Spectral Detector Resonator Segmentation Miniaturization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current noninvasive glucose measurement methods using spectral analysis face challenges in miniaturization for integration into mobile devices, and existing micro spectral detectors are limited in resolution and efficiency due to size constraints and optical signal processing limitations.

Innovation Solution

A spectral detector design featuring a plurality of spectral detection units with resonators of varying lengths, utilizing evanescent coupling and a lattice structure for improved optical signal processing, where each unit includes a light receiver, waveguide, and output unit arranged alternately to enhance signal modulation and throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a micro spectral detector is miniaturized for mobile device integration, then the device size is reduced, but the spectral detection resolution and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector sizeVSAvoidspectral detection resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detector is divided into multiple spectral detection units, each containing a resonator and optical signal processor. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different spectral components, maintaining high resolution while reducing overall device size through functional decomposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional spatial filtering methods to resonant frequency-based spectral separation. By using resonators with different resonant frequencies coupled to a shared waveguide, the system achieves spectral resolution in the frequency domain rather than requiring large spatial separation, enabling miniaturization without sacrificing resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If traditional spectral detection methods are used, then spectral analysis is achieved, but the optical throughput and signal-to-noise ratio are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectral analysis capabilityVSAvoidoptical throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple spectral detection units share a common input waveguide and can process optical signals simultaneously. This merging of optical paths eliminates redundant components and maximizes optical throughput while maintaining spectral resolution through the resonant frequency differences of individual units

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or spatial optical filtering mechanisms with resonant frequency-based filtering using photonic resonators. This substitution reduces optical losses associated with physical filters while enabling precise spectral separation through resonant coupling, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design increases the resolution and efficiency of spectral detection, allowing for higher optical throughput and signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining a compact form factor, enabling accurate analysis of incident light spectra and improved glucose measurement capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The waveguide may be configured to deliver at least a part of the light traveling therethrough to the resonator based on evanescent coupling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvanescent coupling:

Implementation Method 2

the resonator may be configured to absorb and resonate at least a part of the optical signal incident to the optical signal processor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

a waveguide configured to transmit the light incident to the light receiver

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide transmission: Waveguide (optics)

Data Source

PatentEP3187845B1Spectral detector and image sensor including the same
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3187845B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3187845B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3187845B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A spectral detector includes a plurality of spectral detection units, each of the spectral detection units including an optical signal processor configured to deliver an optical signal incident to the spectral detection unit to an outside of the spectral detection unit, and a resonator configured to modulate a spectrum of an optical signal incident to the optical signal processor by interacting with the optical signal processor, at least some of the resonators of the plurality of spectral detection units having different lengths from each other, and a number of optical signal processors included in each respective spectral detection unit varying according to a length of the resonator included in the respective spectral detection unit.