Nonlinear Optical Thermal Sensor for CMOS-Compatible Infrared Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing infrared image sensors require high sensitivity, small size, and compatibility with CMOS technology, but existing technologies have not adequately addressed these needs, particularly in terms of sensitivity and design compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A thermal sensor design incorporating a first region for incident infrared light, a visible light radiation region, and an image sensor, all made of nonlinear optical materials, with optical coupling via a waveguide and resonator, allowing for real-time wavelength adjustment and harmonics generation for enhanced sensitivity and integration with CMOS technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing infrared image sensor designs are used, then sensitivity requirements can be met, but compatibility with CMOS technology and cost-effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible light radiation region as an intermediary component that converts infrared light detected by the resonator into visible light that can be captured by standard CMOS image sensors. This mediator enables compatibility between infrared sensing requirements and CMOS technology without sacrificing sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes nonlinear optical materials that can change their optical properties based on the intensity of incident light, enabling frequency conversion from infrared to visible range. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high sensitivity while being compatible with CMOS sensors that operate in the visible spectrum
2Measurement precision
If high sensitivity is achieved through complex designs, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the resonator structure with the visible light radiation region into an integrated unit, merging multiple functions (infrared detection, frequency conversion, and visible light emission) into a single compact component. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high sensitivity through the resonator's enhanced light-matter interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an infrared light receiver, a frequency converter through nonlinear optical effects, and a generator of visible light for CMOS detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing design complexity
3Volume of moving object
If integration is increased to reduce size, then compactness improves, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the visible light radiation region within or adjacent to the resonator structure, creating a compact nested arrangement where the second region (infrared receiver) and visible light radiation region share space efficiently. This nesting achieves high integration and compactness while the regions remain functionally distinct
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 design achieves a low-cost, compact thermal sensor with increased integration and sensitivity, capable of generating visible light harmonics for improved temperature measurement and compatibility with CMOS image sensors.
Implementation Method 1
each of the first region, the second region, and the visible light radiation region may include a nonlinear optical material
Implementation Method 2
The visible light may include harmonics generated by incidence of the first infrared light on the first region
Implementation Method 3
a resonator optically coupled to the image sensor
Implementation Method 4
a waveguide configured to form optical coupling between a part of the waveguide and the resonator
Implementation Method 5
an image sensor configured to receive the visible light emitted from the visible light radiation region
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal sensor, a thermal sensor array, an electronic apparatus including the thermal sensor, and an operating method of the thermal sensor are provided. The thermal sensor includes a first region onto which first infrared light is incident, a visible light radiation region configured to radiate visible light generated by incidence of the first infrared light on the first region, a second region onto which second infrared light is incident, and an image sensor configured to receive the visible light radiated from the visible light radiation region. The first region, the second region, and the visible light radiation region each include a nonlinear optical material.