Optical Element Monitoring for Laser Leakage Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Active light emitting modules in electronic terminals, such as mobile phones, can cause eye injuries due to laser light leakage when the optical elements like diffractive optical elements or diffusers become damaged or fall off, as they fail to provide real-time monitoring and fail-safe mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An optical element monitoring system with a detection line on the substrate connected to a microprocessor that monitors resistance or voltage values to detect damage or detachment, triggering the shutdown of the laser to prevent light leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical element (diffractive optical element or diffuser) is disposed at the light emission direction of the laser to disperse or diffuse light, then eye safety is improved by avoiding laser light leakage, but the system lacks real-time monitoring capability to detect when the optical element is damaged or falls off
Solution Approach 1:
A detection line is pre-integrated into the optical element during manufacturing. This detection line includes conductive patterns that are formed simultaneously with the optical element's functional layers, creating a built-in monitoring system before the device is put into use. The detection line is electrically connected to a control circuit that can detect changes in electrical properties when the optical element is damaged or detached.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit continuously monitors the electrical properties (resistance, capacitance, or impedance) of the detection line and provides feedback to determine the operational state of the optical element. When the monitored electrical properties change beyond predetermined thresholds, the system generates a detection signal indicating damage or detachment, enabling real-time monitoring of the optical element's integrity.
2Loss of information
If a detection line is integrated into the optical element with conducting wires connecting to a microprocessor for real-time monitoring, then damage or detachment detection capability is improved, but the device structure and manufacturing process become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection line is merged with the optical element itself, forming an integrated structure where the detection functionality is built into the optical element's layers. The detection line shares the same substrate and is formed using the same manufacturing processes (such as sputtering or evaporation) as the optical element's functional layers, eliminating the need for separate detection components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection line serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the optical element and a sensing element for damage detection. The same conductive layers that form part of the optical element's optical path also function as the detection line, allowing the system to monitor optical element integrity without adding separate dedicated sensing components.
3Measurement precision
If multiple conductive layers are used to form the detection line for comprehensive coverage, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complete coverage of the entire optical element surface, the detection line is designed to cover only critical regions where damage or detachment is most likely to occur or where detection is most effective. This partial coverage approach achieves sufficient monitoring accuracy while significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and costs compared to full-surface coverage.
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
Ensures real-time detection and prevention of laser light leakage by automatically turning off the laser when the optical element is damaged or detached, maintaining safety and simplifying the manufacturing process with a cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
the microprocessor is used to monitor a resistance value of the detection line or a voltage value at the two ends of the detection line in real time
Implementation Method 2
The detection line is configured to transmit an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element, an optical element monitoring system, and a method, monitor in real time whether an optical element such as a diffractive optical element or a diffuser in an active light emitting module is damaged or falls off, and turn off a laser when the optical element is damaged or falls off.