Frequency Selective Imager Nanowire Junctions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical imaging sensors lack wavelength selectivity, leading to loss of frequency information and requiring substantial computation for color discrimination, resulting in reduced sensitivity, lower image resolution, and increased noise.

Innovation Solution

A frequency selective imager using an array of pixels with nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junctions formed between nanowires of different compositions, which convert detected electromagnetic signals into electrical signals while maintaining wavelength information, allowing for single-photon detection with wavelength sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional optical imaging sensors are used, then imaging is possible, but wavelength selectivity is lost and frequency information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency informationVSAvoidwavelength selectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is divided into multiple pixel types, each sensitive to different wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows simultaneous detection of different frequency components without losing wavelength information, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining frequency information and achieving wavelength selectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sensor array are assigned different spectral sensitivities. Each local region (pixel type) is optimized for specific wavelength detection, enabling wavelength-selective imaging while preserving frequency information through spatially distributed measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If conventional sensors without wavelength selectivity are used, then device complexity is reduced, but substantial computation is required for color discrimination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structureVSAvoidcolor discrimination speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array performs preliminary spectral separation at the detection stage by using multiple pixel types with different wavelength sensitivities. This preliminary action captures frequency information directly during photon detection, eliminating the need for substantial post-processing computation to determine color or wavelength information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional imaging sensors are used, then sensitivity is reduced, but manufacturing is simpler

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidsensor fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple pixel types with different spectral sensitivities within the same sensor array, effectively using composite detection capabilities. This approach enhances detection sensitivity across multiple wavelength ranges simultaneously while maintaining compatibility with standard semiconductor manufacturing processes, balancing improved reliability with ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables wavelength-selective optical imaging, overcoming the limitations of conventional sensors by generating multi-spectral images with improved sensitivity and resolution without the need for complex color filters.

Implementation Method 1

A pixel includes at least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction that is formed between nanowires of different compositions. When at least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses at least one photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction(s) emits at least one electrical pulse having a voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the photon(s).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9800805B2Frequency selective imaging system

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective imager. In particular, the frequency selective imager includes an array of pixels arranged in a focal plane array. Each pixel includes at least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction that is formed between nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective imager is a frequency selective optical imager that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the frequency selective imager is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te).