Dye-Impregnated Nano-Sphere Spectral Filters for Narrowband Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectral filters face challenges in tailoring performance for specific wavelength ranges due to broad absorption ranges of dyes and require large amounts of carcinogenic dyes, making them difficult to use effectively and safely.
Innovation Solution
The use of nano-particles with a selected size and absorbent dye, which operate in plasmon-mode or whispering-gallery mode resonance, allows for spectral filters that are substantially angle independent and reduce the need for multiple layers, using minimal amounts of dye, thereby minimizing the use of carcinogenic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional spectral filters use absorbent dye impregnated in a host material, then the filter can remove spectral noise, but it is difficult to tailor the performance for specific wavelength ranges because the dyes have a broad absorption range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the dye by confining it within nanoscale cavities of specific sizes (e.g., 100-500 nm diameter). This size parameter control of the host material cavities directly determines the resonant frequency and absorption characteristics, enabling precise wavelength range tailoring while maintaining the beneficial broad absorption of dye molecules
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining dye molecules impregnated within a host material having nanoscale cavities. This composite approach allows the dye to provide broad absorption while the structured host material provides wavelength-specific resonance, achieving both spectral noise removal and precise wavelength range tailoring
2Reliability
If conventional spectral filters use a large amount of dye, then the filter can achieve sufficient absorption, but many of these dyes are carcinogenic and pose health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a host material with nanoscale porous cavities that can trap and concentrate dye molecules. This porous structure allows achieving sufficient absorption effectiveness with minimal amounts of dye, as the dye is concentrated within the cavity volumes rather than being dispersed throughout a large volume of host material
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a nested structure where dye molecules are embedded within nanoscale cavities of the host material. This nesting concentrates the dye in specific locations, maximizing absorption efficiency per unit volume and reducing the total amount of carcinogenic dye required while maintaining effective spectral filtering
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 approach enables spectral filters with high-Q passbands and rejection bands that are independent of incident angle, reducing the amount of dye needed and minimizing health risks, while providing effective spectral noise removal across a range of wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
Nano-particles 102 with a size selected to resonate at a range of wavelengths 312 within the absorption band 308 of the die 109
Implementation Method 2
operate in plasmon-mode or whispering-gallery mode resonance
Implementation Method 3
absorbent dye 109, which may be impregnated within material 108
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of spectral filters with dye-impregnated nano-spheres are described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, a spectral filter comprises a host material that includes a plurality of nano-particles embedded within. The particles include a dye having an absorption band of wavelengths and have a size selected to resonate at a range of wavelengths that is within the absorption band. The particles may be selected to resonate in either a plasmon mode or a whispering-gallery mode.