Phosphorescent Temperature Sensing with Dual-Element LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the temperature of phosphorescent materials are either expensive and complex due to separate optical devices or suffer from sub-optimal wavelength usage and poor signal-to-noise ratios when using a single device.
Innovation Solution
A dual element light emitting diode (LED) is used, with one element for excitation and another for detection, operating at different wavelengths optimized for each function, eliminating the need for complex optical splitting and ensuring continuous detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex optical splitting and routing system with separate emitter and detector devices is used, then the temperature measurement capability is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the excitation emitter and emission detector into a single integrated device. The device includes an excitation source that emits at a first wavelength to excite the phosphorescent material, and a detector that detects emission at a second wavelength. This integration eliminates the need for separate optical splitting and routing systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature measurement capability through phosphorescent lifetime measurement.
2Device complexity
If a single device is used as both emitter and receiver, then the device complexity is reduced, but the wavelength selection becomes sub-optimal for both excitation and emission
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated device performs multiple functions: it acts as both an excitation source and an emission detector. The device is designed with an excitation source that can emit at optimal excitation wavelengths and a detector that can detect at optimal emission wavelengths, allowing the same device to optimally perform both functions that traditionally required separate devices.
3Device complexity
If a single device alternates between forward powering for emission and reverse biasing for detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phosphorescent material as an intermediary between the excitation source and the detector. The excitation source excites the phosphorescent material, which then emits light that the detector measures. This intermediary approach allows the device to maintain optimal excitation and detection wavelengths while using a single integrated device, preserving signal-to-noise ratio by avoiding direct electrical switching between emission and detection modes.
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 approach allows efficient and cost-effective temperature measurement with improved sensitivity by operating at optimal wavelengths for both excitation and detection, reducing complexity and the need for post-processing algorithms.
Implementation Method 1
a first light emitting diode element of the multiple element light emitting diode is configured to output a first wavelength to excite the phosphorescent material
Implementation Method 2
phosphorescent materials emit radiant energy in or near the visible spectrum when excited by an external energy source and will continue to radiate for a period of time after the excitation energy is removed
Implementation Method 3
a second light emitting diode element of the multiple element light emitting diode is configured to detect an emission from the excited phosphorescent material at a second wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring a temperature of phosphorescent material, which may be applied to a surface of a material whose temperature needs to be measured or integrated within a material enabling the measurement of the temperature within the material. A first light emitting diode element of a multiple element light emitting diode is configured to output a first wavelength to excite the phosphorescent material. A second light emitting diode element of the multiple element light emitting diode is configured to detect an emission from the excited phosphorescent material at a second wavelength, where the first wavelength is at a different wavelength than the second wavelength. The first wavelength may correspond to a peak absorption intensity of the phosphorescent material and the second wavelength may correspond to a peak emission intensity of the phosphorescent material.