Photon Detection Apparatus with Dynamic Light Quantity Adjuster

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing atmospheric analysis devices, such as FTSs, face challenges in maintaining uniform light quantity due to varying atmospheric conditions, leading to unreliable measurement results and noise in spectra, as they cannot adjust light intensity in real-time and are inefficient in blocking diffused light.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a light quantity adjuster that includes optical sensors, a rotary ring with adjustable shutters, and a controller to maintain a stable light quantity within a predetermined range, allowing for precise adjustment of light intensity and blocking of noise light, thereby stabilizing the light received by the photoelectron conduction tip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If FTS uses optical interferometer to transform light into electric signals, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and light quantity control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatmospheric observation accuracyVSAvoidlight receiving unit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the optical interferometer component from the FTS system, replacing it with a direct photoelectric transformation approach using a photodetector. This eliminates the complex interference pattern generation and Fourier transform processes, directly converting incident light into electric signals for spectral analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical interferometer system with an electronic photoelectric detection system. Instead of using mechanical mirror movements and optical interference, the system directly detects light intensity at different wavelengths using a photodetector, substituting complex mechanical-optical processes with a simpler electronic detection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If FTS receives sunlight directly without light quantity adjustment, then observation simplicity is maintained, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to variable light quantity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement result reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic light quantity adjustment mechanism that automatically adapts to varying sunlight conditions. The system dynamically controls the amount of light reaching the photodetector based on real-time atmospheric conditions, ensuring optimal and consistent measurement quality without manual intervention or complex operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If FTS uses fixed opening for light reception, then device simplicity is maintained, but noise from diffused light increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight receiving structureVSAvoiddiffused light noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fixed opening with a dynamic aperture control mechanism that adjusts the size and shape of the light-receiving opening based on atmospheric conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between capturing sufficient signal light and excluding diffused noise light, improving signal-to-noise ratio without requiring overly complex structural designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution significantly improves the reliability and accuracy of atmospheric analysis by maintaining uniform light quantity, reducing noise in spectra, and enabling direct conversion of incident light into electric signals without the need for complex optical interferometers, thus enhancing the performance and reducing the size of the spectrometer.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor unit that detects the quantity of light incident on the light quantity adjuster

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric transformation: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

transforming incident light directly into an electric signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric transformation: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3062073B1Apparatus for detecting photons in accordance with atmospheric condition using function of adjusting light quantity
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 NAT INST OF METEOROLOGICAL SCI
  • EP3062073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3062073B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3062073B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting photons according to an atmospheric condition, using a function of adjusting light quantity that can significantly improve reliability of an atmospheric condition analysis result by minimizing noise in a spectrum by maintaining the quantity of incident light uniform within a predetermined range regardless of atmospheric conditions and changes, and to a method of adjusting light quantity. The apparatus for detecting photons in accordance with atmospheric conditions using a function of adjusting light quantity includes: an apparatus case having a light inlet; a light quantity adjuster disposed under the light inlet and adjusting quantity of incident light such that a predetermined quantity of light travels inside; and a controller controlling operation of the light quantity adjuster in accordance with intensity of light detected by the light quantity adjuster.