Semiconductor Substrate Light Emitting and Receiving Unit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection apparatuses for non-invasively measuring biological information, such as heartbeats and oxygen saturation, face limitations in miniaturization due to the need for a constant clearance between light emitting and receiving units, which restricts their size and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus with a semiconductor substrate hosting both the light emitting and receiving units, where the receiving unit includes a photoelectric conversion unit and a filter layer to limit incident angles, allowing for reduced gap size and increased light reception efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If chip components are used for light emitting and receiving units, then mounting flexibility is improved, but device size cannot be reduced below a certain limit due to required clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emitting unit and light receiving unit onto a single semiconductor substrate, eliminating the need for separate chip mounting and associated clearances. This integration allows the components to be positioned much closer together than would be possible with discrete chip mounting, thereby reducing overall device size while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of separate chips to a three-dimensional integrated structure where the light receiving unit is positioned beneath the light emitting unit on the same substrate. This vertical arrangement allows for reduced horizontal clearance requirements and enables more compact device geometry.
2Volume of moving object
If clearance between light emitting and receiving units is reduced, then device miniaturization is improved, but light reception efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide structure with specific optical properties positioned between the light emitting unit and light receiving unit. This light guide has optimized refractive index and geometric characteristics that enable efficient light coupling over the reduced clearance distance, compensating for the potential loss in light reception efficiency that would normally result from smaller spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary element between the light emitting unit and light receiving unit. This intermediate structure facilitates efficient light transfer across the reduced gap by guiding and directing light from the emitter to the receiver, maintaining high light reception efficiency despite the minimized clearance between units.
3Measurement precision
If filter layer is added to limit incident angle, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the filter layer directly into the light receiving unit structure on the semiconductor substrate, combining the light reception function with the angular filtering function in a single integrated component. This merger eliminates the need for separate filtering elements and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining the signal-to-noise ratio benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure for the light receiving unit that incorporates the filter layer with specific optical properties integrated into the substrate. This composite design achieves both light reception and angular filtering functions within a unified structure, avoiding the complexity of adding separate filtering components.
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 configuration enables a more compact and power-efficient detection apparatus with improved signal-to-noise ratio, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing power consumption while allowing for the identification of various biological parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting unit disposed at the semiconductor substrate and configured to emit light toward a living body
Implementation Method 2
a first photoelectric conversion unit for receiving the light
Implementation Method 3
a first filter layer for limiting an incident angle of light incident on the first photoelectric conversion unit
Data Source
AI summary
A detection apparatus includes a semiconductor substrate, a first photoelectric conversion unit formed at the semiconductor substrate, a first light emitting layer formed by being stacked at the semiconductor substrate, and a first filter layer formed by being stacked at the first photoelectric conversion unit.