Integrated Spectrometer Single Detector Wavelength Demultiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrometers face challenges in miniaturization and power consumption, especially in the short-wave and mid-infrared range, due to the need for large detector arrays and cooling systems, which increase complexity and power consumption, making them less suitable for portable and implantable applications.
Innovation Solution
An integrated spectrometer system using a single or limited number of pixel detectors, combined with in-plane wavelength demultiplexing and modulating elements, allows for compact and efficient multi-wavelength analysis without the need for large detector arrays, reducing power consumption and cooling requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large detector arrays are used for infrared spectrometry, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectral detection task is segmented into multiple wavelength-specific detection channels, each handled by a dedicated detector element. This allows the system to process different wavelength ranges separately, improving overall spectral resolution while maintaining manageable detector complexity through functional segmentation of the detection task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (detector arrays detecting different wavelengths simultaneously at different spatial positions) to spectral-temporal multiplexing where a single detector element sequentially detects different wavelength components through time-multiplexed optical switching, effectively adding the time dimension to the detection process
2Measurement precision
If detector arrays are cooled to ensure good performance in infrared range, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling is applied locally only to the specific detector elements that require it for infrared operation, rather than cooling the entire spectrometer system. This localized cooling approach minimizes the thermal mass that needs to be maintained at low temperature, thereby reducing overall power consumption while still achieving the necessary detection performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes detector operating parameters including temperature control to achieve the minimum necessary cooling for infrared detection. By carefully controlling the temperature parameter and using thermal management techniques, the system achieves adequate detection performance with reduced cooling power requirements
3Reliability
If detector arrays are cooled to ensure good performance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is extracted and isolated as a separate, modular subsystem that can be independently optimized and maintained. This allows the cooling function to be implemented with minimal integration into the main spectrometer architecture, reducing overall device complexity while still providing the necessary temperature control for reliable detector operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to be self-regulating where possible, using passive thermal management features and automatic temperature control mechanisms that require minimal external intervention. This self-service approach improves reliability by reducing the number of active control elements that could fail, while simultaneously reducing operational complexity
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 configuration enables accurate, compact, and energy-efficient spectrometers suitable for portable and implantable devices, capable of detecting substances like glucose and urea with reduced noise susceptibility and power consumption, facilitating widespread use in healthcare and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength demultiplexing element arranged for capturing said multi-wavelength radiation after interaction with the sample and for providing a number of wavelength demultiplexed radiation outputs
Implementation Method 2
a modulator for modulating the different demultiplexed radiation outputs or the different grouped demultiplexed radiation outputs
Implementation Method 3
the output being multiplexed to a detector
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated waveguide based spectrometer (100) is described. The spectrometer comprises a sensing region for receiving multi-wavelength radiation for irradiating a sample in the sensing region, a wavelength demultiplexing element (110) arranged for capturing said multi-wavelength radiation after interaction with the sample and for providing a number of wavelength demultiplexed radiation outputs or a number of different groups of wavelength demultiplexed radiation outputs, an integrated modulator for differently modulating the different demultiplexed radiation outputs or different groups of demultiplexed radiation outputs, and a multiplexer element (120) for multiplexing the differently modulated demultiplexed radiation outputs or the differently grouped demultiplexed radiation outputs.