Multilayer photoelectric converter, multilayer photoelectric converter array, non-contact temperature measurement device, and imaging device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multilayer photoelectric converters struggle to accurately detect multiple wavelengths of light, particularly when using natural light sources like thermal radiation, due to uncontrollable light source characteristics and inadequate sensitivity relationships between stacked photoelectric converters.

Innovation Solution

A multilayer photoelectric converter is designed with a first and second photoelectric converter stacked in order from the light incident side, where the first converter has a sensitivity peak at wavelength λ1a and the second at λ2a, with λ1a < λ2a, and the sensitivity of the second converter at λ2a is less than that of the first converter at λ1a, allowing for improved accuracy in detecting multiple wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If photoelectric converters with different band gap materials are stacked to detect multiple wavelengths, then wavelength detection capability is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to uncontrollable light source characteristics and inadequate sensitivity relationships

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength detection capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific mathematical relationships between the sensitivity peak wavelengths (λ1a, λ2a) and sensitivities (S1a, S2a) of stacked photoelectric converters. The conditions λ1a < λ2a and S2a < S1a create optimized detection parameters that compensate for uncontrollable light source characteristics, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining multi-wavelength detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different sensitivity characteristics to different layers of photoelectric converters. Each converter is positioned and configured with specific wavelength sensitivity peaks and sensitivity ratios, creating localized optimization at each detection layer that collectively improves overall measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the sensitivity of the second photoelectric converter at λ2a is increased to improve detection capability, then signal output is improved, but saturation occurs reducing measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal outputVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-configuring the sensitivity relationship S2a < S1a before detection occurs. This preliminary constraint prevents the second converter from producing excessive signal output that would lead to saturation, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while ensuring reliable signal detection across multiple wavelengths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 configuration enables accurate detection of multiple wavelengths of light, particularly in scenarios with uncontrollable light sources, by optimizing signal output and reducing saturation, thereby enhancing the measurement accuracy of substance characteristics such as temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a photoelectric conversion layer including a material with large band gap is disposed near an area where light is incident

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

light with an energy exceeding the band gap of the material is absorbed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250063831A1Multilayer photoelectric converter, multilayer photoelectric converter array, non-contact temperature measurement device, and imaging device

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A multilayer photoelectric converter includes a first photoelectric converter, and a second photoelectric converter. The first photoelectric converter and the second photoelectric converter are stacked in this order from a side of the multilayer photoelectric converter where light is incident. The first photoelectric converter has a sensitivity characteristic with a sensitivity having a peak at a wavelength λ1a. The second photoelectric converter has a sensitivity characteristic with a sensitivity having a peak at a wavelength λ2a. For the multilayer photoelectric converter, the relationship λ1a<λ2a is satisfied. The sensitivity of the second photoelectric converter at the wavelength λ2a is less than the sensitivity of the first photoelectric converter at the wavelength λ1a.