Microfabricated Sensor Folded Optical Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microfabricated sensors, such as atomic clocks and magnetometers, face limitations due to the vertical integration of components, which restricts signal path length and increases sensor height, making them unsuitable for miniature or handheld applications.
Innovation Solution
A microfabricated sensor design featuring a sensor cell with a signal emitter and detector outside the cavity, utilizing a first and second reflector within the cell to extend the signal path length through the sensor cavity, allowing for a thinner cell body and reduced overall height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the cell body thickness is increased to extend the signal path length, then the signal interaction length is improved, but the total sensor height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical signal path configuration to a folded optical path using mirrors. The signal path is extended in the horizontal plane rather than increasing vertical thickness, allowing the signal to traverse a longer distance through the sensor fluid while maintaining a compact vertical profile. The mirrors fold the optical path back through the sensor cavity, achieving extended interaction length without increasing cell body thickness.
2Reliability
If the cell body thickness is increased to improve signal strength, then the signal from the sensor is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the simple vertical thickness of the cell body, the patent uses a folded optical path with mirrors positioned at strategic locations. This approach extends the signal path length through the sensor fluid without requiring a thicker cell body, thereby maintaining simpler manufacturing processes and assembly procedures while still achieving enhanced signal strength through increased interaction length.
3Ease of manufacture
If vertical integration of components is used to simplify assembly, then the assembly efficiency is improved, but the signal path length is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the vertically integrated component layout for assembly efficiency but extends the signal path length by folding the optical path horizontally using mirrors. The signal emitter and detector remain positioned on opposite sides of the optical cavity, but the signal path is redirected by mirrors to traverse a longer distance through the sensor fluid before reaching the detector, thus achieving both efficient assembly and extended signal path length.
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 enhances signal interaction length with the sensor fluid while minimizing the sensor's height, improving performance and enabling its use in smaller form factors.
Implementation Method 1
A first reflector and a second reflector are disposed in the sensor cell, separated by a cavity path segment through the sensor cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A microfabricated sensor includes a first reflector and a second reflector in a sensor cell, separated by a cavity path segment through a sensor cavity in the sensor cell. A signal window is part of the sensor cell. A signal emitter and a signal detector are disposed outside of the sensor cavity. The signal emitter is separated from the first reflector by an emitter path segment which extends through the signal window. The second reflector is separated from the second reflector by a detector path segment which extends through the signal window.