Segmented Photon Detector Switching Around Defective Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional photon detectors face inefficiencies and errors due to defects in superconducting components, leading to false detection signals and photon loss, especially when some detecting sections become non-operational.

Innovation Solution

The photon detecting system is split into multiple sections, with optical and electrical switches that decouple non-operational sections from the waveguide, ensuring that photons are directed to operational detectors and using readout circuitry to determine the state of electrical switches for accurate detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional photon detectors use superconducting components, then detection sensitivity is improved, but defects cause false detection signals and photon loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse detection signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple detecting sections, each with its own detector and switches. This segmentation allows individual sections to be isolated and managed separately, enabling the system to maintain reliability by routing photons away from defective sections while preserving the high sensitivity of superconducting detectors in operational sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Readout circuitry continuously monitors the state of electrical switches and detector performance. When a defect is detected in a particular section, the feedback mechanism triggers the optical and electrical switches to redirect photons, dynamically adjusting the system to maintain accurate detection and eliminate false signals from defective areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of stationary object

If photon detectors operate with defects, then system continuity is maintained, but photon loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem continuityVSAvoidphoton loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic switching mechanisms that adapt in real-time to detector status. Optical switches control the physical routing of photons, while electrical switches adjust impedance to redirect signals. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain continuous operation by actively steering photons around defective sections, minimizing photon loss while preserving system continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple detecting sections are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each detecting section is designed as a universal module containing a detector, optical switch, and electrical switch that can perform multiple functions. This modular universality allows the system to achieve high detection accuracy through multiple sections while managing complexity by using standardized, interchangeable components throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Optical switches and electrical switches serve as intermediary components between the waveguide and readout circuitry. These intermediaries manage the complexity of routing and signal control, allowing multiple detecting sections to operate coordinatedly without requiring complex direct interconnections, thus improving detection accuracy while containing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach enhances the detection efficiency by preventing photon loss to non-operational sections and ensuring accurate detection even with defects, maintaining system performance by utilizing multiple operational sections.

Implementation Method 1

a detector, optically coupled with the second waveguide, configured to detect one or more photons in the second waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

Superconductors are materials capable of operating in a superconducting state with zero electrical resistance under particular conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentUS11994428B1Self-triaging photon detector

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 PSIQUANTUM CORP

AI summary

A photon detecting component is provided. The photon detecting component includes a first waveguide and a detecting section. The detecting section includes a second waveguide; a detector, optically coupled with the second waveguide, configured to detect one or more photons in the second waveguide; an optical switch configured to provide an optical coupling between the first waveguide and the second waveguide when the detector is operational; and an electrical switch electrically coupled to the detector, wherein the electrical switch is configured to change state in response to the detector detecting one or more photons. The photon detecting component further includes readout circuitry configured to determine a state of the electrical switch of the detecting section.