Electronic Image Converter Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light detection devices, optimized for high sensitivity, are heavily influenced by temperature and other environmental factors, making them unsuitable for use outside laboratory conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a second electronic image converter, thermally coupled to the first but shielded from light, allows for compensation of temperature-sensitive components in the output signal, while commercially available image converters with a large number of light-sensitive cells improve the signal/noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the device is optimized for high sensitivity to light, then the sensitivity is improved, but the sensitivity to temperature changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the first electronic image converter (second converter with same structure and characteristics) that is shielded from light but exposed to the same temperature conditions. This copy serves as a reference to measure and compensate for temperature-induced signal changes, allowing the system to distinguish between temperature effects and actual light signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electronic image converter acts as an intermediary that measures temperature effects separately. By comparing the output signals from both converters, the system can calculate and remove the temperature-sensitive component from the measurement, effectively using the second converter as a mediator to eliminate the harmful temperature influence.
2Measurement precision
If a photon multiplier tube is used, then light detection capability is improved, but the device becomes expensive, heavy and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive, fragile photon multiplier tube with solid-state electronic image converters (CCD or CMOS) that are commercially available, robust, and suitable for field use. While individual pixels may have shorter lifetimes, the overall system becomes more durable and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/photon-multiplying system with an electronic solid-state system. Electronic image converters use electronic charge storage and readout mechanisms rather than dynamic electron multiplication, resulting in a more stable, compact, and field-worthy device.
3Measurement precision
If the device is optimized for laboratory conditions, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device becomes unsuitable for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces temperature as a measurable parameter through the second converter and actively compensates for its effects. By monitoring and correcting for temperature variations, the system maintains measurement accuracy across varying environmental conditions, enabling field deployment while preserving laboratory-grade precision.
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 light detection devices to maintain high sensitivity while being insensitive to temperature and other environmental variables, allowing for practical use outside laboratories and improving measurement accuracy for small light quantities.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic image converter embodied in semiconductor technology for detecting the photons representing the small quantities of light
Implementation Method 2
a second electronic image converter which is the same as the first electronic image converter and which is shielded from light, and wherein the processing circuit is also connected to the second electronic image converter and is adapted to compensate the readout signal of the first electronic image converter with the readout signal of the second electronic image converter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting small quantities of light, comprising an electronic image converter embodied in semiconductor technology for detecting the photons representing the small quantities of light and an electronic circuit connected to the electronic image converter for reading the electronic image converter and for generating a signal representing the number of photons received by the electronic image converter, wherein the electronic image converter comprises at least 100,000 light-sensitive cells and the electronic circuit is adapted to add together the signals coming from light-sensitive cells placed on the electronic image converter.