Multi-Channel Pyrometer for Microsecond Temperature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pyrometers face challenges in measuring transient temperatures below 1000 K for small samples due to low light conditions, low emissivity, and the need for high-voltage power supplies, making it difficult to detect fast temperature changes and ensuring safety, especially in diamond anvil cell setups.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel pyrometer system using solid-state detectors and interference filters tuned to specific wavelength ranges, with a compact design and low-voltage power supply, capable of detecting thermal radiation on a microsecond scale, minimizing optical components and avoiding the use of optical fibers to enhance sensitivity and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If photomultiplier tubes with nanosecond rise times are used for fast temperature measurements, then measurement speed is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase due to high-voltage power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces photomultiplier tubes with solid-state detectors, substituting a complex high-voltage system with a simpler low-voltage system. The solid-state detectors directly convert optical signals to electrical signals without requiring photomultiplier tube amplification stages, thereby eliminating the need for high-voltage power supplies and reducing device complexity while maintaining fast response capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from hundreds of volts required by photomultiplier tubes to low voltages suitable for solid-state detectors. This parameter change simplifies the power supply requirements, reduces safety risks, and decreases overall device complexity while preserving the ability to perform fast temperature measurements
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical channels and photomultiplier tubes are used for low temperature measurements, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs solid-state detectors that can operate across multiple wavelength ranges, allowing a single detector type to perform the function previously requiring multiple specialized photomultiplier tubes. The interference filters are configured to direct different wavelength ranges to appropriate detectors, enabling multi-channel measurement capability with simplified detection hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the photomultiplier tube component from the system, replacing it with solid-state detectors. This removal simplifies the optical train by eliminating the need for complex photomultiplier tube assemblies, high-voltage power supplies, and associated control electronics, while retaining the multi-channel measurement capability through strategic filter placement
3Reliability
If high-voltage power supplies are used for photomultiplier tubes, then detection sensitivity is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes photomultiplier tubes requiring high-voltage power supplies with solid-state detectors that operate at low voltages. This substitution maintains detection sensitivity through the direct photoelectric effect in solid-state materials while eliminating the safety hazards associated with high-voltage electricity, making the system safer for laboratory environments
4Ease of operation
If optical fibers are used to feed detectors, then system flexibility is improved, but measurement sensitivity deteriorates due to light loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes optical fibers from the optical train, eliminating the light loss and sensitivity degradation they cause. By directly coupling the interference filters to the solid-state detectors, the system maintains maximum light throughput while achieving sufficient flexibility through the modular filter-detector configuration
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 system achieves accurate, fast temperature measurements down to 500°C with high sensitivity and safety, reducing exposure times and enabling detection of rapid temperature changes, while being portable and cost-effective compared to previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each interference filter operates to reflect thermal radiation which does not pass through the interference filter to a subsequent downstream interference filter of a subsequent channel of the multi-channel pyrometer
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens; and a solid-state detector for detecting thermal radiation focused on the detector by the objective lens
Implementation Method 3
a solid-state detector for detecting thermal radiation focused on the detector by the objective lens
Implementation Method 4
The system may include a multi-channel pyrometer for receiving thermal radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for sensing temperature changes on a microsecond scale. The system uses a multi-channel pyrometer that works in the NIR spectrum to receive thermal radiation. Each channel includes an interference filter tuned to pass thermal radiation within a specified wavelength range, and a detector. Each detector detects thermal radiation focused on it. Each channel further includes an interference filter which reflects thermal radiation which does not pass through it to a subsequent downstream interference filter of a subsequent channel. Each subsequent interference filter is oriented to reflect the thermal radiation not passing through it to a next downstream one of the subsequent interference filters. A subsystem is included for receiving the output from the detectors and determining sensed temperature data therefrom, allowing measurement of temperatures down to 800 K.