Refractory Plasmonic Metamaterial Sensor for Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ambient conditions sensors fail in harsh environments due to electronic component failures at high temperatures, requiring complex and costly cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A plasmonic sensor system using continuous and nanostructured refractory plasmonic transition metal nitrides with refractory dielectric layers as spacer and oxidation-resistant coatings, combined with an electromagnetic radiation source and detector to measure reflectance changes, enabling remote sensing of temperature, strain, and other parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electronic sensors are deployed in high temperature environments, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but electronic component reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensing components with an optical sensing system that uses light reflection and interference patterns to measure temperature. The system employs a light source, optical path through the target environment, and optical detector to convert temperature-induced refractive index changes into measurable optical signals, eliminating electronic components from the high-temperature zone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical medium (such as a glass rod or optical fiber) that transmits light through the high-temperature environment without being damaged. This intermediary carries temperature information via refractive index changes while remaining physically isolated from direct thermal damage to the detection electronics
2Reliability
If cooling systems are added to protect electronic components, then component failure is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from the electronic domain and places it in the optical domain, removing the need for cooling systems entirely. By using optical components that can withstand high temperatures or transmitting light through the hot environment without electronic components present, the system eliminates the harmful factor (heat damage) rather than fighting it with cooling infrastructure
3Reliability
If cooling systems are implemented, then electronic component survival is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the expensive electronic sensing system with cooling infrastructure with a simpler, more cost-effective optical sensing system. Optical components like light sources, optical fibers, and detectors are generally more temperature-resilient and eliminate the need for costly active cooling systems while providing equivalent or superior measurement capability
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 system provides durable and efficient sensing in harsh environments by utilizing refractory materials that maintain optical integrity at elevated temperatures, reducing the need for complex cooling systems and enhancing sensitivity through spectral changes.
Implementation Method 1
plasmonic sensor system including continuous and nanostructured layers of refractory plasmonic transition metal nitrides
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic radiation source emitting in the visible, infrared or microwave bands of the electromagnetic spectrum that illuminates the refractory plasmonic metamaterial/metasurface
Implementation Method 3
a detector that measures the reflected signal from the metamaterial/metasurface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor system, comprising refractory plasmonic elements that can withstand temperatures exceeding 2500° C. in chemically aggressive and harsh environments that impose stress, strain and vibrations. A plasmonic metamaterial or metasurface, engineered to have a specific spectral and angular response, exhibits optical reflection characteristics that are altered by varying physical environmental conditions including but not limited to temperature, surface chemistry or elastic stress, strain and other types of mechanical load. The metamaterial or metasurface comprises a set of ultra-thin structured layers with a total thickness of less than tens of microns that can be deployed onto surfaces of devices operating in harsh environmental conditions. The top interface of the metamaterial or metasurface is illuminated with a light source, either through free space or via an optical fiber, and the reflected signal is detected employing remote detectors.