Method and system for extracting information from an optical signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical spectroscopy systems face a trade-off between device size and resolution due to the use of dispersion gratings, limiting their applicability and efficiency, especially in miniature spectrometers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an optoelectronic device with time-dependent modulation to generate an electrical sensing signal, processing it to extract information on optical wavelengths, and employing electrical bias modulation to enhance spectral resolution without increasing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dispersion grating is used to separate light into spectral components, then spectral resolution is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dispersion grating system with an electrical modulation system. By applying time-dependent electrical modulation to the optoelectronic device, spectral information is extracted through electrical signal processing rather than optical dispersion, eliminating the need for large mechanical components while maintaining spectral resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the optoelectronic device by applying time-dependent modulation at specific frequencies. This modulation technique allows the device to respond differently to various wavelengths, enabling spectral discrimination without physical dispersion elements. The modulation frequency and depth are adjusted to optimize spectral resolution while keeping the device compact
2Measurement precision
If optical path-length is increased to improve spectral resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical path-length extension approach with electrical modulation and signal processing. Instead of increasing the physical distance light travels through the dispersive element, the system uses electrical modulation to encode spectral information that can be decoded through frequency analysis, simplifying the optical path while maintaining resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic electrical modulation at sub-optical frequencies to encode spectral information. By modulating the optoelectronic device at specific periodic frequencies and analyzing the resulting electrical signals, the system extracts spectral content without requiring long optical paths or complex dispersive arrangements
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
Enhances spectral resolution and reduces device size by leveraging effective chromatic dispersion based on charge carrier transit times, enabling efficient extraction of spectral content and wavelength information.
Implementation Method 1
a optoelectronic device configured for receiving the modulated optical signal and responsively generate an electrical sensing signal
Implementation Method 2
leveraging effective chromatic dispersion based on charge carrier transit times, enabling efficient extraction of spectral content and wavelength information
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing information based on a spectral content of an optical signal, comprises: an optical modulator for applying a time-dependent modulation to the optical signal according to at least one sub-optical modulation frequency, to provide a modulated optical signal. The system also comprises an optoelectronic device configured for receiving the modulated optical signal and responsively generate an electrical sensing signal, and a signal processing system configured for processing the electrical sensing signal and to generate output correlative to at least one wavelength of the optical signal based on the modulation.