Optical Resonator Thermometer Shock Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature measurement technologies, such as resistance thermometers, are sensitive to mechanical shock and require frequent recalibration, limiting their reliability and efficiency in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer with an integrated optical resonator that changes its resonant frequency in response to temperature changes, utilizing a waveguide to communicate and transmit light, providing a self-calibrating and robust solution resistant to mechanical shock and electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resistance thermometers are used for temperature measurement, then temperature can be measured, but the device becomes sensitive to mechanical shock requiring frequent recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical resistance-based temperature sensing system with an optical resonator system that uses optical resonance frequency shifts to detect temperature changes. This substitution eliminates the mechanical shock sensitivity inherent in resistance thermometers while maintaining temperature measurement capability through optical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent change in optical resonance frequency as the sensing mechanism. The resonant frequency of the optical resonator shifts in a predictable manner with temperature changes, providing a stable and repeatable measurement parameter that does not suffer from mechanical shock sensitivity like electrical resistance measurements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional resistance thermometers are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but frequent recalibration is required reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The optical resonator thermometer is designed to be self-calibrating, where the resonant frequency inherently references a stable physical constant (the speed of light and the resonator's geometric properties). This self-referencing capability eliminates the need for external calibration standards and frequent recalibration, allowing the device to maintain measurement precision autonomously over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the optical resonator continuously monitors its own resonant frequency shifts in response to temperature changes. This feedback loop enables real-time compensation for drift and maintains measurement accuracy without requiring external intervention or recalibration, thereby improving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If optical resonator thermometer is designed with high sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical resonator system into distinct functional segments: the resonator structure itself, the waveguide for light coupling, and the detection system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity. The resonator geometry can be designed for maximum sensitivity without complicating the entire device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical resonator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the temperature-sensing element and the optical resonance cavity, while the waveguide provides both light coupling and structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 thermometer offers high sensitivity and resistance to physical impacts, eliminating the need for frequent recalibration, with a small thermal mass and scalable design, suitable for harsh environments and precise temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the thermometer is configured to change the optical resonance in response to a change in temperature of the ring resonator
Implementation Method 2
an optical resonator disposed on the substrate and comprising an optical resonance... configured to change the optical resonance in response to a change in temperature
Implementation Method 3
a waveguide disposed on the substrate proximate to the optical resonator to receive input light, to communicate the resonant frequency to the optical resonator, and to transmit output light
Data Source
AI summary
A thermometer includes a substrate; an optical resonator disposed on the substrate and including an optical resonance, the optical resonator being configured to receive a resonant frequency corresponding to the optical resonance; and a waveguide disposed on the substrate proximate to the optical resonator to receive input light, to communicate the resonant frequency to the optical resonator, and to transmit output light; wherein an aperture is interposed between: the substrate and the optical resonator, the substrate and the waveguide, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing, and the thermometer is configured to change the optical resonance in response to a change in temperature of the optical resonator.