Cooled Sensor Window Material for Higher Light Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sapphire glass used in hermetically sealed packages for sensor elements absorbs incident light in certain wavelength regions, leading to reduced detection sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device incorporating a Peltier element with a borosilicate glass window member to improve detection sensitivity by minimizing light absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sapphire glass is used as a window member in a hermetically sealed package, then hermetic sealing and mechanical strength are improved, but detection sensitivity deteriorates due to light absorption in certain wavelength regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehermetic sealingVSAvoiddetection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the window member from sapphire glass to borosilicate glass. This material substitution resolves the contradiction because borosilicate glass maintains the hermetic sealing function while having different optical transmission properties that reduce light absorption in the detection wavelength range, thereby improving detection sensitivity without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses borosilicate glass as a composite material solution that combines the desirable properties of hermetic sealing with improved optical transmission characteristics. This composite material approach allows the window member to simultaneously provide mechanical protection and minimize interference with the detected signal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If sapphire glass is used as a window member, then structural integrity is improved, but light transmission in certain wavelength regions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidlight transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameter of the window member by substituting sapphire glass with borosilicate glass. This material parameter change resolves the contradiction because borosilicate glass maintains adequate structural integrity while exhibiting superior light transmission properties in the wavelength regions relevant to sensor detection, thereby improving illumination intensity without compromising strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances detection sensitivity by reducing light absorption in the sensor device, thereby improving the overall performance of the sensor.

Implementation Method 1

a Peltier element, a sensor element thermally connected to a cooling surface of the Peltier element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4084075B1Sensor device

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SONY SEMICON SOLUTIONS CORP

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AI summary

A sensor device (1) according to the present disclosure includes a Peltier element (20), a sensor element (10) thermally connected to a cooling surface (21a) of the Peltier element (20), and a window member (60) that faces a light receiving surface (10a) of the sensor element (10) and is made of borosilicate glass.