Infrared Sensor Quantum Dot Light Absorption Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infrared sensors with quantum dots micro-processed into an island shape face complications in manufacturing, increased costs, and sensitivity variations due to the complexity of micro-processing and growing degree of quantum dots.

Innovation Solution

The development of an infrared sensor with a light absorption layer comprising spherical quantum dots formed using a liquid-phase synthesis method, eliminating the need for micro-processing and optimizing the structure for improved sensitivity and reduced variation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If quantum dots are micro-processed into an island shape, then the infrared sensor can be manufactured using conventional methods, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidmicro-processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical micro-processing methods with a chemical solution approach. Quantum dots are formed through chemical synthesis and self-assembly processes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical micro-processing equipment and steps. This substitution fundamentally changes the manufacturing paradigm from mechanical to chemical/biological methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the formation parameters of quantum dots from top-down mechanical processing to bottom-up chemical synthesis. By controlling chemical composition, temperature, and reaction conditions during quantum dot formation, the process achieves simpler manufacturing without requiring precise mechanical micro-processing parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If quantum dots are micro-processed into an island shape, then the sensor structure can be formed, but sensitivity decreases and variation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity consistencyVSAvoidquantum dot growing degree control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls quantum dot properties by adjusting chemical synthesis parameters such as temperature, concentration, and reaction time. This approach provides more precise control over quantum dot size, shape, and composition compared to mechanical micro-processing, leading to reduced sensitivity variation and improved reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms during quantum dot formation and assembly processes. By monitoring and adjusting synthesis conditions in real-time, the process maintains consistent quantum dot quality and performance characteristics, reducing sensitivity variation across batches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If quantum dots are micro-processed into an island shape, then the light absorption layer can be formed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidmicro-processing adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical micro-processing equipment and techniques with more cost-effective chemical synthesis and self-assembly methods. This substitution reduces capital equipment costs, operational expenses, and the need for highly specialized manufacturing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs quantum dots formed through chemical synthesis that can be produced in large quantities at lower cost. The approach treats quantum dot formation as a consumable material process rather than a precision mechanical operation, reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 use of spherical quantum dots in the infrared sensor enhances sensitivity and reduces sensitivity variations, while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs compared to traditional micro-processing techniques.

Implementation Method 1

the quantum dots are micro-processed into an island shape. The quantum dots are formed of InAs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum confinement:

Implementation Method 2

a light absorption layer that absorbs an infrared ray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a step of forming a quantum dot by a liquid-phase synthesis method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid-phase synthesis:

Data Source

PatentUS20250185386A1Infrared sensor and manufacturing method for the same

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 TOPPAN INC

AI summary

An infrared sensor is provided, which includes a light absorption layer that absorbs an infrared ray. The light absorption layer includes quantum dots. The quantum dots include at least one kind of PbS, PbSe, CdHgTe, Ag2S, Ag2Se, Ag2Te, AgInSe2, AgInTe2, CuInSe2, CuInTe2, and InAs. Moreover, the light absorption layer includes a quantum dot layer divided into at least two regions, including the quantum dots and having mutually different absorption edge wavelengths, out of a wavelength region from a near-infrared region to a far-infrared region.