Pixelated SWIR Up-Conversion for Night Vision Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current night vision goggle systems are unable to efficiently view short wave infrared light without requiring excessive power, as they are designed to detect and amplify visible light, including near infrared light, and struggle to effectively utilize the significantly greater ambient short wave infrared light present in low light environments.
Innovation Solution
An up-conversion system using a pixelated detector array that converts short wave infrared light to near infrared light, comprising SWIR photodiodes, transimpedance amplifiers, and NIR emitters, allowing the converted light to be amplified by a photomultiplier tube for visible spectrum viewing with minimal power input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photomultiplier tube is used to detect and amplify visible light in night vision goggles, then visible light detection capability is improved, but short wave infrared light detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an up-conversion system as an intermediary between the SWIR light source and the photomultiplier tube. This system includes SWIR photodiodes that detect SWIR light and convert it to electrical signals, which then drive NIR LEDs to emit NIR light. The photomultiplier tube then detects this converted NIR light, effectively enabling SWIR detection through a mediation process that bridges the gap between SWIR sources and visible/NIR detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the wavelength parameter of the light through the up-conversion process. SWIR photodiodes detect light in the short wave infrared range, and through electronic conversion, drive NIR LEDs to emit light in the near infrared range, which is then detected by the photomultiplier tube. This parameter transformation enables the existing photomultiplier tube to indirectly detect SWIR light by converting it to a detectable wavelength range
2Device complexity
If SWIR photodiodes are directly connected to NIR LEDs without amplification, then device complexity is reduced, but output light intensity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transimpedance amplifiers as intermediary components between the SWIR photodiodes and NIR LEDs. These amplifiers convert the weak electrical signals from the photodiodes into amplified signals that can drive the NIR LEDs with sufficient intensity. This intermediary amplification stage bridges the gap between the weak photodiode output and the higher power requirements of the LEDs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces a direct electrical connection with an electronic amplification system. Instead of relying on direct coupling between photodiodes and LEDs, the system uses transimpedance amplifiers to convert and amplify electrical signals, substituting a simple mechanical/electrical connection with an active electronic signal processing mechanism to achieve the required light emission intensity
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 efficient viewing of short wave infrared light in the visible spectrum with reduced power consumption, allowing operators to perceive SWIR light through existing night vision goggles with minimal modifications to the hardware.
Implementation Method 1
SWIR diodes can generate current when receiving SWIR light
Implementation Method 2
This current can be amplified by transimpedance amplifiers
Implementation Method 3
allow LEDs to emit NIR light with minimal power input
Implementation Method 4
The up-conversion system converts SWIR to NIR light, allowing the photomultiplier tube to amplify the converted NIR light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are provided including night vision goggles and up-conversion circuits for converting short wave infrared (SWIR) light into near infrared (NIR) light or other visible light in low-light environments. An array of electrically coupled photodiodes, amplifiers, and NIR light emitters generate and amplify a current in response to SWIR, powering the light emitters to generate NIR light. The NIR can then be directed into a photomultiplier tube to amplify the light and allow an operator to see in low-light environments.