Frequency Selective Sensor Using Nanowires for Missile Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensor systems for missile detection, such as telescopes and forward-looking infrared sensors, have limited fields of view and require multiple operators and complex maintenance due to their movable parts, leading to reduced response times and increased resource requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising a light collector and nanowires that generate electrical signals based on photon frequency, allowing for the detection of missiles without the need for optical filtering or moving parts, enabling a broader field of view and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If telescopes with limited field of view are used for missile detection, then detection precision is improved, but response time is reduced and the number of operators required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system divides the detection task into multiple frequency channels, with each wire detecting specific frequency ranges. This segmentation allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple directions and frequencies without requiring multiple operators to manually scan different telescope views, thus improving response time while maintaining detection precision through frequency-selective sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical telescope system with movable lenses and human operators with a stationary sensor system using frequency-selective wires. The wires detect missile launches through frequency analysis of light signals, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning and manual operation, thereby reducing response time and operator requirements while maintaining detection capability.
2Reliability
If forward looking infrared sensors with complex components are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from complex infrared sensor systems. Instead of using full FLIR sensors with cryogenic cooling, filters, and detector arrays, the system uses simple wires that generate electrical signals in response to absorbed photons. This extraction of the core detection capability eliminates complex components while maintaining detection reliability through frequency-selective sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system replaces expensive, complex infrared sensors with inexpensive wires that can be easily replaced. The wires serve as disposable or easily replaceable detection elements, eliminating the need for maintenance of complex optical components, cryogenic systems, and detector arrays while maintaining effective missile detection capability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple telescopes are deployed to increase field of view coverage, then coverage area is improved, but the number of operators and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system provides multi-functional capability through frequency-selective wires that can detect missile launches across different frequency ranges simultaneously. A single stationary sensor system performs the function of multiple telescopes by analyzing different frequency components of light, eliminating the need for multiple operators to manage separate telescope systems while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
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 system effectively detects missiles at lower light levels and provides enhanced signal-to-background ratios by utilizing solar dark spectral regions, enabling more efficient and responsive detection with fewer resources.
Implementation Method 1
The wire is in the location and is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a number of photons of the light absorbed by the wire. The electrical signal generated by the wire includes information about a frequency of the number of photons.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for processing light. An apparatus comprises a light collector and a wire. The light collector is configured to receive light and direct the light to a location. The wire is in the location and is configured to generate an electrical signal in response to a number of photons of the light absorbed by the wire. The electrical signal generated by the wire includes information about a frequency of the number of photons.