Photonic Multi-Sensing Layout for Compact Fluid Substance Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optoelectronic devices are unsuitable for producing multi-sensing devices capable of detecting multiple substances simultaneously due to high industrial costs and large dimensions, limiting their practicality and accuracy in substance detection.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensing optoelectronic device with a light source, optical splitter, detection stages, and control stages, featuring parallel photonic circuits with adjustable optical path lengths and optical detectors to detect multiple substances simultaneously, optimizing accuracy and reducing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an array of laser emitters with modulated wavelengths is used to detect multiple substances in parallel, then the detection capability for multiple substances is improved, but the industrial cost and device dimensions increase unacceptably
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser emitter is designed to serve multiple detection functions by sequentially emitting light at different wavelengths corresponding to different substances. The laser wavelength is modulated based on detection results from optical detectors, allowing one laser to replace what would traditionally require multiple lasers for parallel multi-substance detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser emitter operates by periodically switching between different wavelengths in a sequential manner. The wavelength modulation follows a periodic pattern where the laser emits at wavelength λ1, then λ2, then λ3, and so on, allowing time-multiplexed detection of multiple substances without requiring simultaneous multi-wavelength emission.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an array of laser emitters with modulated wavelengths is used to detect multiple substances in parallel, then the detection capability for multiple substances is improved, but the industrial cost increases unacceptably
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser emitter is designed to serve multiple detection functions by sequentially emitting light at different wavelengths corresponding to different substances. The laser wavelength is modulated based on detection results from optical detectors, allowing one laser to replace what would traditionally require multiple lasers for parallel multi-substance detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection functions that would traditionally require separate laser emitters are merged into a single laser emitter. The laser's wavelength is dynamically adjusted to perform detections for multiple substances sequentially, combining what would be multiple independent components into one integrated system.
3Device complexity
If a single laser emitter with wavelength modulation is used, then the device dimensions and cost are reduced, but the detection accuracy and response time may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Optical detectors continuously monitor the light transmitted through the fluid sample and provide feedback signals based on the detected intensity at each wavelength. This feedback is used to determine the presence and concentration of target substances, enabling accurate detection despite the sequential wavelength modulation approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser emitter operates by periodically switching between different wavelengths in a sequential manner. The wavelength modulation follows a periodic pattern where the laser emits at wavelength λ1, then λ2, then λ3, and so on, allowing time-multiplexed detection of multiple substances without requiring simultaneous multi-wavelength emission.
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 device enables simultaneous detection of multiple substances with high accuracy and reduced dimensions, achieving efficient and cost-effective multi-sensing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The second optical structure comprises an active region arranged to come into contact with a fluid in which a target substance is dispersed and to selectively absorb the target substance. The second optical path length of the second optical structure varies when the active region absorbs the target substance.
Implementation Method 2
an optical splitter comprising an optical input port optically coupled to the light source and a plurality of optical output ports. The optical splitter is adapted to receive a first light beam at the input port and transmit one or more second light beams, each from a corresponding optical output port
Implementation Method 3
a photonic circuit adapted to receive in input a light radiation, coming from the optical splitter, and transmit in output at least one light radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to an optoelectronic device for the detection of substances dispersed in a fluid. The optoelectronic device comprises: —a light source adapted to emit a light radiation; —an optical splitter comprising an optical input port optically coupled to said light source and a plurality of optical output ports, said optical splitter being adapted to receive a first light beam at said optical input port and to provide one or more second light beams, each transmissible from a corresponding optical output port; —a plurality of detection stages operatively coupled to said optical splitter and arranged in parallel with one other, —a plurality of control stages arranged in parallel to one another, each control stage being operatively coupled to a corresponding detection stage.