Retroreflector Tracking and Sensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for methane emission detection and tracking are costly, complex, and sensitive to misalignment, making them inefficient for real-time, field-deployable applications.
Innovation Solution
A retroreflector tracking and sensing system utilizing a single multi-functional position-sensitive photodetector (PSD) for simultaneous retroreflector tracking and optical sensing, which reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic systems with separate tracking detectors and RF electronics are used, then tracking precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate tracking detectors and RF electronics into an integrated photodetector system that simultaneously performs both optical detection and position tracking functions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining tracking precision through unified signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The photodetector system is designed to perform multiple functions including optical signal detection, position tracking, and spectroscopic analysis within a single integrated platform, eliminating the need for separate specialized components and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If additional detectors and electronics are added for alignment and pointing tracking, then tracking reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges alignment detection and position tracking functions into a single photodetector-based system, achieving reliable tracking without the need for multiple separate detectors and associated electronics, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity and cost
3Measurement precision
If chirped laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) is used for methane detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential spectroscopic detection function from the complex CLaDS system and implements it using a simplified photodetector-based approach that maintains methane detection precision while eliminating the need for expensive high-speed detectors and complicated RF electronics
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 achieves accurate methane detection and tracking with reduced costs and complexity, enabling robust field operation and precise measurement of methane concentrations with minimal alignment issues.
Implementation Method 1
A retroreflector tracking and sensing system utilizing a single multi-functional position-sensitive photodetector (PSD) for simultaneous retroreflector tracking and optical sensing
Implementation Method 2
position-sensitive detector... Electrical signals generated by said position-sensitive detector may be configured to be used for retroreflector tracking and/or optical sensing
Implementation Method 3
a mirror coupled to a beam steering actuator disposed along an optical transmit path
Implementation Method 4
The system may include a laser source (such as a semiconductor laser)
Data Source
AI summary
A retroreflector tracking and sensing technique is provided. Systems may include a laser source, optical component(s), and a beam steering component disposed along an optical transmit path. The optical component(s) may be disposed between the laser source and the beam steering component (such as a mirror coupled to an actuator). The systems may include a position-sensitive detector (PSD). The beam steering component, one or more of the optical component(s), and the PSD may be disposed along an optical return path. The optical component(s) in the optical return path may be disposed between the beam steering component and the position-sensitive detector. The PSD may be operably coupled to a position tracking analyzer and an optical sensing analyzer. Electrical signals generated by the PSD may be configured to be used for retroreflector tracking and/or optical sensing.