Superparamagnetic Infrared Detector Using Magneto-Electric Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current uncooled infrared detecting devices are limited by size, power consumption, cost, and response speed, making them less suitable for portable and fast-response applications in fields like night vision and thermal imaging.

Innovation Solution

The development of long-wave infrared detecting elements that utilize a superparamagnetic material layer, which changes magnetization with temperature under a constant magnetic field, efficiently converting infrared radiation into electrical energy through a thermo-electromagnetic conversion unit, integrated with a magneto-electric conversion unit and a support unit to enhance heat transfer and signal generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If uncooled infrared detecting devices are used, then portability and room temperature operation are achieved, but device size, power consumption, and response speed are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidresponse speed

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection mechanism from traditional thermal or pyroelectric effects to a magneto-electric conversion mechanism using superparamagnetic materials. By applying a magnetic field to the superparamagnetic material layer and detecting changes in magnetization in response to infrared-induced temperature changes, the device achieves faster response speed while maintaining room temperature operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a superparamagnetic material layer, a magnetic field generator, and a magneto-electric conversion unit. This composite design combines materials with different properties (superparamagnetic materials, magnetic field sources, and electrically conductive materials) to achieve both portability and fast response performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If uncooled infrared detecting devices are used, then portability is achieved, but device size and power consumption are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or thermal detection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic field generator produces a magnetic field that interacts with the superparamagnetic material, and the magneto-electric conversion unit converts magnetization changes into electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex thermal management systems and reducing power consumption

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 solution enables the creation of compact, low-power, and cost-effective infrared detecting devices with fast response times, suitable for real-time infrared radiation detection and thermal imaging applications.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetization of a superparamagnetic material layer changes according to temperature under constant magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperparamagnetism: Superparamagnetism

Implementation Method 2

the support unit and the superparamagnetic material layer generate heat by absorbing infrared radiation from an outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a magneto-electric conversion unit configured to generate an electrical signal proportional to both a strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and a magnetization of the superparamagnetic material layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-electric conversion: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11614364B2Long-wave infrared detecting element, long-wave infrared detecting element array structure, long-wave infrared temperature detecting device, and thermal imaging device

Publication Date: 2023.03.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A long-wave infrared detecting element includes a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field; a substrate on the magnetic field generator; a superparamagnetic material layer disposed to be separated from the substrate and magnetized by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator; a support unit on the substrate to support the superparamagnetic material layer such that the superparamagnetic material layer separated from the substrate, such that the support unit and the superparamagnetic material layer generate heat by absorbing infrared radiation from the outside; and a magneto-electric conversion unit that generates an electrical signal proportional to both a strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator and the magnetization of the superparamagnetic material layer.