Light Amount Measurement Device Using Independent Reference Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light intensity measurement devices face issues with sensitivity stability and increased optical system complexity due to temperature dependency and the need for complex configurations involving beam samplers and pendulum-like shutters, which limits adjustment accuracy and correctable contents, especially in high-sensitivity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A light amount measurement device with a rotatable light blocking unit and an independent reference light source that emits light during signal light interruptions, allowing for real-time correction of signal light intensity using a calculator unit to compare and adjust based on reference values, thereby reducing system complexity and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a beam sampler and pendulum-like swingable rotation shutter are used to diverge signal light for reference light, then sensitivity stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reference light function from the signal light path by using an independent reference light source instead of diverging signal light. This removes the beam sampler and pendulum-like shutter from the optical system, reducing complexity while maintaining sensitivity stability through separate reference light measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement function into two independent parts: signal light measurement and reference light measurement. By using separate light sources and separate measurement paths, the system achieves sensitivity stability without requiring complex light splitting and recombination mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a pendulum-like swingable rotation shutter is used to selectively block light, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pendulum-like swingable rotation shutter from the system by using an independent reference light source that is blocked by a simpler light blocking unit. This maintains measurement accuracy through synchronized blocking while eliminating the complex swingable mechanism and its operational difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pendulum-like swingable rotation shutter with a rotatable light blocking unit that can be more easily controlled and synchronized. This substitution maintains the light blocking function while improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If light intensity adjustment is performed by controlling distance between optical fiber end faces, then coupling is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light intensity adjustment function from the optical fiber coupling distance control by using an independent reference light source with adjustable intensity. This eliminates the need for precise optical fiber end face positioning while maintaining light intensity adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the method of light intensity control from mechanical positioning (optical fiber distance) to parameter adjustment (reference light source intensity). This allows for easier and more accurate light intensity adjustment without stringent manufacturing precision requirements.
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 enhances measurement accuracy by stabilizing sensitivity and linearity of photosensitive elements, reducing noise, and simplifying the optical system, allowing for precise light intensity adjustments and corrections without the need for complex beam samplers or pendulum-like shutters.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensitive element serving as a photodetector is used to measure the intensity of signal light received thereby
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring the intensity of incoming light is disclosed. This device includes a rotatable light blocking unit which interrupts incident signal light at short regular intervals. The device also includes a light source which emits certain light different from the signal light while the signal light is interrupted by the block unit, and a measurement unit for measuring intensity values of the signal light and the certain light. A correction unit is provided for correcting the measured signal light intensity based on the certain light intensity. A calculator unit calculates a correction value through comparison of the intensity of the certain light to a reference value. The correction unit uses this correction value to correct the signal light intensity.