Free-Space Optical Threat Detection Using Photonic Crystal Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for detecting chemical, biological, and environmental threats are often expensive, complex, and require direct human intervention, posing risks to operators and lacking effectiveness in remote sensing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A free-space optical remote sensing system using a pair of lasers emitting different wavelengths to detect spectral peak shifts in reflected light from sensor agents, such as porous photonic crystals, indicating the presence of potential threat agents, allowing for remote detection without human exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional detection systems are used to detect chemical, biological, and environmental threats, then detection capability is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an optical detection system using lasers and photodetectors. The system uses optical beams to interact with sensor particles, and photodetectors to measure reflected light intensity, thereby detecting threat agents without requiring complex mechanical or electronic instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from complex signal analysis to simple intensity ratio measurement. By monitoring the ratio of reflected light intensities at two different wavelengths, the system detects spectral peak shifts caused by threat agent binding to sensor particles, simplifying the detection methodology while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If operators directly enter hazardous areas for detection, then detection effectiveness is improved, but operator safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensor particles as intermediary agents that are dispersed into the hazardous area to detect threat agents. These particles serve as mediators between the detection system and the threat agents, allowing remote detection without requiring operators to physically enter hazardous zones. The particles carry the detection function into the dangerous environment while keeping operators at a safe distance.
3Reliability
If conventional detection systems are used, then detection is possible, but the systems are expensive to implement and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sensor particles that can be dispersed into the detection area and then discarded or replaced. These inexpensive particles eliminate the need for expensive, reusable detection equipment, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining detection capability. The particles are designed to be used once and then disposed of, avoiding the need for complex recovery and regeneration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from expensive conventional systems and transfers it to simple optical components combined with inexpensive sensor particles. By separating the detection capability from costly instrumentation and embedding it in the particles themselves, the system achieves detection at a fraction of the conventional cost.
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 remote, efficient, and effective detection of chemical, biological, and environmental agents, providing enhanced safety for operators and broad applicability in various industries, including medical and food/drug sectors, with the ability to discriminate between threat agents and non-threatening substances.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength of an optical signal reflected by the sensor agent has a spectral peak that closely approximates the first wavelength, in the absence of the potential threat agent. However, when the potential threat agent is present around the sensor agent, light reflected from the sensor agent will have its spectral peak shifted
Implementation Method 2
a first laser that is tuned to emit optical radiation at a first wavelength. A second laser is tuned to emit optical radiation at a second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for free space, optical remote sensing of a potential threat agent using spectrally responsive sensor material. In one example the sensor material is formed by particles, which in one particular form are porous photonic crystals. The particles are dispersed into an area being monitored for the presence of the potential threat agent. A pair of lasers is used to generate optical light beams that are directed at the sensor particles after the particles have been dispersed. The light reflected by the sensor particles is then analyzed. The presence of the potential threat agent causes a shift in the spectral peak of light reflected from the sensor particles that can be sensed using photo detectors and a processing subsystem. The system can be tuned to remotely detect for specific chemical, biological or environmental agents that may be present within a given area.