Optical Resonance Sensor Readout Using Dual Frequency Combs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies face challenges in efficiently reading signals from a large number of optical resonance elements simultaneously, particularly in applications like photo-acoustic imaging, where multiple sensors are required for forming an image.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising a plurality of sensors with unique optical resonance frequencies, utilizing dual optical frequency combs for interrogation signals to modulate optical intensity and phase, allowing simultaneous read-out of measurements through beat frequencies detected by a single detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of optical resonance elements are used for photo-acoustic imaging, then the image quality and resolution are improved, but the complexity of reading signals from all sensors simultaneously increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical frequency combs into a single interrogation system that can simultaneously address multiple optical resonance elements. By merging the reading functions into one integrated system using frequency-division multiplexing, the complexity of reading signals from many sensors is reduced while maintaining the ability to distinguish individual sensor responses through their unique beat frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical spectrum into multiple frequency combs, with each comb assigned to specific optical resonance elements. This segmentation allows systematic organization and reading of signals from numerous sensors by dividing the frequency domain into distinct channels, making the overall reading process more manageable despite the large number of sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors with unique optical resonance frequencies are used, then the capability to detect multiple measurands simultaneously is improved, but the scheme for reading signals becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic optical frequency combs with distinct repetition rates to interrogate multiple sensors. The periodic nature of the combs creates predictable beat frequencies that simplify the reading scheme, as each sensor's response appears at a known frequency position in the spectrum, enabling simultaneous measurement without complex time-multiplexing arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency domain parameters by using multiple optical frequency combs with different repetition rates and frequency offsets. This parameter variation allows each sensor to be uniquely identified by its specific beat frequency signature, providing a systematic and scalable reading scheme that handles multiple sensors simultaneously without increasing operational complexity.
3Loss of information
If optical frequency combs with different repetition rates are used for sensor interrogation, then the separation of signals from different sensors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from time-domain signal separation to frequency-domain separation by using optical frequency combs. This dimensional change from temporal to spectral differentiation allows excellent signal discrimination, as each sensor's response is encoded at a unique frequency position. The frequency domain provides an additional dimension for signal separation that is more efficient than time-domain methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or temporal switching mechanisms with an optical frequency-based system. Instead of physically switching between sensors or using complex time-multiplexing hardware, the system uses the inherent frequency properties of optical combs to automatically separate and identify signals from different sensors, simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
Enables efficient and simultaneous reading of signals from multiple sensors by distinguishing and separating information based on unique beat frequencies, facilitating high-resolution and fast image formation in photo-acoustic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an optical characteristic of the optical resonance element is configured to be affected by a measurand to be measured by the sensor... each sensor is configured to modulate the at least one of the first and second sensor interrogation signal by the measurand to modulate an optical intensity and/or phase
Implementation Method 2
the detector is configured to detect a plurality of beat frequencies corresponding to mutually unique differences in frequency between the associated first signal component and second signal component for different signal component pairs
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device comprises: a plurality of sensors, wherein each sensor comprises an optical resonance element configured to be affected by a measurand and has a mutually unique optical resonance frequency; the sensors being configured to receive at least one of a first and a second sensor interrogation signals forming a plurality of signal component pairs, wherein a difference in frequency between the frequencies in the signal component pair is different for different signal component pairs; wherein each sensor is configured to modulate an optical intensity of at least one frequency of a mutually unique signal component pair; and a detector, being configured to receive the first sensor interrogation signal and the second sensor interrogation signal, wherein the detector is configured to detect a plurality of mutually unique beat frequencies for detecting a plurality of measurements by the plurality of sensors.