Photon Energy Measurement Using Camera Full Well Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing astrophotography methods are limited by camera full well depth, leading to overexposure and inaccurate measurement of photon energy from celestial objects.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a camera's full well depth to measure photon energy by taking increasingly longer exposures until full saturation is reached, compensating for factors like sensor bandgap limitations, noise, and atmospheric effects, and calculating total stellar energy by determining the number of telescopes needed to cover a sphere with a radius equal to the star's distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional camera exposure methods are used to measure photon energy, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is limited due to full well depth constraints causing overexposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the exact exposure time required to reach full well depth saturation based on the known photon flux and sensor characteristics. This predetermined exposure time ensures the sensor captures the maximum possible photon energy without overexposure, transforming a potentially inaccurate measurement process into a precise one by preparing the exposure parameters in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the exposure time parameter to match the precise photon energy levels. By calculating and setting the exposure time based on the specific photon flux from the celestial object and the sensor's full well depth characteristics, the system optimizes the measurement parameter to achieve maximum precision without saturation losses.
2Measurement precision
If longer exposures are taken to capture more photon energy, then the photon energy measurement improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the optimal exposure time before the measurement begins. By determining the exact time required to reach full well depth saturation based on known photon flux and sensor characteristics, the system avoids unnecessary prolonged exposures while ensuring complete photon energy capture, thus minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining the exposure process at the optimal duration that continuously captures photon energy until saturation is reached. This continuous measurement at the precise calculated exposure time maximizes photon energy collection efficiency without introducing unnecessary time delays or interruptions.
3Measurement precision
If the full well depth of the image sensor is utilized to measure photon energy, then the energy measurement capability is maximized, but the risk of overexposure and measurement error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the exact exposure time required to reach full well depth saturation before the measurement begins. This predetermined exposure time, based on known photon flux and sensor characteristics, ensures the sensor captures maximum photon energy without overexposure, transforming a potentially unreliable measurement process into a precise and reliable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback by monitoring the sensor's response during exposure and comparing it against the predicted full well depth saturation point. This feedback mechanism allows real-time verification that the exposure time is correct and that the sensor is reaching saturation at the expected photon energy levels, ensuring measurement reliability.
4Measurement precision
If multiple telescopes are used to cover the full area of a sphere, then the total energy output measurement improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement task into multiple independent telescope units, each responsible for capturing photon energy from a specific portion of the spherical field. This segmentation allows the total energy output to be measured by combining results from multiple simpler individual measurements, reducing the complexity of any single measurement system while improving overall precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes universality by designing the telescope array system where multiple identical or standardized telescope units can be deployed to cover different portions of the spherical field. This modular approach allows the same basic measurement principle to be applied across multiple telescopes, improving total energy output measurement precision while keeping individual unit complexity manageable through standardization.
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 precise measurement of photon energy and gravitational fields by accurately determining the total energy output of stars, allowing for mapping of gravitational fields using the theory of photon momentum gravity.
Implementation Method 1
collecting photons from the star with a camera located at the known distance through a telescope or lens of a given aperture area and focal ratio up to the photoelectron capacity limit (the full well depth) of the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for direct measurement and profiling of electromagnetic energy from a star at a known distance from the observer entails collecting photons from the star with a camera through a telescope or lens of a given aperture area up to the known full well depth of the camera's image sensor, determining the time needed to reach the sensor's full well depth, using that collection time and the sensor's bandgap and sensitivity characteristics at full well depth to calculate the energy received per second through the aperture area, determining the number of aperture areas needed to cover the surface area of a sphere with a radius equal to the star's distance, and determining the total energy output of the star by multiplying the determined electromagnetic energy received through the aperture area by the number of apertures needed.