Cascaded Optical Ring Resonator Peak Separation by Frequency Transform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical ring resonator sensors face challenges in distinguishing overlapping resonance peaks from multiple closed-loop optical waveguides due to fabrication tolerances and interference, making it difficult to attribute peaks to the correct waveguide and perform accurate analysis.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a first transform to convert detector signals from the time domain to the frequency domain using a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and an inverse transform (IDFT) to separate and identify peaks for each waveguide, allowing for precise peak attribution and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple closed-loop optical waveguides are used to increase sensing capacity, then the quantity of detectable molecules increases, but the difficulty of distinguishing overlapping resonance peaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection system into multiple independent closed-loop optical waveguides, each capable of detecting specific molecules. The processing unit segments the detection task by assigning specific resonance peaks to specific waveguides based on their frequency characteristics, enabling simultaneous detection of multiple molecules without peak overlap confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency domain dimension to resolve the peak distinction problem. By transforming the time-domain detector signal into the frequency domain using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), the system can clearly distinguish overlapping peaks in the time domain through their distinct frequency signatures in the frequency domain, adding a new dimension of separation.
2Measurement precision
If resonance peaks are used for molecular detection, then measurement sensitivity increases, but the complexity of attribute assignment to peaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically assigning attributes to resonance peaks through algorithmic processing. The processing unit automatically identifies peaks, determines their frequency characteristics, and assigns them to specific waveguides without manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high measurement sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the frequency domain to simplify peak attribute assignment. By transforming the detection signal to the frequency domain, peaks are separated by their frequency parameters, making it straightforward to assign each peak to its corresponding waveguide based on frequency matching, thereby reducing the complexity of the assignment process.
3Measurement precision
If frequency scanning is performed to resolve peaks, then measurement accuracy improves, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing frequency scanning and peak identification during the data collection process rather than as a separate post-processing step. The Fast Fourier Transform is applied in real-time to the detector signal, allowing peak attributes to be determined concurrently with data acquisition, thereby reducing the total time required for analysis while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
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
Enables clear identification and separation of resonance peaks for each waveguide, facilitating accurate quantitative and qualitative analysis of molecular presence and refractive index changes, enhancing measurement efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Optical ring resonator sensing increasingly attracts attention, as optical ring resonator-based sensors display high sensitivities, because of their narrow resonance peaks and high-quality factors
Implementation Method 2
Optical ring resonators comprise closed-loop waveguide structures coupled to one or more linear or curved waveguides
Implementation Method 3
a detecting unit 4 optically coupled to output end 24 of output optical waveguide 21, 23 and configured to output a detector signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical detector and to an optical detection method. The present invention further relates to an optical sensor and to a method for detecting the quantity and/or presence of a specific molecules in a fluid.The optical detector of the present invention comprises a cascaded optical ring resonator and is characterized in that the processing unit used for processing the detector signal is configured to obtain Transform, T, data by performing a first transform on the detector signal, to select respective T data for each of the closed-loop optical waveguides among the T data, and to perform a second transform being an inverse of the first transform on the selected respective T data for each of the closed-loop optical waveguides, wherein the first transform is configured for transforming data in the time domain to data in the frequency domain.