Electroluminescent Microwave Detector for Passive HPM Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for detecting high-power microwave (HPM) radiation lack the ability to directly relate microwave radiation parameters to optically visible responses, are often large and heavy, expensive, and have limited instrumentation functionality, making them inadequate for diverse and macroscopic applications, including military use.

Innovation Solution

A device using an electroluminescence material, such as zinc-cadmium-sulfide (ZnCd)S doped with manganese and aluminum, or other phosphors, to convert microwave radiation into visible light, allowing for passive detection without an external power source and enabling large area coverage across various microwave sub-bands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional detection systems are used to detect HPM radiation, then detection capability is provided, but the systems are large and heavy, expensive, and have limited instrumentation functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem size and weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with a chemical/physical field-based detection mechanism. Electroluminescent materials convert microwave radiation directly into visible light through electroluminescence, eliminating the need for large mechanical detectors, power supplies, and electronic instrumentation. The detection is achieved through the direct interaction of electromagnetic fields with luminescent materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electroluminescent materials are self-powered by the incident microwave radiation itself. The microwave energy directly excites the luminescent materials to emit visible light, eliminating the need for external power sources, batteries, or complex electronic control systems. The detection system serves itself by using the target radiation as both the stimulus and the energy source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional detection systems are used to detect HPM radiation, then detection capability is provided, but the systems are expensive and have limited instrumentation functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost and functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive electronic detection systems with simple luminescent materials that can be applied as coatings or films. The complex electronics, signal processing, and instrumentation are substituted by the inherent electroluminescent properties of the materials, which can be manufactured using standard coating techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electroluminescent materials provide multiple functions simultaneously: they detect microwave radiation, convert it to visible light, and provide visual indication all in one component. This eliminates the need for separate detectors, amplifiers, displays, and power management systems that would be required in conventional approaches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If photoluminescence up-conversion is used to convert microwave radiation to visible light, then wavelength conversion is achieved, but the wavelength ratio is limited to between 1.5 and 3.5

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength conversion ratioVSAvoidwavelength conversion range

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental detection mechanism from photoluminescence to electroluminescence. This parameter change allows the system to achieve wavelength conversion ratios of 1000:1 or greater, compared to the 1.5-3.5 ratio limit of photoluminescent up-conversion. The electroluminescent materials can respond to a broad range of microwave frequencies and convert them to visible light across the entire visible spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a sensitive and cost-effective means to detect HPM radiation, offering a significant wavelength conversion ratio and operational flexibility, enhancing the capability to detect and image HPM beams in real-time with visible luminescence, thus addressing the limitations of conventional detectors.

Implementation Method 1

the invention uses electroluminescence to receive and detect microwave radiation and in response emit photons in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS8841635B2Microwave induced visible luminescence

Publication Date: 2014.09.23 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

An indicator device for detecting high-power microwave radiation is provided, including an electrically-insulating substrate; an electrically-conductive portion disposed on the substrate; and an electroluminescence material disposed on the portion. The electroluminescence material can be zinc-cadmium-sulfide ((ZnCd)S) crystal doped with manganese (Mn) and aluminum (Al) as (ZnCd)S:Mn2+,Al3+, zinc sulfide (ZnS) crystal doped with manganese (Mn) as ZnS:Mn2+, calcium sulfide (CaS) doped with europium (Eu) as CaS:Eu2+, or strontium aluminate (SrAl2O4) doped with europium and dysprosium as (SrAl2O4):Eu2+,Dy3+.