Linear Sensor Array for Time-Resolved Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional charge-coupled devices (CCDs) used for time-resolved spectroscopy suffer from poor signal-to-noise characteristics and limited time resolution, making them unsuitable for certain applications, particularly in contexts requiring rapid cycling and accurate elemental composition analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a one-dimensional array of charge-transfer device light-sensitive pixels, where charges are non-destructively copied to storage cells within an integrated circuit, allowing for periodic data transfer and independent clearing of pixel cells, enabling improved signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range through random access and non-destructive readout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional two-dimensional CCDs are used to capture time-resolved spectral data, then spectral data can be acquired, but the time resolution is limited and signal-to-noise characteristics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detection function into separate components: a one-dimensional linear sensor array for spectral detection and multiple storage cells for temporal data separation. This segmentation allows independent optimization of spectral resolution and time resolution, overcoming the limitations of two-dimensional CCDs where both functions are coupled in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional spatial detection (CCD pixels arranged in rows and columns) to a one-dimensional spatial array combined with a temporal dimension achieved through multiple storage cells. This dimensional reorganization separates spectral information (spatial domain) from temporal information (time domain), enabling high time resolution without compromising signal-to-noise ratio.
2Productivity
If charges are moved through all pixels in a column for readout in conventional CCDs, then data can be read out, but rapid cycling is prevented and signal-to-noise characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the readout path by providing separate storage cells for each pixel, eliminating the need to move charges through entire columns. Each pixel's charges can be independently transferred to its dedicated storage cell and read out simultaneously, enabling rapid cycling without the sequential transfer bottleneck of conventional CCDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements non-destructive copying of charge signals to storage cells, allowing the original charge information to be preserved while creating a duplicate for readout. This copying mechanism enables multiple read operations without re-acquiring the signal, improving both rapid cycling capability and signal-to-noise ratio by avoiding repeated charge transfers.
3Measurement precision
If all but one row of pixels are masked in conventional CCDs, then time-resolved data can be captured, but the signal-to-noise characteristics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the contradiction by moving temporal resolution from the spatial domain (masking rows) to a separate temporal domain using multiple storage cells. The one-dimensional linear sensor array captures the full spectrum without masking, while time-resolved information is obtained by transferring charges to different storage cells at different time intervals, preserving both signal-to-noise ratio and time resolution capability.
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 approach enhances the signal-to-noise ratio and facilitates rapid data acquisition, enabling more accurate time-resolved spectroscopy and elemental analysis by allowing charges to accumulate and be read without moving them, thus improving the utility in applications like metal recycling and forensic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
illuminating a one-dimensional array of charge-transfer device light-sensitive pixel cells with the spectrum, such that each light-sensitive cell is illuminated by a different portion of the spectrum, thereby creating electric charges in one set of the light-sensitive cells
Data Source
AI summary
Time-resolved analysis of a spectrum is performed by illuminating a one-dimensional array of charge-transfer device light-sensitive pixel cells and periodically non-destructively copying charges in the light-sensitive cells to respective storage cells (“row storage registers”) co-located with the light-sensitive cells in an integrated circuit. Information about the charges stored in at least some of the storage cells is provided to a component external to the integrated circuit.