Stacked Optical Sensor Layers for Wide-Spectrum Light Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silicon-based optical sensors are limited in their ability to detect light across a wide spectrum, including visible, near-infrared, shortwave infrared, and mid-wave infrared regions, which is necessary for various applications such as hyperspectral detection and material recognition.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical sensing apparatus with multiple absorption regions, each configured to absorb light in specific spectral ranges. The apparatus includes a first absorption region for visible or near-infrared wavelengths, a second absorption region for near-infrared or shortwave infrared wavelengths, and a third absorption region for shortwave infrared or mid-wave infrared wavelengths, utilizing materials such as silicon, germanium, and germanium-tin compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-material absorption region is used, then the device structure is simple, but the spectral detection range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption region is divided into multiple discrete layers, each responsible for detecting a specific spectral band (visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR). This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific wavelength range while collectively achieving broad-spectrum detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure with four different absorption regions made from materials optimized for specific spectral ranges: silicon for visible/NIR, germanium for NIR/SWIR, and other specialized materials for SWIR/MWIR. This composite approach enables simultaneous detection across the entire electromagnetic spectrum from visible to mid-wave infrared.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple absorption regions with different materials are used, then the spectral detection range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption regions are arranged in a nested, stacked configuration where each absorption layer is positioned directly over the previous one. This vertical nesting allows multiple functional layers to be integrated in a compact footprint, minimizing the overall device volume while maintaining all spectral detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar, single-layer detection architecture to a three-dimensional stacked architecture. By utilizing the vertical dimension, multiple absorption regions can be integrated without significantly increasing the lateral footprint, thus managing complexity through spatial optimization.
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 multi-spectral optical sensing apparatus enables detection of light across a wide spectrum, from visible to mid-wave infrared, enhancing its applicability in diverse fields such as hyperspectral detection, material recognition, and biomedical sensing.
Implementation Method 1
a first absorption region configured to absorb light in at least a first spectrum at visible or near infrared wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a second absorption region formed over the first absorption region, the second absorption region configured to absorb light in at least a second spectrum at near infrared or shortwave infrared wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
a third absorption region formed over the second absorption region, the third absorption region configured to absorb light in at least a third spectrum at shortwave infrared or mid-wave infrared wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems for optical sensing are provided. In one aspect, an optical sensing apparatus includes: a first absorption region configured to absorb light in at least a first spectrum with visible or near infrared wavelengths; a second absorption region formed over the first absorption region, the second absorption region configured to absorb light in at least a second spectrum with near infrared or shortwave infrared wavelengths; and a third absorption region formed over the second absorption region, the third absorption region configured to absorb light in at least a third spectrum with shortwave infrared or mid-wave infrared wavelengths.