Diffraction Grating Light Sensor for Thin-Layer Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light sensors are less efficient due to incomplete absorption of light rays, with some rays being reflected or transmitted without generating charges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffraction grating between the photoelectric material layer and the light-receiving face to guide light rays into the layer, increasing the time of contact and enhancing absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a simple photoelectric material layer is used, then the device structure remains simple, but light absorption is incomplete resulting in low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A diffraction grating is introduced as an intermediary element between the incident light and the photoelectric material layer. This grating structure modifies the light propagation paths through diffraction, causing light rays to follow extended trajectories within the photoelectric layer, thereby increasing absorption probability without requiring a thicker layer or more complex multi-layer structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating introduces a spatial dimensionality change by creating multiple diffraction orders that redirect light at different angles. This transforms the simple normal-incidence light path into a multi-directional propagation pattern within the photoelectric layer, effectively increasing the interaction length between light and material without increasing the physical thickness of the sensor.
2Length of moving object
If the photoelectric layer is made thinner to reduce device thickness, then the sensor becomes more compact, but light absorption decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffraction grating acts as a light path modifier that compensates for the reduced thickness of the photoelectric layer. By introducing diffraction-based path elongation, the effective interaction distance between light and photoelectric material is increased beyond the physical thickness of the layer, maintaining high absorption efficiency in a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating dynamically redirects light rays at multiple angles as they pass through the photoelectric layer, creating a more complex and extended light trajectory. This dynamic path modification ensures that even in a thin layer, light interacts with the photoelectric material over a longer effective distance, maintaining absorption efficiency despite reduced physical thickness.
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
Improves the sensitivity and efficiency of light sensors by increasing the absorption of light rays, allowing for thinner sensor designs.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating located between said first layer and the face of the sensor configured to receive light rays
Implementation Method 2
a layer or region of a photoelectric material (i.e., a material that absorbs photons and generates electrical charges)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an image sensor comprising a first layer of photoelectric material and a diffraction grating located between said first layer and the face of the sensor configured to receive light rays.