Integrated Photonics Chip for Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature monitoring technologies in the aerospace industry are limited by their ability to take only single measurements at discrete points, making them costly and inefficient for real-time, spatially resolved temperature assessment across engine surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An integrated photonics chip with an optical filter array comprising receiver elements, each with two grating couplers and waveguide filters, configured to receive and pass specific wavelengths of light from different angles, allowing for remote, real-time, spatially resolved temperature mapping by analyzing blackbody radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current temperature monitoring technologies are used to measure temperature at discrete points, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but spatial resolution and comprehensive surface temperature assessment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array is segmented into multiple receiver elements (e.g., 32 elements) arranged in a linear array, with each element containing multiple grating couplers (e.g., 8 couplers per element). This segmentation enables spatially resolved temperature measurements across the engine surface while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from point measurements to spatially resolved measurements by arranging receiver elements and grating couplers in specific geometric patterns (linear arrays with defined spacing). This dimensional arrangement enables 2D temperature mapping of engine surfaces, transforming single-point data into comprehensive surface temperature distributions
2Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are deployed for comprehensive surface monitoring, then complete temperature coverage is achieved, but cost and system weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical contact temperature sensors with an optical-based measurement system. Grating couplers receive blackbody radiation from the engine surface and convert it to measurable signals, eliminating the need for physical contact sensors and reducing system weight while maintaining measurement accuracy for temperatures up to 2000°C
3Productivity
If multiple discrete temperature sensors are used for real-time monitoring, then comprehensive temperature data is collected, but response time and real-time capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor array enables continuous real-time temperature monitoring of engine surfaces during operation. The grating couplers continuously receive blackbody radiation and generate temperature measurements without interruption, providing time-resolved temperature data that captures dynamic thermal behavior during engine operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses optical radiation (blackbody radiation) as an intermediary to transfer temperature information from the engine surface to the sensors. This intermediary approach allows non-contact, real-time temperature measurement through the transmission of thermal radiation, eliminating response delays associated with contact sensors
4Adaptability or versatility
If advanced spatially resolved temperature sensors are developed for engine monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array design uses identical receiver elements and grating coupler configurations across all measurement positions. Each element performs the same function of receiving blackbody radiation and generating temperature measurements, enabling mass production through standardized manufacturing processes while maintaining versatile temperature monitoring capability across different engine configurations
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 enables cost-effective, remote temperature monitoring of engine surfaces with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, capable of measuring temperatures up to 2000°C and generating a 2D temperature map of the entire surface, improving engine performance assessment.
Implementation Method 1
the first grating coupler is configured to receive a first wavelength of light at a given angle, and the first waveguide filter is configured to pass the first wavelength of light; and a second grating coupler optically coupled to a second waveguide filter, wherein the second grating coupler is configured to receive a second wavelength of light at the given angle
Implementation Method 2
Each of the receiver elements is configured to receive the wavelengths of light from an object of interest that emits the light due to blackbody radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated photonics chip for thermal imaging comprises a photonics substrate including a plurality of receiver elements. Each receiver element comprises a first grating coupler optically coupled to a first waveguide filter and configured to receive a first wavelength of light at a given angle, with the first waveguide filter configured to pass the first wavelength of light; and a second grating coupler optically coupled to a second waveguide filter and configured to receive a second wavelength of light at the given angle, with second waveguide filter configured to pass the second wavelength of light. Each receiver element receives the wavelengths of light from an object of interest that emits the light due to blackbody radiation, and receives the wavelengths of light at respectively different angles. Each grating coupler receives a unique wavelength of light with respect to the other wavelengths of light received by the other grating couplers.