SiC UV Sensor Segmentation for Spectral Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultraviolet radiation detectors provide a rough estimate of danger through the UV index but fail to offer precise knowledge of the spectral composition of ultraviolet radiation, which is essential for accurate risk assessment.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic device with a semiconductor body made of silicon carbide, featuring two sensors - a broadband sensor and a narrow-band sensor - that detect ultraviolet radiation by generating currents indicative of UVA and UVB radiation levels, allowing for the determination of the spectral composition of ultraviolet radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single broadband ultraviolet detector is used to measure overall UV radiation, then the device can provide a UV index, but it cannot determine the spectral composition (UVA vs UVB) of the radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The broadband detector is segmented into two distinct sensors: a first sensor with a first active region and a second sensor with a second active region. Each sensor is designed to detect different spectral components (UVA and UVB) by utilizing different depths of active regions within the semiconductor body, thereby enabling spectral composition detection while maintaining integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the semiconductor body are assigned different functional properties. The first active region is positioned at a first depth optimized for detecting one spectral component, while the second active region is positioned at a second depth optimized for detecting another spectral component. This local differentiation enables precise spectral discrimination.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated to detect different UV spectral components, then precise spectral composition can be determined, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors detecting different UV spectral components are merged into a single integrated semiconductor body. The first sensor and second sensor are formed within the same semiconductor structure, sharing common substrate and fabrication processes, which reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to detect both UVA and UVB radiation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor body serves multiple functions: it acts as the substrate for both sensors, provides electrical connections for both sensors, and enables detection of multiple spectral components (UVA and UVB) through its multi-layered active regions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structures for each sensing 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
Enables precise monitoring of both overall ultraviolet irradiance and the UVA and UVB components, providing users with detailed information beyond the UV index, distinguishing between natural and artificial light sources.
Implementation Method 1
two sensors - a broadband sensor and a narrow-band sensor - that detect ultraviolet radiation by generating currents indicative of UVA and UVB radiation levels
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated electronic device for detecting the composition of ultraviolet radiation includes a cathode region formed by a semiconductor material with a first type of conductivity. A first anode region and a second anode region are laterally staggered with respect to one another and are set in contact with the cathode region. The cathode region and the first anode region form a first sensor. The cathode region and the second anode region form a second sensor. In a spectral range formed by the UVA band and by the UVB band, the first and second sensors have, respectively, a first spectral responsivity and a second spectral responsivity different from one another.