Graphene MEMS Voltage Sensor via Optical Interferometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring electrical voltage are hazardous due to the use of active electronic components and require complex wiring systems, especially in applications like fuel cells where safety and scalability are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A microelectromechanical device using a semitransparent graphene layer with varying refractive index, measured by optical interferometry, which allows for safe and scalable voltage measurement without electrical power at the measurement point, utilizing Al2O3 films for electrical isolation and an optical device to detect voltage variations through interferometry patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic components are used for voltage measurement, then measurement functionality is achieved, but fire hazard and safety risks increase due to electrical power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic voltage measurement components with an optical measurement system. An optical interferometer measures voltage-induced refractive index changes in a graphene layer, eliminating the need for electrical power at the measurement point and thus removing fire hazards associated with electronic components in hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical interferometer as an intermediary measurement device. Instead of directly measuring voltage with electronic sensors that consume power, the system uses optical light to detect refractive index changes caused by voltage, serving as a safe intermediary that transfers measurement capability without electrical power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical lines are used for voltage measurement at multiple points, then measurement coverage is improved, but wiring complexity and system disorder increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical wiring systems with optical fiber-based measurement. Instead of requiring separate electrical lines for each measurement point, the system uses optical fibers to transmit measurement data, significantly simplifying the wiring architecture while maintaining multi-point measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical interferometer system provides universal measurement capability that can be applied at multiple points through a single optical fiber infrastructure. This multi-functional approach allows voltage measurement at various locations without requiring dedicated electrical wiring for each point, reducing overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If active electronic components are used for voltage measurement, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but risk of sparks and short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes active electronic measurement components with passive optical measurement. The optical interferometer detects voltage through refractive index changes in graphene without requiring electrical power or active electronic components at the measurement point, thereby eliminating sparks and short circuit risks while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical light as an intermediary to detect voltage-induced refractive index changes in the graphene layer. This optical intermediary enables accurate voltage measurement without direct electrical contact or power consumption at the measurement point, removing the harmful effects of sparks and short circuits associated with electronic components.
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 solution minimizes the risk of fires and short circuits, simplifies wiring, and provides accurate, scalable, and cost-effective voltage measurement, especially in hazardous environments like hydrogen fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
The semitransparent material element is configured to receive electrical voltage from the voltage source, causing a variation Δn(V) in the refractive index n of the semitransparent material element proportional to the electrical voltage
Implementation Method 2
The electrical voltage values are obtained by analyzing interferometry patterns of optical signals affected by the variation Δn(V) in the refractive index n of the semitransparent material element
Implementation Method 3
Al2O3 films are established between each electrode and the graphene layer, maintaining electrical isolation between the two electrodes as Al2O3 has high resistivity, serving as an insulator
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical voltage measurement device, comprising at least one microelectromechanical device comprising a semitransparent material element with a variable refractive index n according to an electrical voltage applied to the element, a first electrode connectable to an anode of an electrical voltage source and electrically connected to a first point of the semitransparent material element, a second electrode connectable to a cathode of the electrical voltage source and electrically connected to a second point of the semitransparent material element, wherein the semitransparent material element is configured to receive an electrical voltage from the electrical voltage source through the first electrode and/or the second electrode, causing a variation Δn(V) in the refractive index n proportionally to the electrical voltage; and an optical device.