Movable Mount Infrared Radiation Source for High Modulation Frequency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for generating pulsed radiation in the infrared spectral range are either expensive and complex or limited by low modulation frequency, making them unsuitable for miniaturized spectroscopic applications.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a radiation emitting element, a movable mount, and a heat sink that allows for rapid heating and cooling by mechanically actuating the element into thermal contact with a large thermal mass, enabling high modulation frequencies through a movable mount that switches between a free-standing configuration and contact with the heat sink.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a low thermal-mass filament is used for pulsed infrared radiation, then the radiation can be generated in a broad wavelength range (2 μm to 20 μm), but the modulation frequency is limited to up to 30 Hz (typically up to 10 Hz) due to slow cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the heating function (electrical current through filament) from the cooling function (thermal contact with heat sink), allowing independent optimization of each process. The filament is segmented from the mount structurally while maintaining electrical connection, enabling rapid thermal cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount is made movable between two positions: thermally isolated during heating phase and thermally connected during cooling phase. This dynamic positioning enables the system to achieve high modulation frequencies by controlling the thermal contact timing, transitioning from static thermal mass to dynamic thermal management.
2Productivity
If a mechanical chopper wheel is used to achieve higher modulation frequency, then the frequency can be increased, but the device cannot be introduced into a miniaturized infrared spectrometer
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical chopper wheel is replaced with an electro-thermo system where electrical current controls heating and mechanical positioning controls cooling. This substitution eliminates the need for rotating mechanical components, enabling miniaturization while maintaining high modulation frequencies through electronic control of the mount position.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiation emitting element is integrated within a compact structure where the mount can be positioned close to the heat sink. This nested arrangement allows the entire radiation generation system to be miniaturized and integrated into compact spectrometer devices while maintaining effective thermal management.
3Productivity
If comprehensive and expensive radiation generators (semiconductor LEDs or quantum cascade lasers) are used, then modulation frequency of 100 Hz and more can be achieved, but the device becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the thermal parameters dynamically by controlling the mount position. During heating, the filament is thermally isolated to allow rapid temperature rise. During cooling, the mount contacts the heat sink to rapidly remove heat. This parameter control enables high modulation frequencies with simple, inexpensive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount acts as an intermediary between the filament and heat sink, controlling thermal energy transfer. By positioning the mount to make or break thermal contact, the system mediates the heat flow to achieve rapid cooling cycles, enabling high modulation frequencies without complex semiconductor 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
The solution enables efficient generation of pulsed radiation with modulation frequencies up to several hundred hertz, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by allowing fast heating and cooling without impeding each other, thus providing a cost-effective and reliable infrared radiation source.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation emitting element (116), wherein the radiation emitting element (116) is designated for generating radiation upon being heated by an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
a heat sink (140), wherein the heat sink (140) is designated for cooling the mount (128) and the at least one radiation emitting element (116) being carried by the mount (128) upon being touched by the mount (128)
Implementation Method 3
the radiation emitting element (116) is designated for generating radiation upon being heated by an electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a device and a method for generating radiation, in particular pulsed radiation, specifically within the infrared spectral range. Also described herein is a computer program product which includes executable instructions for performing the method. The device for generating radiation includes at least one radiation emitting element, where the radiation emitting element is designated for generating radiation upon being heated by an electrical current; a mount, where the mount carries the at least one radiation emitting element, and where the mount or a portion thereof is movable; and a heat sink, where the heat sink is designated for cooling the mount and the at least one radiation emitting element being carried by the mount upon being touched by the mount. The device, the method, and the computer program product can be used in a spectroscopic application.