RF Signal Measurement System Using Reflective Planar Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF signal analysis in microwave communication is limited by laborious laser beam alignment and vulnerability to mechanical shocks and temperature changes, which reduces sensitivity and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system comprising an optically transparent enclosure with an optically pumpable gas, a printed circuit board with a reflective planar face, and an optical pump and detector for guiding RF signals and optimizing light reflection and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser beam is directed closely along a surface for quantum sensing, then sensitivity is improved, but alignment complexity and vulnerability to mechanical shocks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical pump as an intermediary device that emits light onto a reflective planar face, which then reflects the light onto the surface where quantum sensing occurs. This mediator approach eliminates the need for direct laser beam alignment along the surface, reducing alignment complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve high sensitivity through the reflected light path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (direct laser beam positioning) with an optical system (light emission and reflection). By using an optical pump to emit light and a reflective surface to direct it, the system substitutes complex mechanical alignment with optical pathways, reducing vulnerability to mechanical shocks and simplifying alignment procedures.
2Measurement precision
If a laser beam is directed closely along a surface for quantum sensing, then sensitivity is improved, but vulnerability to mechanical shocks and temperature changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical pump and reflective planar face act as intermediaries that decouple the laser source from the sensing surface. This separation protects the laser alignment from mechanical shocks and temperature changes while maintaining the optical pathway needed for high sensitivity quantum sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing direct mechanical laser alignment with an optical reflection system, the patent reduces the system's vulnerability to mechanical disturbances. The optical pump and reflective surface create a more robust configuration that is less sensitive to mechanical shocks and thermal variations.
3Measurement precision
If conventional laser alignment methods are used, then RF signal analysis can be performed, but time and effort for alignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective planar face is pre-configured on the substrate, and the optical pump is positioned to emit light at a predetermined angle. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment procedures during operation, as the optical pathway is already established through the reflection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with a predetermined optical configuration. The optical pump emits light at a fixed angle that reflects off the planar face onto the sensing surface, eliminating the need for iterative alignment adjustments and significantly reducing setup time.
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 improved sensitivity, robustness, and reduced alignment efforts for RF signal analysis, enabling better overlap of laser intensity and microwave field strength in atomic vapor quantum sensing setups.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective planar face... emitting preferably coherent light onto the reflective planar face, and a detector for detecting an optical property of the emitted light being reflected by the reflective planar face
Implementation Method 2
an optically pumpable gas... an optical pump for emitting preferably coherent light onto the reflective planar face
Implementation Method 3
an optically transparent enclosure comprising an optically pumpable gas... emitting preferably coherent light onto the reflective planar face
Implementation Method 4
in highly excited energy states/levels wherein an outermost electron is substantially farther away from a nucleus as in an initial energy state/level, atomic vapor may exhibit sensitive responses to external electromagnetic radio-frequency (RF) fields
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a measurement system for analysing RF signals. The measurement system includes an optically transparent enclosure including an optically pumpable gas, and a printed circuit board, PCB including an electrical transmission line for guiding the RF signal to be analyzed through the enclosure and a reflective planar face. The measurement system includes an optical pump for emitting preferably coherent light onto the reflective planar face, and a detector for detecting an optical property of the emitted light being reflected by the reflective planar face. This provides a better laser/microwave overlap in atomic vapor quantum sensing setups, where it is crucial to overlap the regions with highest laser intensity and microwave field strength.