Single-Photon Detectors for Wideband Optical Fiber Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic analysis using fiber optic materials experiences signal loss and reduced integrity outside the 800 nm-1,550 nm wavelength range, leading to inaccurate detection of downhole fluids and their characteristics due to poor transmission and signal deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An array of single-photon detectors (SPDs) tuned to detect signals across a wide wavelength range from 100 nm to 10,000 nm, capable of sensing low photon counts, and configured to analyze spectral characteristics without additional detectors, using nanofabricated nanowires and substrates to improve sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic material is used to transmit signals outside the 800 nm-1,550 nm wavelength range, then a broader spectral analysis capability is achieved, but signal integrity deteriorates due to high attenuation and power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional multi-photon detection to single-photon detection, enabling the system to detect signals at wavelengths outside the optimal fiber transmission range (800-1550 nm) where traditional detectors fail. This parameter change allows detection of extremely weak signals that have undergone high attenuation, resolving the contradiction between broad wavelength coverage and signal integrity.
2Reliability
If conventional optical detectors are used, then detection is limited to the 800 nm-1,550 nm wavelength range with good signal integrity, but the ability to detect weak signals outside this range is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from conventional optical detection to single-photon detection, fundamentally changing the detection sensitivity parameter. This enables accurate detection of individual photons, allowing the system to reliably detect signals at wavelengths where fiber attenuation is high, thus expanding wavelength range coverage while maintaining detection accuracy.
3Productivity
If signals with low photon counts are transmitted through fiber optic material, then spectral analysis of downhole fluids is performed, but detection accuracy decreases due to signal deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs single-photon detectors that can count individual photons, fundamentally changing the detection sensitivity parameter. This allows accurate measurement of signals with extremely low photon counts that would be undetectable or inaccurate with conventional detectors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling spectral analysis of downhole fluids.
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 accurate detection and analysis of signals across various wavelengths, including those with low signal integrity, providing reliable chemical and physical data of downhole fluids, even in regions with high signal attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
single-photon detectors (SPDs) configured to receive and analyze spectral characteristics of a segment of the spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection system for analyzing a fluid sample including a light source configured to emit a light beam to interact with the sample to form a spectrum, an optical fiber to transmit the spectrum, an array of single-photon detectors (SPDs), and wherein each SPD is configured to receive and is tunable to analyze spectral characteristics of the spectrum across a spectral range.