Light Detector Photoelectron Manipulator Gain Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High gain light detectors, such as hybrid photon detectors, face damage and gain instability due to long durations of high anode currents caused by strong light beams during wafer scanning applications, which are difficult to predict and measure.
Innovation Solution
A light detector system comprising a photon to electron converter, a photoelectron detection circuit, a chamber, a bias circuit, and a photoelectron manipulator that operates in various modes to control the flow of photoelectrons, using a controller to adjust operational modes based on feedback to prevent damage from high light intensities, including blocking or deflecting photoelectrons to prevent excessive current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high gain operation is used to detect weak signals, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to damage from strong light beams
Solution Approach 1:
The light detector dynamically switches between high gain mode for detecting weak signals and low gain mode for handling strong light beams. The gain is adjusted based on the intensity of the incident light, allowing the sensor to adapt its sensitivity to match the signal conditions, thereby preventing damage from strong beams while maintaining detection capability for weak signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameter (gain) of the light detector is changed based on the intensity of the incident light. When strong light beams are detected, the gain is reduced to prevent sensor damage and heating. When weak signals are present, the gain is increased to enhance detection sensitivity. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between sensitivity and durability.
2Power
If high anode currents are generated by strong light beams, then light detection capability is improved, but sensor heating and gain instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting the intensity of incident light beams and preemptively adjusting the gain before excessive heating can occur. When strong light beams are detected, the gain is reduced in advance to prevent the generation of excessive anode currents that would cause sensor heating and gain instability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light detector employs feedback control where the output signal or a portion of it is fed back to the control circuit. The control circuit monitors the signal intensity and adjusts the gain accordingly. When strong light beams cause high anode currents, the feedback mechanism reduces the gain to prevent sensor heating and maintain stable operation.
3Measurement precision
If gain is increased to detect single photons, then measurement precision is improved, but gain becomes difficult to control under strong light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses feedback from the output signal to automatically adjust the gain. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual gain control and prevents gain instability. The system automatically maintains appropriate gain levels by monitoring the output and adjusting accordingly, making the system easier to operate while maintaining high precision for weak signal detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The light detector performs self-adjustment of its gain through the feedback mechanism. The control circuit automatically regulates the gain based on the detected light intensity without external intervention. This self-service capability simplifies operation while maintaining precise control over the detection sensitivity across varying light conditions.
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 system effectively manages high light intensities by controlling photoelectron flow, preventing damage and maintaining gain stability, allowing for reliable detection of weak signals without overheating or gain instability.
Implementation Method 1
a photon to electron converter that is configured to convert a photon that impinges on the photon to electron converter to one or more photoelectrons
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a light detector that includes (i) a photon to electron converter a photon to one or more photoelectrons; (ii) a photoelectron detection circuit that includes a photoelectron sensing region; (iii) a chamber; (iv) a bias circuit that is configured to supply to the light detector one or more biasing signals for accelerating a propagation of the one or more photoelectrons within the chamber and towards the photoelectron sensing region; (iv) a photoelectron manipulator that is configured to operate in a selected operational mode out of multiple operational modes that differ by their level of blocking, (v) a controller that is configured to control the photoelectron manipulator based on a feedback about the at least one of (a) the photon, (b) the one or more photoelectrons, (c) a previous photon and, (d) previous one or more photoelectrons.