Semiconductor Island Frequency Conversion for Compact Night Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing frequency/wavelength conversion devices for non-ionising electromagnetic radiation are bulky and require improvement for applications like night vision, where compactness is essential.
Innovation Solution
A frequency conversion device featuring an array of mutually spaced semiconductor islands made of III-V semiconductor compounds, supported by a transparent substrate, which undergoes nonlinear frequency conversion to emit radiation of a shorter wavelength, allowing for compact and efficient conversion of infrared radiation to visible light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional frequency conversion devices are used, then frequency/wavelength conversion capability is achieved, but device bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the frequency conversion function into discrete semiconductor islands rather than using a continuous bulk crystal. Each island is a separate nonlinear optical element, allowing the overall device volume to be reduced while maintaining conversion capability through the collective effect of multiple islands.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and dimensional parameters of the semiconductor material from bulk continuous form to nanoscale island form. The islands have specific size parameters (hundreds of nanometers to micrometers) that enable frequency conversion while occupying minimal volume, directly addressing the bulkiness problem.
2Volume of moving object
If semiconductor islands are used for frequency conversion, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple semiconductor islands into a single integrated device structure supported by a transparent substrate. The islands are positioned and oriented to work together as a unified frequency conversion system, simplifying the overall device architecture compared to using separate bulk crystals.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent substrate serves as an intermediary element that holds and positions the semiconductor islands. This substrate provides a platform for fabricating the islands and enables their integration into a compact device while maintaining optical transparency for the frequency conversion function.
3Reliability
If transparent support is used, then transparency to output wavelength is maintained, but structural support requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent substrate provides optical transparency specifically for the output wavelength range while providing mechanical support for the semiconductor islands. The substrate's optical properties are optimized for transparency at the second wavelength, while its mechanical properties provide the necessary structural support without interfering with the frequency conversion function.
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 device effectively converts infrared radiation to visible light, enhancing the compactness and performance of night vision devices while maintaining transparency to the output wavelength, thereby improving imaging capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength incident upon the semiconductor islands causes them to emit electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength shorter than the first wavelength by a nonlinear frequency conversion process
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency conversion device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, a frequency device includes an array of mutually spaced semiconductor islands composed of at least one III-V semiconductor compound. The semiconductor islands are configured so that electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength incident upon the semiconductor islands causes them to emit electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength shorter than the first wavelength by a nonlinear frequency conversion process. The frequency device further includes a transparent support supporting the semiconductor islands. The transparent support is substantially transparent to radiation of the second wavelength, so that at least the radiation of the second wavelength passes through the transparent support.