Optical Resonance Sensor Read-Out via Tunable Wavelength Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor technologies require inefficient and complex methods for reading signals from a plurality of optical resonance elements, particularly in photo-acoustic imaging, necessitating numerous light sources and detectors, and are limited by the need for differentiated resonance wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a waveguide and control elements that allow simultaneous reading of signals from multiple sensors by aligning resonance wavelengths with interrogation wavelengths, enabling dynamic selection and control of resonance wavelengths without requiring extensive hardware or precise manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of optical resonance elements are used for photo-acoustic imaging, then measurement precision and imaging quality are improved, but device complexity and read-out difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical resonance elements are coupled to a common waveguide, merging their read-out paths into a single channel. This allows simultaneous read-out of multiple sensors through one waveguide, reducing the number of required detectors and simplifying the read-out system while maintaining the ability to detect signals from a large number of sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide serves multiple functions: it acts as both the read-out channel for multiple optical resonance elements and the medium for transmitting interrogation signals. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate read-out paths for each sensor
2Measurement precision
If resonance wavelengths are differentiated for each sensor, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns resonance wavelengths to sensors on-demand using control elements (such as thermal or electro-optic tuners) rather than relying on fixed, pre-differentiated wavelengths. This allows identical resonance elements to be used with identical nominal wavelengths, and the wavelengths are adjusted dynamically during operation to enable sensor identification and read-out
Solution Approach 2:
The resonance wavelength parameter is changed dynamically through control elements that adjust the optical properties of the resonance elements. This allows the system to use identical manufacturing specifications for all sensors while still achieving wavelength differentiation for read-out purposes by changing the wavelength parameter in response to control signals
3Measurement precision
If numerous light sources and detectors are used for reading signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical resonance elements share a common waveguide for signal read-out, merging multiple read-out channels into one. This reduces the number of detectors required from one per sensor to a single detector that can sequentially or simultaneously read multiple sensors through the shared waveguide
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide serves as a universal read-out channel for multiple sensors, and the detector serves as a universal read-out device for all sensors connected to that waveguide. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated read-out hardware for each sensor
4Productivity
If simultaneous reading of multiple sensors is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic modulation of control elements to sequentially address different sensors on the same waveguide. By modulating the resonance wavelength of each sensor at a unique frequency or time slot, multiple sensors can be read out in a periodic sequence that appears simultaneous for practical purposes, while maintaining relatively simple control logic
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
Facilitates fast and unambiguous read-out of measurands from a large number of sensors with identical or similar optical resonance elements, allowing scalable and efficient measurement without hardware redundancy and improved manufacturing flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The optical resonance element is configured to be affected by a measurand for detecting the measurand. In photo-acoustic imaging, a measurand in form of an acoustic wave may be detected based on the acoustic wave affecting optical resonance of an optical resonance element.
Implementation Method 2
each control element is individually controllable and configured to control a resonance wavelength of optical resonance of the sensor associated with the control element for tuning the resonance wavelength of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device comprises: a plurality of sensors configured to be affected by a measurand; a waveguide associated with a group of sensors and configured to receive an optical interrogation signal comprising at least one interrogation wavelength; a plurality of control elements, each being individually controllable and configured to control a resonance wavelength of the sensor associated with the control element; the sensor device being configured to, for read-out of measurement from a selected sensor, tune its resonance wavelength to be aligned with a selected interrogation wavelength; the group of sensors being configured to be controlled for arranging, at a single read-out time point, the selected sensor uniquely aligned with the selected interrogation wavelength for reading out the measurand measured by the selected sensor.