Light Detection Using Wavelength-Selective Blocking Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arrangements for detecting different wavelengths of light, such as ambient and infrared light, are often complex, expensive, and not suitable for miniaturized applications, as they struggle to effectively separate and measure light with varying angles of incidence without using expensive or complex dispersive elements.
Innovation Solution
The proposed arrangement uses distinct detector areas with different refractive index layers and blocking areas to selectively allow or inhibit light propagation based on wavelength and angle of incidence, allowing simultaneous detection of first and second light with different wavelength ranges without spatial overlap, using materials like glass, gas, or lithium fluoride, and structured blocking areas to manage light propagation effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive or complex dispersive elements are used to separate first and second light, then light separation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength separation function from complex dispersive elements and implements it through simple blocking areas with specific optical properties. The blocking areas are designed to selectively block certain wavelength ranges, achieving light separation without requiring expensive dispersive components like prisms or gratings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive dispersive elements with inexpensive blocking areas that can be integrated directly into the detector structure. These blocking areas are simple optical filters that can be manufactured cost-effectively, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining light separation capability.
2Measurement precision
If complex setup is used to detect light at specific angles, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the angle-dependent detection function with the wavelength separation function into a single integrated structure. The blocking areas are positioned and oriented to simultaneously achieve both angular selectivity and wavelength separation, eliminating the need for separate complex optical components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking areas are designed to perform multiple functions: they block specific wavelength ranges, control the detection of light at specific angles, and can be integrated with the detector substrate. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process.
3Measurement precision
If traditional arrangements are used for miniaturized applications, then detection capability is maintained, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking areas are nested directly within or on the detector substrate, integrating the wavelength separation and angular detection functions into the detector's own structure. This nested configuration eliminates the need for separate external optical components, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking areas can be implemented as thin film structures or coatings on the detector substrate, allowing the wavelength separation function to be integrated with minimal thickness. This thin-film approach maintains detection capability while keeping the device size compact, making it suitable for miniaturized applications.
4Measurement precision
If multiple highly specific components are used, then detection precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking areas are designed with specific optical properties tailored to their local function of blocking particular wavelength ranges. By assigning different blocking characteristics to different areas of the detector, the patent achieves wavelength-specific detection precision without requiring multiple highly specific components throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves detection precision by varying the optical parameters (blocking characteristics) of different areas rather than using multiple different components. The blocking areas can be designed with different transmission characteristics for different wavelength ranges, achieving precision through parameter variation rather than component diversity, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
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 enables compact, cost-effective, and straightforward detection of multiple light sources with different angles of incidence, allowing for simultaneous measurement of ambient light and infrared light, enhancing the capability to distinguish between light sources with varying wavelengths and angles of incidence.
Implementation Method 1
Said first layer is forming a joint interface with said second layer, said joint interface being referred to as reflection interface
Implementation Method 2
Optical properties of said first and second layer are different from each other in at least its refractive index
Implementation Method 3
Said first blocking area is structured for substantially inhibiting a propagation of light of any wavelength λ1... Said second blocking area is structured for substantially inhibiting a propagation of light of any wavelength λ2
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an arrangement for detecting first light (L1) and second light (L2), with the first light (L1) and second light (L2) having no wavelength in common. The arrangement includes a first effective detector area (D1) and a second effective detector area (D2). The first effective detector area (D1) is exposed to the first light (L1) and/or second light (L2) different from the first light (L1) and/or second light (L2) to which the second effective detector area (D2) is exposed when the arrangement is exposed to spatially uniformly distributed first light (L1) and second light (L2). The difference between the first light (L1) and/or second light (L2) to which said first detector area (D1) and second detector area (D2) are exposed to can be a difference in intensity and/or difference in an angle of incidence relative to the arrangement.