Quantum Dot Light Filter for Compact Spectrometer Wavelength Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small-sized spectrometers face difficulties in using spectroscopic methods due to their compact size, limiting their application and accuracy in wavelength detection.

Innovation Solution

A spectrometer design incorporating a light filter with a two-dimensional array of partial filters, each comprising quantum dots of varying thicknesses or mixing ratios, which generate distinct transmittance spectra to reconstruct the input light spectrum with high resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a grating structure is used in a small-sized spectrometer, then wavelength detection can be performed, but the compact size limits the application and accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrometer sizeVSAvoidwavelength detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light filter is divided into multiple partial filters arranged in a two-dimensional array, where each partial filter corresponds to a specific detector location. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high-resolution spectral analysis in a compact form by distributing the spectral filtering function across multiple small-scale filter elements rather than using a large grating structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each partial filter in the two-dimensional array has locally optimized properties, including specific quantum dot compositions and sizes tailored to filter particular wavelength ranges. This local quality differentiation enables accurate wavelength detection at each detector location while maintaining overall device compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If semiconductor nanocrystals with different compositions and sizes are used to provide different transmission spectra, then spectral filtering capability is improved, but the complexity of preparing arrays with different nanocrystal filters increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral filtering capabilityVSAvoidnanocrystal filter preparation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention varies the composition and size parameters of semiconductor nanocrystals to achieve different transmission spectra. By systematically adjusting these parameters across the two-dimensional array, the system achieves versatile spectral filtering capability while maintaining a standardized filter structure that simplifies preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The partial filters utilize composite structures combining semiconductor nanocrystals with matrix materials. This composite approach enables tailored optical properties for each filter position while using common fabrication processes, thereby reducing overall preparation complexity despite the diversity of spectral responses required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 design enables the production of high-resolution spectrometers capable of accurately calculating input spectra with minimal errors, allowing for precise wavelength detection and easy manufacturing due to adjustable filter parameters.

Implementation Method 1

each comprising quantum dots of varying thicknesses or mixing ratios, which generate distinct transmittance spectra

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectQuantum confinement effect: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3441732B1Light filter and spectrometer including the light filter
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3441732B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441732B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3441732B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A light filter includes a plurality of spectrum modulation portions, each having a different thicknesses or a different mixing ratio of materials thereof. Each of the plurality of spectrum modulation portions has a different transmittance spectrum.