Photonic Crystal Micro Displacement Sensor Dynamic Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-displacement sensors based on photonic crystals face challenges in achieving a large dynamic range, limiting their ability to measure displacements beyond two lattice constants.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a micro displacement sensor with first and second photonic crystal modules, a laser, and a detector, where the modules have light guide channels that are optically coupled to analyze light intensity changes to determine horizontal micro displacements, enabling measurement over several tens of lattice constants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photonic crystal-based micro-displacement sensors are used to achieve high measurement sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but dynamic range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple photonic crystal modules (first module with first crystals, second module with second crystals) that can be sequentially activated. Each module handles a specific displacement range, allowing the system to extend dynamic range by switching between modules while maintaining high measurement sensitivity through the photonic bandgap effect in each module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement range is extended beyond two lattice constants, then dynamic range is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic switching mechanism that activates different photonic crystal modules based on the displacement magnitude. When displacement exceeds the range of the first module, the system switches to the second module, which is optimized for larger displacements. This dynamic adaptation allows extension of measurement range while preserving precision through appropriate module selection.
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 enhances the dynamic range of micro-displacement measurement, allowing for precise detection of horizontal displacements with a resolution less than 0.01a, effectively extending the measurable range beyond previous limitations.
Implementation Method 1
Since photonic crystals have a unique effect of a photonic bandgap, micro displacement sensors based on photonic crystals are widely used
Implementation Method 2
emitting light from the laser, directing such light into the first channel, a first portion of the light exiting from the first channel and a second portion of the light entering the second channel
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring micro displacements generally includes the steps of: (a) providing a micro displacement sensor with a first photonic crystal module with a number of first crystals, a second photonic crystal module with a number of second crystals, a laser, and a detector; the first crystal module and the second crystal module having a first light guide channel and a second light guide channel therein, respectively; (b) securing the second crystal module onto a sample, the first channel and the second channel being optically coupled together; and (c) during operation, emitting light from the laser, directing such light into the first channel, a first portion of the light exiting from the first channel and a second portion of the light entering the second channel, and analyzing a “light intensity vs. displacement” sine curve to obtain a horizontal micro displacement of the sample.