Optical Detection Sensor Infrared Wavelength Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CCD and CMOS sensors face limitations in capturing light with wavelengths greater than 1 micron in the infrared waveband, restricting their application range in industries such as military, medical, and photovoltaic industries.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection sensor is developed, comprising a converter and a visible light solid-state image sensor, where the converter converts non-visible light, including infrared light, into visible light, which is then processed by the sensor to generate a digital signal, overcoming the limitations of existing sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional CCD or CMOS sensors are used, then the sensor structure is simple and manufacturing is mature, but the sensor cannot capture light with wavelengths greater than 1 micron in the infrared waveband
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength conversion layer as an intermediary component between the incident light and the visible light solid-state image sensor. This layer converts infrared light (wavelengths greater than 1 micron) into visible light, enabling the existing visible light sensor to detect infrared wavelengths. The conversion layer acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between the sensor's native visible light detection capability and the desired infrared detection functionality, thereby expanding the wavelength detection range without requiring a complete redesign of the sensor architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a converter is added to convert non-visible light into visible light, then the wavelength detection range is expanded to include infrared light, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength conversion function with the imaging sensor structure by integrating the conversion layer directly onto the light incident side of the visible light solid-state image sensor. This combination creates a unified device that performs both wavelength conversion and image sensing in a single integrated structure. The merging approach allows the system to achieve infrared detection capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the conversion layer and sensor work together as a coordinated system rather than separate components.
3Reliability
If the converter uses an organic light emitting layer with heterojunction photo transistor, then the conversion efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes in the material composition and structural configuration of the conversion layer to optimize conversion efficiency while managing manufacturing precision requirements. By selecting specific organic light emitting materials and configuring the heterojunction photo transistor with particular layer structures and thicknesses, the system achieves high conversion efficiency. The parameter optimization allows for tolerance in manufacturing processes, balancing the need for high performance with practical manufacturing capabilities.
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 solution enables the optical detection sensor to effectively convert non-visible light into digital signals, expanding its application range to include infrared and near-infrared wavelengths, thus enhancing its applicability in various industries.
Implementation Method 1
the converter is configured to receive non-visible light, convert the non-visible light into visible light, and emit the visible light
Implementation Method 2
the photodiode is configured to absorb the visible light emitted by the converter and generate the electron flow
Implementation Method 3
the anode is configured to absorb photons of the non-visible light and generate photo-generated carriers injected into the organic light emitting layer
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection sensor is disclosed. The optical detection sensor includes a converter configured to receive non-visible light, convert the non-visible light into visible light, and emit the visible light; and a visible light solid-state image sensor. The converter is located on a light incident side of the visible light solid-state image sensor, and the visible light solid-state image sensor is configured to receive the visible light to generate an electron flow, convert information of the electron flow into data information, and output the data information.