Segmented Light Guide Structure for Optical Sensor Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensors suffer from low sensitivity contrast due to light loss during transmission and difficulties in forming micron-sized structures, which also lead to air gaps and increased manufacturing costs during surface mount technology processing.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and package structure featuring a light source, a light receiver, a first light guide structure, and a second light guide structure with a cavity between them, where the light guide structures are designed to minimize light loss through internal reflection and are formed using a molding technique that allows for precise shaping and adherence to reduce manufacturing stages and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical sensors are used, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity contrast is low due to light loss during transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure is divided into multiple segments including a first light guide structure coupled to the light source and a second light guide structure coupled to the light receiver. This segmentation allows for optimized light path control and reduced light loss at each interface, thereby improving sensitivity contrast while managing the complexity of light transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structures act as intermediary elements between the light source and light receiver. These intermediaries guide and confine light through total internal reflection, minimizing direct light loss and improving the efficiency of light transmission from source to detector, thus enhancing sensitivity contrast.
2Manufacturing precision
If micron-sized structures are formed using conventional methods, then the structure precision can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structures are integrated directly with the light source and light receiver in a unified package structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and complex alignment procedures, reducing manufacturing stages while maintaining micron-sized structure precision through direct coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide structures serve multiple functions: they guide light from the source to the receiver, provide structural support for the package, and enable precise alignment through their integrated design. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and manufacturing steps required, lowering overall device complexity.
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 enhances light sensitivity contrast by minimizing light loss and improving light transmission, leading to better recognition accuracy and reduced manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
the light guide structures are designed to minimize light loss through internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a light source, a light receiver, a first light guide structure, and a second light guide structure. The first light guide structure faces a light emitting surface of the light source and faces a lateral wall of the light receiver. The second light guide structure is disposed over the light receiver and coupled to the first light guide structure. The light receiver and the second light guide structure defines a cavity between the light receiver and the second light guide structure.