Phase Shift Detector With Isolated Transmission Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phase shift detectors face challenges in accurately detecting phase shifts due to variations in the effective dielectric constant of samples, which affects the electrical balance between the reference and sample arms of interferometers, and they lack sensitivity and precision, especially when used in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Innovation Solution

A phase shift detector comprising an interferometer with a microwave probe that includes a substrate with a dielectric substrate, a primary shield electrode, a secondary shield electrode, and a transmission electrode isolated from both, which produces an electric field to detect phase shifts by isolating the transmission electrode electrically from the primary and secondary shield electrodes, allowing for precise measurement of phase shifts and dielectric constant changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing phase shift detectors are used, then basic detection function is provided, but sensitivity and precision are insufficient due to variations in effective dielectric constant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephase shift detection precisionVSAvoiddetection reliability under dielectric variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical isolation parameter between transmission electrode and shield electrodes, transforming the detector from electrically connected to electrically isolated. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining stable electrical characteristics that are insensitive to dielectric constant variations, thereby improving both precision and reliability simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric substrate acts as an intermediary element between the transmission electrode and shield electrodes. This intermediary provides electrical isolation while maintaining mechanical support and structural integrity, enabling the detector to achieve high precision measurements without being affected by dielectric constant variations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If transmission electrode is electrically connected to shield electrodes, then structural simplicity is maintained, but electrical interference and noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidelectrode isolation structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric substrate serves as an intermediary that electrically isolates the transmission electrode from the shield electrodes. This intermediary element blocks electrical interference and noise paths while maintaining the mechanical structure, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin dielectric substrate film to achieve electrical isolation. This thin film structure provides effective electrical insulation while minimizing the added complexity and maintaining a compact detector design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The solution achieves enhanced sensitivity and precision in detecting phase shifts and dielectric constant changes, enabling improved performance in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and other applications by effectively balancing the interferometer arms and minimizing noise.

Implementation Method 1

the transmission electrode and the primary shield electrode being exposed and arranged to produce an electric field in response to receipt of the sample microwave radiation by the transmission electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

an interferometer to receive a microwave radiation; and a microwave probe in electrical communication with the interferometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS10247814B2Phase shift detector process for making and use of same

Publication Date: 2019.04.02 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMERCE

AI summary

A phase shift detector includes: an interferometer; and a microwave probe in electrical communication with the interferometer, the microwave probe including: a primary shield electrode; and a transmission electrode disposed proximate to the primary shield electrode, the transmission electrode and the primary shield electrode being exposed and arranged to produce an electric field, wherein the transmission electrode is isolated electrically from the primary shield electrode.