Infrared Optical Detector Layout for Reduced Pixel Cross-Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detectors in the infrared spectral range face challenges with light loss and back reflections, which affect measurement accuracy, particularly in multi-pixel applications where cross-detection between sensor areas is a concern.
Innovation Solution
An optical detector design featuring an absorptive layer with infrared absorbing pigments on a printed circuit board, which absorbs incident light and minimizes back reflections, allowing for accurate signal assignment to individual sensor areas, thereby reducing cross-detection and enhancing measurement reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a reflective gold coating is placed on the backside of the substrate layer to reduce light loss, then light absorption by sensor areas is improved, but back-reflected light beams reach different sensor areas causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful back-reflected light into a beneficial effect by using an absorptive layer that prevents unwanted reflections while allowing the desired light absorption function to work effectively. The absorptive layer absorbs the back-reflected light beams before they can reach other sensor areas, thereby eliminating measurement errors while maintaining high light absorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an absorptive layer as an intermediary element between the reflective coating and the sensor areas. This absorptive layer acts as a mediator that absorbs back-reflected light beams, preventing them from reaching other sensor areas and causing measurement errors, while allowing the reflective coating to continue functioning for light absorption.
2Measurement precision
If sensor areas are separated by gaps to reduce cross-detection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but incident light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of light loss in gap regions into a beneficial effect by placing an absorptive layer in these regions. The absorptive layer absorbs the light that would otherwise be lost in the gap regions, converting this potential loss into useful light absorption that can be directed to the appropriate sensor areas.
3Reliability
If a reflective coating is used to increase light absorption, then detection sensitivity is improved, but cross-detection between adjacent sensor areas occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an absorptive layer as an intermediary element between the reflective coating and the sensor areas. This absorptive layer acts as a mediator that absorbs back-reflected light beams, preventing them from reaching other sensor areas and causing cross-detection, while allowing the reflective coating to continue functioning for light absorption.
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 absorptive layer effectively absorbs a significant portion of incident light, reducing back reflections and improving measurement accuracy by ensuring that light is correctly assigned to the intended sensor area, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of infrared spectral range detection.
Implementation Method 1
the absorptive layer is designed to at least partially absorb the incident light beam
Implementation Method 2
each of the sensor areas is designed to generate at least one sensor signal in a manner dependent on an illumination of the sensor area
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a detector for detecting optical radiation, especially within the infrared spectral range, specifically with regard to sensing at least one of transmissivity, absorption, emission and reflectivity, being capable of avoiding or diminishing a cross detection between sensor areas, specifically between adjacent sensor areas, thus, avoiding or diminishing a deterioration of a measurement based on the at least one sensor signal.