Spatially-selective reflector for submillimeter wave detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal detectors are ineffective in detecting concealed weapons made of non-metallic materials and are hindered by metallic items, while backscatter X-ray devices pose health risks due to ionizing radiation.
Innovation Solution
A spatially-selective reflective structure using a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk with specific modulations to enhance submillimeter electromagnetic wave detection, allowing for improved imaging without ionizing radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal detectors are used for screening, then they can detect metallic items, but they fail to detect non-metallic weapons and are interfered with by metallic items on persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from metallic properties to dielectric properties. By using submillimeter electromagnetic waves and measuring dielectric resonant frequency, the system can detect both metallic and non-metallic materials uniformly, resolving the limitation of conventional metal detectors that only respond to metallic items
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic induction-based metal detector with a dielectric resonance imaging system. This substitution allows detection of concealed objects based on their dielectric properties rather than metallic properties, enabling detection of non-metallic weapons while avoiding interference from metallic items
2Measurement precision
If backscatter X-ray devices are used for detecting concealed objects, then imaging resolution is improved, but health risks increase due to ionizing radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the radiation type from ionizing X-rays to non-ionizing submillimeter electromagnetic waves. This parameter change maintains the ability to obtain dielectric property information for imaging while eliminating the harmful health effects associated with ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the limitation of non-ionizing radiation (lower energy than X-rays) into a benefit by using dielectric resonance at submillimeter wavelengths, which provides sufficient imaging capability without the health risks of ionizing radiation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If submillimeter electromagnetic waves are used for imaging, then ionizing radiation is avoided, but detection of concealed objects becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection approach by measuring dielectric resonant frequency rather than relying on attenuation or scattering. This parameter change enables effective detection of concealed objects with submillimeter waves by exploiting the dielectric properties of materials, overcoming the detection challenges posed by the lower energy of non-ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dielectric resonant frequency as an intermediary parameter to detect concealed objects. By measuring the resonant frequency of dielectric materials in the submillimeter range, the system creates a detectable signal that reveals the presence and properties of concealed objects without direct ionizing radiation exposure
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 solution provides effective detection of concealed objects with improved resolution and safety, capable of imaging without the need for ionizing radiation, addressing the limitations of conventional metal detectors and X-ray devices.
Implementation Method 1
spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure for the detection of submillimeter electromagnetic waves and systems and methods incorporating spatially-selective reflective structures. One aspect of the invention provides a spatially-selective reflective structure including a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector disk includes a plurality of modulations. Another aspect of the invention provides a submillimeter imaging device including submillimeter wave optics, a spatially-selective reflective structure located in the focal plane of the submillimeter wave optics, a submillimeter wave receiver positioned to capture waves reflected from the spatially-selective reflective structure, and a motor configured to rotate the spatially-selective reflective structure. The spatially-selective reflective structure includes a partially-conducting slab and a modulating reflector disk adjacent to the partially-conducting slab. The modulating reflector plate includes one or more modulations.