Multi-spectral Detection Pixel with Dielectric Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-spectral camera systems require multiple focal plane arrays with complex and costly fabrication processes, cumbersome alignment, and high power consumption, limiting their ability to simultaneously detect discrete optical frequencies effectively.
Innovation Solution
A novel multi-spectral detection pixel micro-structure featuring periodic latticed dielectric reflectors and optical cavities, with metal-semiconductor-insulator inclusions for frequency-specific detection, allowing simultaneous detection of multiple optical frequencies using a single monolithic focal plane array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate focal plane arrays with fixed filters are used to achieve multi-spectral detection, then spectral detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectral detection functions into a single focal plane array by integrating a dithering mechanism with a striped filter directly onto the detector substrate. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate focal plane arrays, reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-spectral detection capability across visible and infrared ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal focal plane array that can detect multiple spectral bands (visible and infrared) simultaneously through the combination of the dithering mechanism and striped filter. This single device performs functions that previously required multiple specialized arrays, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical filter wheel or dithering system with striped filter is used, then spectral detection capability is improved, but ease of operation and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dithering mechanism, striped filter, and focal plane array into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanical filter wheels and complex alignment procedures, as all components are pre-aligned on the same substrate and operated simultaneously through a single control system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interleaved array of single-spectral pixels with different spectral responses is used, then spectral detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter structure into periodic striped patterns that can be fabricated using standard lithographic techniques. This segmentation approach simplifies manufacturing compared to creating individual customized filters for each pixel, while still achieving multi-spectral detection through the dithering-induced spectral mixing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If quantum well optoelectronic structure is used, then spectral detection capability is improved, but device complexity and fabrication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified approach by copying the spectral filtering function through a dithering mechanism with a striped filter rather than implementing complex quantum well structures. This achieves similar multi-spectral detection functionality with much simpler device architecture and standard fabrication processes.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and low-power simultaneous detection of multiple optical frequencies, simplifying camera design and enhancing image detection and recognition capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the latticed dielectric reflectors create a plurality of photonic bandgaps in the spectral response of said pixel
Implementation Method 2
each of the optical cavity comprises at least two optical resonant modes, corresponding to localized Bloch modes supported by the pixel dielectric structure
Implementation Method 3
each of the optical cavity comprises at least two optical resonant modes, corresponding to localized Bloch modes supported by the pixel dielectric structure
Implementation Method 4
each inclusion performs optical-to-electrical signal conversion by way of photoconductivity or photovoltaic effect
Implementation Method 5
each inclusion performs optical-to-electrical signal conversion by way of photoconductivity or photovoltaic effect
Data Source
AI summary
A novel detection pixel micro-structure allowing the simultaneous and continuous detection of several discrete optical frequencies. A focal plane array comprises a plurality of multi-spectral detection pixels and a connecting platform to electrically connect the pixels. Each of the multi-spectral detection pixels form a resonant optical structure that comprises at least two periodic latticed dielectric reflectors, and at least one optical cavity between the said latticed dielectric reflectors. The latticed dielectric reflectors create a plurality of photonic bandgaps in the spectral response of the pixel. In addition, each optical cavity of the pixel comprises at least two optical resonant modes, corresponding to localized Bloch modes supported by the pixel dielectric structure, wherein each optical resonant mode is localized maximally at, and minimally away from, the optical cavity.