Multispectral Image Sensor with Dielectric-Hole Metal Film
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multispectral image sensors are complex, bulky, and difficult to manufacture, with existing methods struggling to efficiently capture spectral information across different wavebands while maintaining temporal and spatial resolution, especially in applications with rapid temporal variations.
Innovation Solution
A broadband image sensor with a spectral filter comprising dielectric material-filled holes in a metal film, where each filter element has a tunable passband, allowing for simultaneous capture of multiple wavebands without complex optical arrangements or moving parts, and is easier to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors operating in different wavebands are used, then spectral information from different wavebands can be captured, but the size, weight, and complexity of the sensor assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral filtering functions into a single detector array by positioning different spectral filters (first and second spectral filters with different passbands) over different regions of the same detector array. This allows simultaneous capture of multiple wavebands without requiring separate detectors for each waveband, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining spectral information capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array serves multiple functions by being capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation across different wavebands simultaneously. Through the use of spectral filters with different passbands over different regions of the same detector array, the single detector array performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized detectors, achieving multi-functionality without increasing device complexity
2Measurement precision
If a scanning or static optical assembly is used to image different bands, then spectral information can be captured, but the size and complexity of the sensor assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral filtering function from complex optical assemblies (scanning or static) and implements it directly at the detector level using spectral filters positioned over detector regions. This eliminates the need for separate scanning optics or beam splitters, significantly reducing the volume and complexity of the sensor assembly while maintaining the capability to capture spectral information from different wavebands
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning or static optical assemblies with a static spectral filter array positioned directly over the detector array. This substitution eliminates moving parts and complex optical pathways, reducing the sensor assembly volume while maintaining spectral capture capability through the spectral filters' selective passbands
3Speed
If spectral filters are used at the pixel level, then temporal resolution is retained, but spatial resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spectral filtering properties to different local regions of the detector array. By positioning the first spectral filter over a first region and the second spectral filter over a second region of the detector array, each region maintains its spatial resolution while capturing different spectral bands simultaneously, thus preserving both temporal and spatial resolution
4Measurement precision
If dielectric Fabry-Perot filters are used, then multispectral images from different wavebands can be captured, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple dye formulations and processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite spectral filter structures comprising multiple layers including reflective layers, absorptive layers, and dielectric layers. These composite material structures can be manufactured using standard thin-film deposition techniques, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to traditional dye-based filters while enabling capture of multispectral images from different wavebands with different passbands
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, compact, and cost-effective capture of multispectral images with improved spatial and temporal resolution, suitable for applications like geological surveying and moving platforms, by tuning the filter elements to specific wavebands and reducing unwanted higher order modes.
Implementation Method 1
The contrast in permittivity between the film and the regions of the dielectric material contained within the cavities within the film result in tuneable resonances in incident radiation which result in the onward transmission of frequencies of interest
Implementation Method 2
each filter element comprises a film having a negative value of permittivity in the passband of the said filter element, the film comprising a plurality of holes, wherein each hole comprises a dielectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A multispectral image sensor, and a method of use, is provided. The multispectral image sensor has a broadband image sensor and a spectral filter. The broadband image sensor has a plurality of pixels arranged in an array and the broadband image sensor has a plurality of filter elements arranged in an array. Each of the filter elements is coupled with one of more pixels. Each filter element has a passband in a receivable wavelength range of the broadband image sensor. Each filter element has a film with a negative value of permittivity in the passband of the filter element. The film has a plurality of holes. each hole having a dielectric material. The passband of at least two of the filter elements are different.