3D Light Field Detector With Luminescent Nanocrystal Pixels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field detectors are limited by the inability to capture phase information beyond ultraviolet and visible wavelengths, requiring complex integration of bulky optical elements and being unsuitable for high-energy beams like X-rays and gamma-rays, which cannot be focused by conventional mirrors and microlenses.
Innovation Solution
A 3D light field detector utilizing azimuth detectors with luminescent nanocrystal pixels of different emission wavelengths, integrated on a transparent substrate, converts electromagnetic radiation into a chromatic output, enabling 3D imaging and wavefront measurement across a broad wavelength range from X-rays to visible light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mirrors and microlenses are used to focus high-energy beams, then focusing capability is achieved, but it is impossible for X-rays and gamma-rays which cannot be focused by these conventional elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism where high-energy photons (X-rays, gamma-rays) are converted to visible light through scintillation materials or phosphors, which then can be detected by conventional photodetectors. This intermediary step enables detection of wavelengths that cannot be directly focused or detected by standard optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical focusing systems (mirrors, microlenses) with a direct detection approach using photodetector arrays that can sense photon arrival directions through angular sensitivity. This substitution eliminates the need for physical focusing elements while maintaining detection capability across extreme wavelength ranges.
2Loss of information
If bulky optical elements such as microlens arrays or photonic crystals are integrated into pixelated photodiodes to measure light fields, then phase information can be captured, but integration into complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor architectures becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase detection function from complex optical elements and implements it directly at the photodetector level through angular-sensitive pixel designs. By taking out the need for separate microlens arrays or photonic crystals, the system maintains phase information capability while simplifying the overall device architecture and reducing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal photodetector pixel design that simultaneously performs intensity detection, phase measurement, and angular resolution without requiring separate specialized components. Each pixel is designed to handle multiple functions through its angular sensitivity characteristics, eliminating the need for separate microlens arrays or photonic crystal structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intensity information alone is used for conventional applications, then two-dimensional photography and microscopic imaging are sufficient, but three-dimensional or four-dimensional imaging applications are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds angular resolution as a new dimension to conventional intensity detection. By measuring the angle of incident light in addition to intensity, the system transitions from 2D imaging to 3D or 4D imaging capability, enabling depth information and phase information to be captured without requiring complex optical path modifications.
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
Achieves high angular resolution and accurate 3D imaging with an angular change detection limit of 0.015° and wavelength response from 0.002 nm to 500 nm, surpassing conventional methods in sensitivity and spectral range, applicable to 3D imaging, robotics, virtual reality, and tomographic biological imaging.
Implementation Method 1
at least two luminescent nanocrystal pixels having different emission wavelengths relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
The light field detector may comprise at least two said azimuth detectors oriented perpendicularly to each other
Implementation Method 3
at least two luminescent nanocrystal pixels having different emission wavelengths relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a light field detector for converting a vector of an 5 electromagnetic radiation into a chromatic output, comprising at least one azimuth detector on a transparent substrate and the at least one azimuth detector comprising at least two luminescent nanocrystal pixels having different emission wavelengths relative to each other. The present disclosure also concerns a light field sensor comprising the light field detector thereof and methods of fabricating the light field 10 detector.