Integrated Radiation Sensor UV Spectral Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing UV radiation sensors are limited in their ability to accurately discern between different wavelengths of UV radiation, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate radiation dosage measurements across various ranges, particularly in applications requiring precise spectral analysis.

Innovation Solution

An integrated radiation sensor is developed, comprising multiple optical filters and radiation-sensing elements configured to pass specific wavelength ranges (UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, and potentially UV-V) to enable spectral measurements and efficient data processing, utilizing band-pass, Gaussian, or interference filters, and UV-enhanced photodiodes fabricated in a CMOS process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single radiation sensor is used to detect UV radiation, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision for different wavelength ranges is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength discrimination accuracyVSAvoidsensor structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UV spectrum is segmented into distinct wavelength ranges (UV-A, UV-B, UV-C) with each radiation-sensing element and its associated optical filter configured to detect a specific segment. This segmentation enables precise wavelength discrimination by assigning dedicated detection capabilities to each spectral region, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated radiation sensor achieves multi-functionality by incorporating multiple radiation-sensing elements that can simultaneously detect different wavelength ranges. Each sensing element is paired with an optical filter to provide specialized detection capabilities, allowing a single device to perform multiple measurement functions across the UV spectrum without requiring separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If existing sensors are used without wavelength-specific filtering, then the device complexity is low, but the radiation dosage measurement accuracy is inconsistent across wavelength ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation dosage accuracyVSAvoidoptical filter integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each radiation-sensing element is equipped with a dedicated optical filter that provides localized wavelength selection tailored to that specific sensing element's characteristics. This local quality approach ensures that each sensor element measures only its designated wavelength range with high accuracy, eliminating cross-contamination from other wavelengths and achieving consistent radiation dosage measurements across all UV ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If spectral measurements across UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C ranges are required, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple filters and sensing elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral coverage rangeVSAvoidnumber of optical filters and sensing elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple radiation-sensing elements with different spectral responses are merged into a single integrated sensor device, each element being paired with its corresponding optical filter. This merging allows the device to simultaneously measure across UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C ranges with a unified structure, achieving broad spectral coverage while maintaining compact integration rather than requiring separate measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution allows for more accurate UV-Index calculations and spectral reconstruction of UV radiation, providing consistent and precise measurements across the UV spectrum, enhancing the accuracy of radiation dosage assessments.

Implementation Method 1

the first optical filter is configured to pass radiation to the first radiation-sensing element with wavelengths within a UV-C range; and wherein the second optical filter is configured to pass radiation to the second radiation-sensing element with wavelengths longer than wavelengths within the UV-C range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

radiation-sensing elements configured to pass specific wavelength ranges (UV-C, UV-B, UV-A, and potentially UV-V) to enable spectral measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11835381B2Integrated radiation sensor
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 AMS SENSORS GERMANY GMBH
  • US11835381B2 patent drawing
  • US11835381B2 patent drawing
  • US11835381B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated radiation sensor is disclosed. The integrated radiation sensor comprises a first optical filter associated with a first radiation-sensing element and a second optical filter associated with a second radiation-sensing element. The first optical filter is configured to pass radiation to the first radiation-sensing element with wavelengths within a UV-C range. The second optical filter is configured to pass radiation to the second radiation-sensing element with wavelengths longer than wavelengths within the UV-C range. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the integrated radiation sensor and methods of use of the integrated radiation sensor.