Multi-Wavelength Interferometer for Gravitational Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in achieving high resolution and dynamic range in measuring gravitational acceleration, particularly in hydrocarbon exploration, due to limitations in sensitivity and dynamic range of traditional optical interferometers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength electromagnetic source emitting beams at fixed angles relative to an interferometer, with a stabilizer locking each beam to discrete wavelength ranges, combined with a processor to estimate parameters based on interference patterns generated by a moveable mass within the interferometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional optical interferometers are used for measuring gravitational acceleration, then the measurement can be performed, but the resolution and dynamic range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into multiple discrete wavelength ranges (first wavelength range, second wavelength range, etc.) corresponding to different dynamic ranges. Each wavelength range is stabilized independently to specific gravitational acceleration values, allowing the system to segment the measurement spectrum and select appropriate ranges for different measurement scenarios, thereby achieving both high resolution and extended dynamic range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the electromagnetic radiation to achieve different measurement ranges. By stabilizing light sources to different wavelength ranges and using interferometers with different optical path differences, the system can adjust the measurement parameter (wavelength) to match the required dynamic range, transforming the limitation into a configurable advantage.
2Reliability
If multiple wavelength ranges are used to extend dynamic range, then the dynamic range improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs interferometers where multiple interferometers can share common components such as beam splitters, detectors, and signal processing units. The interferometers are configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from a common light source or multiple stabilized light sources, allowing the system to perform multiple measurement functions (different dynamic ranges) using a unified architectural framework, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple interferometer measurements into a unified signal processing system. The outputs from different interferometers measuring different wavelength ranges are integrated through a single processor that applies appropriate algorithms to each signal, merging the measurement functions while maintaining the benefits of extended dynamic range.
3Measurement precision
If light sources are stabilized to discrete wavelength ranges, then measurement precision improves, but the complexity of wavelength stabilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the stabilized light sources are locked to known gravitational acceleration values (e.g., standard gravity at sea level). The interferometers measure deviations from these stabilized references, and the system uses this feedback to achieve precise measurements. The feedback loop simplifies the stabilization process by using known reference values rather than complex real-time calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary stabilization of light sources to discrete wavelength ranges before the actual measurement. By pre-stabilizing the light sources to known gravitational acceleration values, the system eliminates the need for complex real-time wavelength calibration during measurement, reducing the operational complexity while maintaining high precision.
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 approach enables high-resolution measurements of gravitational acceleration with improved sensitivity and dynamic range, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and facilitating more accurate hydrocarbon reservoir characterization and production optimization.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-wavelength electromagnetic source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation beams having multiple wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a detector configured to detect an interference pattern generated by the interferometer for each beam
Implementation Method 3
the mass configured to move in response to the parameter
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of an apparatus for estimating a parameter includes a multi-wavelength electromagnetic source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation beams having multiple wavelengths at a fixed angle relative to an interferometer, the multi-wavelength source having a stabilizer configured to lock each beam to one of a plurality of discrete wavelength ranges. The apparatus also includes the interferometer, which has a fixed reference reflector and a moveable reflecting assembly coupled to a moveable mass, the mass configured to move in response to the parameter. The apparatus further includes a detector configured to detect an interference pattern generated by the interferometer for each beam, and a processor configured to combine the interference patterns and estimate the parameter based on the combined interference pattern.