstalk between adjacent light spots increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic-mirror array is segmented into multiple independent mirrors in a two-layer configuration, with each mirror dedicated to specific wavelength bands. This segmentation creates distinct optical paths for different wavelengths, reducing the overlap and crosstalk between adjacent light spots on the sensor while maintaining high spectral resolution for distinguishing multiple colors.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-layer arrangement spatially separates optical paths for different wavelength bands by utilizing both reflection and transmission directions. This dimensional separation prevents adjacent light spots from overlapping on the sensor, thereby reducing crosstalk while maintaining the ability to distinguish multiple spectral bands with high resolution.
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 configuration significantly reduces the maximum optical-path length and optical-path-length difference, allowing for independent and highly accurate multicolor detection with reduced crosstalk, maintaining high sensitivity and dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
A light flux incident on the dichroic mirror array is split into a plurality of light fluxes (split lights) having different wavelength bands by repeating reflection and transmission by each dichroic mirror
Implementation Method 2
a photoelectric surface for photoelectrically converting a transmitted light from the plurality of wavelength selection elements
Data Source
AI summary
In a right-handed XYZ coordinate system, a dichroic-mirror array of the present disclosure includes a first group in which m (m≥2) dichroic mirrors DA1 to DAm are arranged parallel to each other along a positive direction of an X axis and a second group in which n (n≥2) dichroic mirrors DB1 to DBn are arranged parallel to each other along a negative direction of the X axis. Incident surfaces of the DA1 to DAm and incident surfaces of the DB1 to DBn are perpendicular to an XZ plane. A slope of straight lines with normal lines of the incident surfaces of the DA1 to DAm projected onto the XZ plane are negative, and a slope of straight lines with normal lines of incident surfaces of DB1 to DBn projected onto the XZ plane are positive.