Nanocarbon Light Source With Integrated Wavelength Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared analysis and imaging technologies using nanocarbon materials are hindered by the need for large-sized spectroscopic devices like Michelson interferometers or diffraction gratings, making them difficult to downsize and limiting their widespread application.
Innovation Solution
A nanocarbon light source element with a wavelength-selecting structure that emits specific wavelengths, allowing for compact infrared analysis and imaging apparatuses without the need for traditional spectrometers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spectroscopic devices (Michelson interferometer or diffraction grating) are used for infrared analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectroscopic function by integrating a wavelength-selecting structure directly onto the nanocarbon light source substrate. This divides the traditional separate components (light source, spectrometer, detector) into an integrated miniaturized system where the wavelength selection is achieved through micro-fabricated optical paths and resonant cavities on the same substrate as the light source, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining spectroscopic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the wavelength-selecting structure (including microlenses, waveguides, and resonant cavities) directly on top of the nanocarbon light source substrate. The detector is then positioned to receive light from this integrated structure, creating a nested configuration where multiple functional elements are contained within a compact volume, eliminating the need for large external spectrometers
2Measurement precision
If traditional spectroscopic devices are used, then spectroscopic analysis capability is improved, but the device size becomes large and difficult to downsize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional bulky optical components to two-dimensional planar integration on a substrate. The wavelength-selecting structure uses microlenses, waveguides, and resonant cavities fabricated on the substrate surface, converting the traditional volumetric spectrometer into a planar miniaturized system that maintains infrared analysis capability while dramatically reducing device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts (such as the moving mirror in Michelson interferometers) with stationary micro-fabricated optical structures. The wavelength selection is achieved through fixed microlenses, waveguides, and resonant cavities that guide and filter light without requiring mechanical movement, thereby enabling miniaturization while preserving spectroscopic function
3Volume of moving object
If nanocarbon light source with wavelength-selecting structure is used, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the nanocarbon material properties and optical path dimensions to achieve wavelength selection. By adjusting the physical dimensions (length, width, curvature) of the microlenses and waveguides fabricated on the substrate, specific infrared wavelengths are selected through resonant conditions. This allows precise wavelength control through geometric parameters that can be controlled during standard micro-fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining nanocarbon light-emitting materials with conventional optical materials (such as silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, or other dielectric layers) for the wavelength-selecting structure. This composite approach leverages the superior optical properties of nanocarbon materials for light emission while using well-established micro-fabrication techniques for creating the precision optical elements, thereby balancing miniaturization with manufacturability
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 ultra-small spectroscopic devices capable of performing spectroscopy and imaging with high sensitivity and resolution, facilitating applications in wearable devices and various chemical reaction analyses.
Implementation Method 1
a light source using graphene (see, for example, Patent Document 1) and a light emitting element using a nanocarbon tube
Implementation Method 2
An infrared analysis and infrared imaging technology using a light source formed of a nanocarbon material has been proposed
Implementation Method 3
a wavelength-selecting structure that is provided to the nanocarbon light source and selects specific wavelengths
Implementation Method 4
which can emit specific wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
A nanocarbon light source element includes a substrate, a nanocarbon light source disposed on the substrate, and a wavelength selecting structure that is provided to the nanocarbon light source and selects specific wavelengths, wherein the nanocarbon light source element emits light having the specific wavelengths via the wavelength selecting structure. A multiwavelength nanocarbon light source array includes nanocarbon light sources arranged into an array on a substrate and a wavelength selecting structure provided to each of the nanocarbon light sources, and selects different wavelengths, wherein the multiwavelength nanocarbon light source array emits light having multiple wavelengths via the wavelength selecting structure.