Optical Sensor with Segmented Photodetector Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity sensors face a trade-off between achieving high performance and maintaining a thin form factor, as larger converging optical elements improve photon detection but increase thickness, while smaller elements reduce thickness but lower detection probability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates multiple small converging optical elements and subarrays of photodetectors aligned along parallel optical axes within a single packaged module, allowing for improved photon detection and reduced form factor by optimizing the focal length and distance between optical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger converging optical elements are used, then photon detection performance is improved, but sensor thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple segments: multiple small converging optical elements are used instead of one large element, and the photodetector array is divided into multiple subarrays. Each small optical element focuses light onto a corresponding subarray, achieving high detection performance through distributed optical paths while maintaining thin form factor by optimizing each segment's focal length and distance parameters
2Length of stationary object
If smaller converging optical elements are used, then sensor thickness is reduced, but photon detection probability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small converging optical elements and their corresponding photodetector subarrays into a unified optical system. Although each individual element is small and thin, the collective arrangement of multiple elements merges their detection capabilities, achieving high overall photon detection probability while maintaining thin sensor thickness through optimized focal length and element-to-detector distance
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 configuration enhances signal-to-noise ratio and achieves both high performance and a thin form factor by directing a large amount of photons to the photodetectors with reduced thickness, overcoming the limitations of conventional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a converging optical element such as an imaging lens is often placed in the optical path of the array of photodetectors to direct the infrared photons reflected by the object toward the array of photodetectors
Implementation Method 2
an array of photodetectors (e.g., single photon avalanche diodes) for detecting photons reflected by the object
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensor comprising: an array of photodetectors comprising a first subarray of at least one photodetector and a second subarray of at least one photodetector; a first optical arrangement to direct incoming photons toward the first subarray; and a second optical arrangement to direct incoming photons toward the second subarray.