Direct Sampling Analog Time-Resolved Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time-resolved measurement techniques, such as TCSPC and FD, face limitations in sensitivity and dynamic range, particularly at high photon count rates and in applications requiring rapid data acquisition, due to modulation-induced noise and reduced duty cycles, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A direct sampling method that uses high-speed analog-to-digital converters to capture the entire harmonic content of the signal from a detector without modulation, allowing for simultaneous acquisition of all harmonics and maintaining 100% detector duty cycle, thereby increasing sensitivity and handling high signal levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional frequency domain methods with modulation are used, then dynamic range is improved, but sensitivity deteriorates due to modulation-induced noise and reduced duty cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the modulation step from the detection system, using direct sampling of the detector output without any modulation. This eliminates modulation-induced noise while maintaining the ability to measure harmonic content through direct Fourier analysis of the sampled signal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modulating the detector and using heterodyning/homodyning to down-convert signals, the patent inverts the approach by directly sampling the detector output at high speed and performing frequency domain analysis on the raw sampled signal, thereby avoiding all modulation-related noise and duty cycle losses.
2Measurement precision
If TCSPC method is used, then sensitivity is improved, but acquisition speed deteriorates due to sequential photon counting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sequential mechanical photon-counting process of TCSPC with a parallel electronic direct sampling system. By using high-speed analog-to-digital conversion to capture the entire detector waveform simultaneously, the system achieves both high sensitivity (comparable to TCSPC) and fast acquisition speed (parallel processing of all photons in the waveform).
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterodyning or homodyning is used, then frequency domain measurement is enabled, but detector duty cycle is reduced to 50% or less
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heterodyning/homodyning modulation step entirely, using direct sampling of the detector output. This eliminates the need to modulate the detector at intermediate frequencies, allowing the detector to operate continuously at 100% duty cycle while still enabling frequency domain analysis through direct Fourier transformation of the sampled signal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modulation is applied to the detection system, then frequency domain analysis is enabled, but noise is introduced reducing sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all modulation steps from the detection system, using direct sampling of the detector output without any intermediate frequency conversion. This eliminates modulation-induced noise completely while maintaining frequency domain analysis capability through direct Fourier transformation of the high-speed sampled signal.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject invention discloses devices and methods for sampling an analog signal in order to perform data analysis. More particularly, the subject invention provides a time-resolved, direct, high-speed sampling of analog output of a detector, in order to capture harmonic content of the signal without the need to modulate the detection system. The sampling devices and corresponding methods include a detector module for measuring a response generated from a sample, an analog to digital converter for sampling the analog signal, received from the detector module, and converting it into a digital signal; and a logic circuit coupled to the converter for processing the digital signal. The sampling rate of the converter is faster than the response of the sample, and the logic circuit is capable of analyzing the digital signal acquired from the converter and continuously transferring the data analysis obtained to a storage or display device.