Optical Sensor with Fabry-Perot Interferometer for Multi-Wavelength Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biometric sensors face challenges in simultaneously detecting multiple wavelengths, such as visible and near-infrared light, without compromising resolution, which is essential for applications like fingerprint and vein authentication.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor incorporating a Fabry-Perot interferometer with semi-transparent mirrors and a collimating element that can adjust the gap between mirrors to change the wavelength of incident light, allowing for simultaneous detection of different wavelengths with high resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional biometric sensors are used to detect multiple wavelengths, then the detection capability is limited, but the resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple pixel units, each equipped with an independent interferometer. This segmentation allows each pixel to independently detect multiple wavelengths through wavelength-selective interference, maintaining high resolution while expanding detection capability across the visible and near-infrared spectrum
Solution Approach 2:
Each pixel unit is designed as a multi-functional element that can detect multiple wavelengths (visible and near-infrared) simultaneously. The interferometer structure enables a single pixel to perform multiple detection functions by adjusting the optical path difference to select different wavelengths, eliminating the need for separate sensors for different authentication types
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to detect different wavelengths, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wavelength detection functions are merged into a single integrated sensor structure. The interferometer is embedded within each pixel of a unified sensor array, combining what would traditionally require separate sensors into one cohesive device that detects both visible and near-infrared wavelengths simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The interferometer introduces an optical path difference dimension to the traditional two-dimensional pixel array. By controlling the optical path difference, the system can selectively detect different wavelengths without adding spatial dimensions or requiring multiple physical sensors, thus maintaining simplicity while expanding detection capability
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 the optical sensor to acquire high-resolution images or data across a wide wavelength band, facilitating simultaneous fingerprint and vein authentication without reducing resolution or requiring multiple sensors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one interferometer having a pair of semi-transparent mirrors spaced apart and oppositely arranged
Implementation Method 2
An optical sensor in an embodiment according to the present invention includes at least one interferometer having a pair of semi-transparent mirrors spaced apart and oppositely arranged
Implementation Method 3
at least one photoelectric conversion element having sensitivity in the visible and near infrared light bands and receiving light passing through the interferometer and the collimating element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor includes at least one interferometer having a pair of semi-transparent mirrors spaced apart and oppositely arranged, and at least one position of the pair of semi-transparent mirrors can be displaced, at least one collimating element overlapping the at least one interferometer, and at least one photoelectric conversion element having sensitivity in the visible and near infrared light bands and receiving light passing through the interferometer and the collimating element.