Multimode Wave Guide Homogenizes Radiant Energy for Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems face challenges in accurately transferring and measuring radiant energy due to image brightness variations and noise, leading to erroneous readings, especially in gas-correlation-filter radiometry.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a multimode wave guide to homogenize radiant energy by transmitting it through bends and loops, which defocus and diffuse the energy, ensuring consistent signal levels across an array of optical sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiant energy is transmitted directly to optical sensors, then the transmission path is simple, but image brightness variations and noise cause erroneous readings
Solution Approach 1:
A homogenizing element is introduced as an intermediary between the radiant energy source and the optical sensor array. This element diffuses and homogenizes the radiant energy beam, eliminating image brightness variations and noise while maintaining measurement accuracy. The homogenizing element acts as a mediator that transforms the radiant energy into a uniform distribution across the sensor array.
2Measurement precision
If a homogenizing element is introduced to reduce noise and image fluctuations, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the homogeneity principle by using a homogenizing element that transforms non-uniform radiant energy into a uniform distribution. This element ensures that all optical sensors receive equal energy levels, eliminating brightness variations and noise. The homogenizing element can be a diffusing plate, integrating sphere, or other structures that create uniform energy distribution.
3Reliability
If radiant energy is focused directly on sensors, then the optical path is short, but image brightness variations cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The homogenizing element serves as an intermediary that the radiant energy beam must pass through before reaching the optical sensors. This additional optical path allows the energy to be diffused and homogenized, improving measurement reliability by eliminating brightness variations. The extended path length enables the homogenizing element to perform its function effectively.
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 effectively reduces noise and image fluctuations, providing accurate and consistent measurements of radiant energy by averaging the homogenized beam across multiple sensors, enhancing the precision of gas level detection.
Implementation Method 1
A first multimode wave guide transmits radiant energy with a homogenized beam to a first plurality of optical sensors of the array
Implementation Method 2
The wave guide transmits the radiant energy while simultaneously homogenizing the radiant energy beam
Data Source
AI summary
For transferring optical energy, a first multimode wave guide transmits radiant energy with a homogenized beam to a first plurality of optical sensors of an array of optical sensors. The array measures the homogenized radiant energy. Each optical sensor of the first plurality of optical sensors measures a pixelized portion of the homogenized radiant energy. A method and system also perform the functions of the apparatus.