Polarized Optical Sensor Structure for Cross Talk Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors suffer from cross talk due to light signals being degraded by unwanted reflections, leading to inaccurate distance calculations.
Innovation Solution
The sensor incorporates a transmission optical structure with a polarizing layer that maximizes P-polarization and minimizes S-polarization, along with a light source emitting mostly P-polarized light to reduce cross talk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical structures are added to block light signals, then cross talk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of existing components by introducing polarization characteristics. The transmitter is configured to emit polarized light signals, and the receiver is configured to detect polarized light signals, transforming the optical interaction from unpolarized to polarized to reduce cross talk without adding physical blocking structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical blocking structures with a polarization-based optical system. Instead of using physical barriers to block unwanted light paths, the solution uses polarization state control and detection to filter out cross talk signals, substituting a mechanical/optical blocking approach with an optical property-based approach
2Reliability
If polarization control is implemented, then cross talk is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to align polarization elements precisely in the traditional sense, the patent inverts the approach by configuring the transmitter to emit polarized light and the receiver to detect polarized light, where the polarization state becomes the defining characteristic rather than an alignment requirement. This reverses the problem from alignment precision to polarization state control
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 detection accuracy by minimizing interference from unwanted light reflections, resulting in improved distance measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
The polarizing layer has a corralling property to convert or impose polarization of unpolarized light transmitted through the transmission optical structure to have mostly or all P-polarization
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a sensor that detects a distance between the sensor and a target object. The sensor includes a transmission optical structure and/or a light source that polarizes light and minimizes cross talk within the sensor. As a result, detection results of the sensor are improved.