Optical Processing Element Design Space Exploration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design process for optical processing elements, such as integrated computational element (ICE) cores, is inefficient due to the need for extensive computational resources and time when starting with random designs, often resulting in numerous non-unique optimized designs and incomplete exploration of the design space.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a set of predetermined ICE core designs with varying layer thicknesses using coarse increments, calculating their performance, and optimizing those that meet specific thresholds, thereby covering the entire design space with reduced computational effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ICE core designs are generated using random designs with extensive iterative optimization, then design space exploration is thorough, but computational time and resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating a diverse set of initial ICE core designs with varied layer thicknesses before optimization begins. This preliminary diversification ensures broad design space coverage from the start, reducing the need for extensive iterative optimization later and thereby decreasing computational time while maintaining thorough exploration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying layer thickness parameters in the initial design generation phase. By using coarse increment steps to create diverse initial configurations, the method explores different regions of the design space efficiently, achieving comprehensive coverage with fewer computational iterations.
2Reliability
If ICE core designs are generated using random designs with extensive iterative optimization, then optimal designs are found, but computational resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating a diverse set of initial ICE core designs with varied layer thicknesses before optimization begins. This preliminary diversification ensures broad design space coverage from the start, reducing the need for extensive iterative optimization later and thereby decreasing computational time while maintaining thorough exploration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying layer thickness parameters in the initial design generation phase. By using coarse increment steps to create diverse initial configurations, the method explores different regions of the design space efficiently, achieving comprehensive coverage with fewer computational iterations.
3Measurement precision
If ICE core designs are generated using random designs, then design space is explored, but many non-unique optimized designs are produced resulting in wasted calculation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing controlled variations in layer thickness using coarse increment steps rather than uniform random variations. This creates locally diverse initial designs that are more likely to converge to unique optimal solutions, reducing redundant calculations while maintaining comprehensive design space coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying layer thickness parameters in the initial design generation phase. By using coarse increment steps to create diverse initial configurations, the method explores different regions of the design space efficiently, achieving comprehensive coverage with fewer computational iterations.
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 significantly reduces the time and computational resources required to obtain predictive ICE core designs, allowing for more efficient exploration of the design space and identification of viable designs for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
An ICE core design refers to the substrate, number and thickness of the respective layers of the ICE core, and the complex refractive indices of the layers. The layers are strategically deposited and sized so as to selectively pass predetermined fractions of electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
emits electromagnetic radiation that reflects from or is transmitted through the sample and optically interacts with an optical processing element
Data Source
AI summary
One disclosed method for designing an integrated computational element (ICE) core includes generating with a computer a plurality of predetermined ICE core designs having a plurality of thin film layers, wherein generating the plurality of predetermined ICE core designs includes iteratively varying a thickness of each thin film layer by applying coarse thickness increments to each thin film layer, calculating a transmission spectrum for each predetermined ICE core design, calculating a performance of each predetermined ICE core design based on one or more performance criteria, identifying one or more predictive ICE core designs based on the performance of each predetermined ICE core design, and optimizing the one or more predictive ICE core designs by iteratively varying the thickness of each thin film layer with fine thickness increments, wherein the one or more predictive ICE core designs are configured to detect a particular characteristic of interest.