Integrated Optical Sensor Unit for Compact Electrical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensor arrangements are complex and cumbersome, often requiring multiple components and complicated constructions to measure various electrical and physical variables effectively.
Innovation Solution
A highly integrated sensor unit with multiple optical sensors, including current, voltage, expansion, and wavelength sensors, are integrated onto a single substrate using ion diffusion and lithographic processes, allowing for compact and reliable measurement of electric variables by influencing optical signals within integrated measurement waveguides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple optical sensors are integrated on a single substrate, then device complexity is reduced and compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical sensors (current sensor, voltage sensor, expansion sensor, wavelength sensor) are merged into a single sensor unit with a common substrate, reducing overall device complexity and improving compactness while maintaining individual sensor functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves as a universal platform that supports multiple different types of optical sensors simultaneously, allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement functions (current, voltage, expansion, wavelength) without requiring separate sensor assemblies
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sensors are integrated on a single substrate, then space utilization is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are combined into a single integrated unit, significantly reducing the total area occupied by separate sensor assemblies and improving space utilization in the measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is segmented into distinct functional regions on the substrate, with each region dedicated to a specific sensor type, allowing for modular manufacturing processes and simplified assembly while maintaining compact integration
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 a compact, reliable, and accurate measurement of electric variables such as current and voltage, while reducing manufacturing complexity by integrating multiple sensors on a single substrate, ensuring precise and effective monitoring of electrical and physical parameters.
Implementation Method 1
an optical current sensor based on the Faraday effect for measuring an electric current in a current-carrying conductor
Implementation Method 2
an optical voltage sensor based on the Pockels effect for measuring an electric voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit has a sensor element which has a substrate and a plurality of optical components, which are integrated into the substrate, and form a plurality of integrated optical sensors. The optical sensors are an optical current sensor based on the Faraday effect, an optical voltage sensor based on the Pockels effect, an optical strain sensor and/or a wavelength sensor. Response signals from the individual sensors are evaluated in an evaluation unit, wherein the response signals from the expansion sensor and/or from the wavelength sensor are preferably used for evaluating the response signals from the other sensors.