Ultra-Short Cavity Fabry-Perot Sensor With Low-Resolution Color Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-optic sensors face limitations in broader industrial applications due to high complexity and cost of optoelectronic signal-processing systems, which exceed the costs of sensors and fibers by several orders of magnitude, making them unsuitable for general industrial, biomedical, and consumer sectors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ultra-short Fabry-Perot cavities with lengths shorter than 2.5 μm and a low-resolution spectrum analysis system or color detection system, allowing for high-resolution, cost-efficient, and environmentally stable fiber-optic measurement systems using miniature spectrometers or simple color analysis systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optoelectronic signal-processing systems are used for fiber-optic sensors, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase by several orders of magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the Fabry-Perot sensor by reducing the cavity length to ultra-short dimensions (sub-micrometer to low micrometer range). This parameter change fundamentally alters the spectral characteristics, enabling the use of low-resolution detection systems while maintaining measurement precision through the unique spectral features of ultra-short cavities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex optoelectronic signal-processing systems with inexpensive, simple color detection systems (such as RGB detectors). This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity and cost while achieving comparable measurement capabilities through the specialized ultra-short cavity design.
2Measurement precision
If conventional Fabry-Perot sensors are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but system cost exceeds sensor cost by several orders of magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the cavity length parameter to ultra-short dimensions, the patent transforms the sensor's spectral response characteristics. This enables the use of inexpensive color detection systems instead of costly high-resolution spectrometers, thereby reducing the overall system cost to be comparable with or only slightly exceeding the sensor cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical/optical signal-processing systems with simple electronic color detection systems. This replacement eliminates the need for expensive spectrometers and complex signal-processing hardware, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution spectrum analysis systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral characteristics of the sensor by using ultra-short cavity lengths, which produce distinct spectral features that can be resolved by low-resolution color detection systems. This parameter change allows simple systems to achieve high spectral sensitivity that would otherwise require complex high-resolution spectrometers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex high-resolution spectrometers to achieve precise measurements, the patent inverts the approach by designing a sensor with ultra-short cavity characteristics that can be accurately read by simple low-resolution color detectors. This inversion of the traditional high-complexity-detection approach enables precise measurements with minimal system complexity.
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
This approach enables high-resolution measurements with reduced complexity and cost, utilizing low-resolution spectrum analysis systems and simple color detection systems to effectively interrogate optical sensors, achieving spectral sensitivities suitable for various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor having an ultra-short Fabry-Perot cavity, wherein the ultra-short Fabry-Perot cavity comprises a cavity length of shorter than 2.5 μm
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system having an optical sensor with an ultra-short FP cavity, and a low-resolution optical interrogation system coupled to the optical sensor and operational to send light signals and receive light signals to and from the optical sensor is disclosed. The optical system may operate in a wavelength range including the visible and near-infrared range. Optical assemblies and methods of interrogating optical sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.