Colloidal Quantum Dot SWIR Sensor for Covert Laser Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SWIR sensors, particularly those using Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) technology, are cost-prohibitive for unmounted troop-level systems like rifle scopes and extended reality (XR) headsets, and as InGaAs detector fabrication becomes more widespread, standard SWIR wavelengths are becoming less covert.
Innovation Solution
The development of a high-definition broad-band visible-SWIR sensor utilizing colloidal quantum dot technology, which operates across a spectral band of 400 nm to 2400 nm, enabling asynchronous laser pulse detection and decoding, and meeting military standard testing requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If InGaAs detectors are used for SWIR detection, then detection capability is improved, but cost becomes prohibitive for unmounted troop-level systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive InGaAs detectors with a cost-effective alternative using silicon-based CMOS sensors combined with spectral imaging techniques. This allows unmounted troop-level systems to achieve SWIR detection capability without the prohibitive cost of InGaAs technology, making the system economically viable for widespread military deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach by transitioning from direct SWIR detection with specialized InGaAs detectors to a multi-spectral imaging approach using silicon-based sensors. By capturing images at multiple wavelengths (visible, NIR, SWIR) and processing them computationally, the system achieves SWIR detection capability through parameter transformation rather than requiring expensive hardware.
2Ease of manufacture
If InGaAs detector fabrication becomes more commonplace, then manufacturing ease is improved, but covert capability of standard SWIR wavelengths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral detection into multiple separate channels (visible, NIR, SWIR) using distinct filters and sensors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, maintaining covert capability in the SWIR band while using readily available silicon-based technology for other wavelengths, thus balancing manufacturing ease with operational security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces computational processing as an intermediary between the captured multi-spectral images and the final SWIR detection output. By using algorithms to fuse and interpret data from multiple wavelengths, the system achieves SWIR detection capability without requiring direct SWIR-sensitive detectors, thereby maintaining covert capability while using manufacturable silicon-based components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broader spectral band is detected, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal silicon-based CMOS sensor that can detect across multiple spectral ranges (visible, NIR, SWIR) when combined with appropriate filters and computational processing. This single sensor type serves multiple detection functions, achieving broad spectral adaptability without requiring separate specialized detectors for each wavelength range, thus managing device complexity while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spectral dimension to traditional visible imaging by capturing multiple wavelength channels simultaneously. By stacking spectral information across dimensions (spatial and spectral), the system achieves broad spectral band coverage using a single sensor array, avoiding the need for multiple separate detection systems and thereby controlling overall device complexity.
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 provides a cost-effective, covert, and high-resolution laser designation system suitable for unmounted troop-level systems, capable of detecting a wide spectral range, including wavelengths beyond traditional IR detector capabilities, while maintaining military-grade reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a colloidal quantum dot sensor operative across a spectral band of from about 400 nm to 2400 nm
Data Source
AI summary
A laser designation system is provided including a high-definition broad-band visible-shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensor. The SWIR sensor includes a colloidal quantum dot sensor operative across a spectral band of from about 400 nm to 2400 nm or any subset of wavelengths therein.