Infrared Scene Generator Using Surface Plasmon Polaritons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infrared scene generators have limitations in effectively simulating real-world infrared scenes for testing and development of infrared imaging devices, including limitations in dynamic range, grayscale resolution, and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

An infrared scene generator using a beam of infrared radiation modulated by surface plasmon polaritons on an array of electrically conductive elements, with adjustable distances between the elements and a prism, to produce a two-dimensional intensity distribution that replicates the original scene, enabling high dynamic range and efficient energy use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional infrared scene generators use resistive arrays, LED, laser arrays, or DMD-based spatial light modulators, then they can generate infrared scenes, but they suffer from limited dynamic range, grayscale resolution, and high power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic rangeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional resistive heating, LED, laser, or DMD-based spatial light modulation mechanisms with a surface plasmon polariton (SPP) based optical modulation system. The SPP excitation through prism-coupled conductive elements provides direct optical field control without mechanical moving parts or high-power electrical heating, achieving superior dynamic range and grayscale resolution while dramatically reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from electrical resistance heating or discrete pixel switching to continuous optical phase and amplitude modulation via SPP excitation. By controlling the excitation conditions of surface plasmon polaritons through adjustable distance between prisms and conductive elements, the system achieves fine-grained grayscale control and extended dynamic range without the power consumption penalties of conventional approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional infrared scene generators are used, then they can produce infrared scenes, but they lack sufficient isolation between pixels and have limited frame rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepixel isolationVSAvoidframe rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical modulation function into independently controllable prism-conductive element pairs, where each pair corresponds to a pixel location. This segmentation enables precise spatial isolation between pixels through the localized nature of SPP excitation, while the independent controllability of each element allows for high-speed individual pixel modulation, thereby achieving both superior pixel isolation and high frame rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs rapid periodic modulation of the SPP excitation state for each pixel element, enabling high frame rate operation. By switching the SPP excitation on and off or varying its amplitude at high frequencies, the system can refresh infrared scene images at rates limited only by the electrical control bandwidth, far exceeding conventional thermal or mechanical modulation approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional scene generators are used, then they can generate infrared scenes, but they cannot effectively simulate high apparent temperature scenes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescene simulation capabilityVSAvoidapparent temperature range

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces surface plasmon polaritons as an intermediary mechanism between the infrared emitter and the target scene. The SPPs act as a mediator that can be precisely controlled to modulate the infrared beam intensity, enabling the simulation of high apparent temperature scenes without requiring physically hot emitters. The SPP excitation provides a linear control mechanism that maps directly to scene intensity requirements, achieving versatile scene simulation across a wide apparent temperature range

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides superior isolation between pixels, higher frame rates, and lower power consumption, with the ability to simulate a wide range of infrared scenes, including those with high apparent temperatures, while maintaining high spatial resolution.

Implementation Method 1

The optical device modulates an intensity of the beam by selectively exciting dissipative surface plasmon polaritons on the electrically conductive elements and reflects a modulated beam therefrom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface plasmon polaritons:

Data Source

PatentUS10788360B2Scene generation using surface plasmon polaritons

Publication Date: 2020.09.29 TRUVENTIC LLC

AI summary

An infrared scene generator can generate a second infrared scene representative of a first infrared scene by emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation onto a plurality of prism-coupled electrically conductive elements that modulate a portion of the beam incident thereon with surface plasmon polaritons based on parameters of the first infrared scene to yield a modulated beam that produces the second infrared scene.