HgCdTe Photodiode Infrared Sensor Ambient Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing infrared sensors used in manufacturing processes face challenges with low sensitivity and slow response speed, particularly at higher speeds, and require cooling to extreme temperatures, making them impractical for use in small spaces and increasing energy consumption and noise.

Innovation Solution

A thermal radiation detection system utilizing an array of mercury-cadmium-telluride (HgCdTe)-based or Indium Arsenide (InAs)-based photodiode infrared detectors, combined with an amplifier and temperature sensing circuit, operates effectively at ambient temperatures, improving signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for faster detection without the need for cooling, thus enhancing sensitivity and practicality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If quantum type infrared sensors are used to achieve high sensitivity and fast response speed, then measurement precision and speed are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase due to cooling requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidcooling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the cooling system from the sensor assembly, allowing the infrared sensor to operate at ambient temperatures without liquid nitrogen or complex cooling mechanisms, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining high sensitivity through selective wavelength detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational temperature parameter from cryogenic to ambient temperature, and uses wavelength-selective detection (3-5 microns or 8-14 microns) to maintain sensitivity without requiring cooling, fundamentally altering the operating conditions of the sensor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If quantum type infrared sensors are cooled to extreme temperatures to reduce noise, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the ambient thermal environment, which was previously a source of noise requiring cooling to eliminate, into a beneficial operating condition by using wavelength-selective detectors that can operate at ambient temperatures while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios through selective detection in the 3-5 micron or 8-14 micron ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If thermal type infrared sensors are used to operate at room temperature, then device simplicity is improved, but measurement precision and response speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidsensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the detector selectively responsive to specific infrared wavelength ranges (3-5 microns or 8-14 microns) rather than responding to all infrared wavelengths, enabling the sensor to operate at ambient temperature with high sensitivity by focusing detection energy on specific wavelength bands where the target emits thermal radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Measurement precision

If cooling components are added to quantum sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device size and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidsensor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the cooling system (liquid nitrogen dewars, Stirling coolers, or other cryogenic equipment) from the sensor assembly, allowing the infrared sensor to operate at ambient temperatures without these bulky components, thereby dramatically reducing the overall device size and space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 achieves high sensitivity and fast response speeds at ambient temperatures, overcoming the limitations of existing infrared sensors by improving signal-to-noise ratios and reducing energy consumption and noise, making it suitable for high-speed manufacturing processes without the need for cooling.

Implementation Method 1

quantum type infrared sensors that employ changes in conductivity, or in electromotive force, voltage, or current, that are generated by electrons excited by incident photons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4063809A1Systems and methods for thermal radiation detection

Publication Date: 2022.09.28 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

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AI summary

Systems and methods for thermal radiation detection utilizing a thermal radiation detection system are provided. The thermal radiation detection system includes one or more mercury-cadmium-telluride (HgCdTe)-based photodiode infrared detectors or Indium Arsenide (InAr)-based photodiode infrared detectors and a temperature sensing circuit. The temperature sensing circuit is configured to generate signals correlated to the temperatures of one or more of the plurality of infrared sensor elements. The thermal radiation detection system also includes a signal processing circuit.