Simultaneous Ranging and Chemical Sensing via Modulated Laser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic methods for chemical sensing lack simultaneous range information, relying on advanced pulsed laser technologies like pulsed Raman LIDAR or differential absorption LIDAR, which have limited chemical sensitivity and require complex measurement technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a modulated laser source with varying sideband frequency for simultaneous optical pathlength determination and remote chemical sensing, enabling continuous wave spectroscopy to provide high chemical sensitivity and range information through frequency modulation and pathlength measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulsed laser technology with time-of-flight measurement is used for chemical sensing, then range information is provided, but chemical sensitivity is limited and measurement technology becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines continuous wave spectroscopy with time-of-flight ranging measurements by modulating the laser frequency and detecting the phase shift of the returned signal. This merges the chemical sensing capability (high sensitivity) with range information provision in a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate pulsed laser systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The modulated continuous wave laser system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides chemical identification through spectroscopy, determines range through time-of-flight measurement, and enables velocity detection through Doppler shift analysis. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for specialized pulsed laser systems.
2Measurement precision
If pulsed laser technology is used for simultaneous ranging and chemical sensing, then range information is obtained, but the system requires advanced and fast measurement technology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pulsed laser systems with continuous wave spectroscopy combined with frequency modulation. Instead of using fast pulsed lasers with time-of-flight measurement, the system uses modulated continuous waves and measures phase shift, which is achieved through standard spectroscopic techniques rather than advanced fast measurement technology.
3Measurement precision
If multiple instruments are used for ranging and chemical sensing, then both functions are performed, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ranging and chemical sensing into a single instrument by using a modulated continuous wave laser system that simultaneously performs spectroscopy and time-of-flight measurement. The same optical path and detector are used for both functions, eliminating the need for separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The single laser-based instrument performs multiple functions: chemical identification through absorption spectroscopy, range determination through phase-shift-based time-of-flight measurement, and velocity detection through Doppler shift analysis. This universal instrument replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized devices.
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
Enables simultaneous molecular sensing and ranging with high chemical sensitivity, improving system reliability by monitoring optical pathlength and reducing costs by allowing multipath chemical sensing with a single laser-based instrument, suitable for remote and open-path applications.
Implementation Method 1
a modulated laser source configured for modulated light emission so that at least one spectral sideband with a sideband frequency is created, the modulated laser source being configured to direct the modulated light emission along the optical path and vary the sideband frequency over time
Implementation Method 2
A detector is configured to detect transmitted light along the optical path and generate a detected light intensity signal
Implementation Method 3
A frequency down-converter is configured to receive the detected light emission signal and generate a frequency down-converted light intensity signal
Implementation Method 4
A demodulator is configured to demodulate the frequency of the down-converted light intensity signal and output an instantaneous frequency
Implementation Method 5
A pathlength calculator is configured to determine an optical pathlength to the sample based on the instantaneous frequency
Implementation Method 6
Absorption spectroscopy is generally used to make a quantitative determination of chemical elements using the absorption of optical radiation
Implementation Method 7
Optical dispersion spectroscopy generally measures the properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and is typically used in spectroscopic analysis to identify materials
Data Source
AI summary
A system for simultaneous optical pathlength determination and remote chemical sensing of a sample disposed along an optical path. A modulated laser source configured for modulated light emission so that at least one spectral sideband with a sideband frequency is created, the modulated light emission is directed along the optical path and sideband frequency is varied over time. A detector is configured to detect transmitted light along the optical path and generate a detected light intensity signal. A frequency down-converter is configured to receive the detected light emission signal and generate a frequency down-converted light intensity signal. A demodulator is configured to demodulate the frequency of the down-converted light intensity signal and output an instantaneous frequency. A pathlength calculator is configured to determine an optical pathlength to the sample based on the instantaneous frequency. A frequency down-converted light intensity signal is simultaneously output for spectroscopic chemical sensing.