Quantum Infrared Sensor with Integrated Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional NDIR gas concentration meters face challenges in achieving stable measurements due to changes in gas flow and temperature, which complicates the sensor design and increases costs, especially when using quantum infrared sensors that require cooling or complex packaging.
Innovation Solution
A quantum infrared sensor with multiple elements and optical filters, integrated into a holding frame with through holes, allowing direct contact and reducing size and thickness, enabling stable measurements without the need for vacuum sealing or inert gases, and using a photovoltaic type sensor for high sensitivity at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If quantum infrared sensors are used to achieve high sensitivity and fast response, then detection capability is improved, but the sensor requires cooling mechanisms and complex packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple quantum infrared sensor elements with optical filters into a single integrated sensor unit. The sensor elements and filters are mounted together on a substrate, forming a compact module that eliminates the need for separate cooling mechanisms and complex packaging, while maintaining high detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filters in the patent serve multiple functions: they select specific infrared wavelengths for detection and are integrated directly with the sensor elements. This multi-functional design reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate wavelength selection mechanisms
2Ease of manufacture
If optical filters are separated from sensor elements, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device size and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical filters and sensor elements into a single integrated structure where both components are mounted on the same substrate in close proximity. This integration maintains the ability to optimize each component independently during the design phase while achieving a compact final device with reduced size and thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges optical filters and sensor elements in a planar configuration on a substrate, utilizing two-dimensional space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows both components to be optimized independently while maintaining a compact form factor, avoiding the need for thick three-dimensional stacking
3Device complexity
If quantum infrared sensors operate at room temperature, then cooling mechanisms are eliminated, but measurement stability under varying conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor elements with complementary optical filters into an integrated unit that operates at room temperature. The integration allows for stable measurements under varying conditions through the coordinated design of sensor and filter components, eliminating the need for cooling mechanisms while maintaining reliability
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 solution results in a compact, stable, and cost-effective quantum infrared sensor capable of performing accurate gas concentration measurements across varying conditions, eliminating the need for complex cooling mechanisms and reducing packaging complexities.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of optical filters, each one provided for a respective infrared sensor element, on the side directed to the infrared light source, and which selectively transmit infrared rays in specific different wavelength ranges, respectively
Implementation Method 2
using a photovoltaic type sensor for high sensitivity at room temperature
Implementation Method 3
the quantum infrared sensor is a sensor using electrons and holes generated by light photons when a semiconductor is irradiated with infrared rays
Implementation Method 4
a holding frame which holds at least the optical filters, and includes a plurality of through holes extending from the respective quantum infrared sensor elements toward the infrared light source, the quantum infrared sensor characterized in that the quantum infrared sensor elements and the filters are fitted into the through holes of the holding frame
Implementation Method 5
Taking advantage of the fact that the absorbable wavelength of infrared ray (IR) differs depending on a gas type, the NDIR gas concentration meter measures the gas concentration through detection of the absorption amount
Implementation Method 6
an optical filter transmitting infrared rays is bonded to an opening portion of a can package. An infrared detection element detecting the infrared rays having passed through this optical filter is housed inside the can package
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a quantum infrared sensor and a gas concentration meter using the same, the quantum infrared sensor having a small and simple device shape and also being capable of performing stable measurement against disturbance changes such as changes in the flow amount and the temperature of gas to be measured. The quantum infrared sensor includes a pair of quantum infrared sensor elements, a pair of optical filters and a holding frame. The pair of optical filters is provided closer to an infrared light source than is the pair of quantum infrared sensor elements. The pair of optical filters is configured to selectively transmit infrared rays in specific different wavelength ranges, respectively. The pair of optical filters is housed in an upper level of the holding frame and provided while facing the pair of quantum infrared sensor elements through a pair of through holes, respectively.