Terahertz Transmitter System for Spatial Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terahertz systems for non-destructive testing are limited by their need for pulsed radiation, which restricts spatially resolved measurements to small areas and requires long acquisition times for larger objects, making them inefficient and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses two transmitter units emitting differently modulated terahertz waves, allowing for the identification and separation of receiver signal portions based on modulation frequencies, enabling spatially resolved characterizations and reconstructions of objects by evaluating the amplitude and phase of the receiver signal, and allowing for continuous wave operation to facilitate faster and more flexible measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulsed terahertz radiation is used for spatially resolved measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to long acquisition times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using continuous wave terahertz radiation that is modulated with specific frequencies. The transmitter units emit continuous waves that are modulated at different frequencies, allowing the receiver to distinguish between signals from different transmitters through frequency discrimination. This periodic modulation enables simultaneous measurement of multiple spatial points without requiring sequential pulsed measurements, thereby improving measurement speed while maintaining spatial resolution.
2Measurement precision
If pulsed terahertz radiation is used for spatially resolved measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for precise timing and synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from time-domain discrimination (used in pulsed systems) to frequency-domain discrimination. Instead of using precise timing to distinguish between signals from different spatial locations, the system uses continuous waves modulated at different frequencies. This parameter change from time to frequency domain simplifies the system by eliminating the need for complex timing synchronization while maintaining the ability to perform spatially resolved measurements.
3Productivity
If continuous wave operation is implemented for faster measurements, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in separating signals from different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the continuous wave signal into distinct identifiable components through frequency modulation. Each transmitter unit modulates its continuous wave at a unique frequency, effectively segmenting the overall signal in the frequency domain. This allows the receiver to separate and analyze signals from different spatial locations simultaneously, maintaining spatial resolution while enabling continuous wave operation for faster measurements.
4Productivity
If multiple transmitter units are used for simultaneous multi-point measurement, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for signal separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using frequency as the distinguishing parameter for multiple transmitter units. Instead of using complex spatial or temporal coding schemes, each transmitter is assigned a unique modulation frequency. This simple parameter assignment enables straightforward signal separation at the receiver through frequency-selective detection, reducing signal processing complexity while allowing simultaneous multi-point measurements.
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, contactless, and temperature-independent testing of both conductive and non-conductive materials with high spatial resolution, including multi-layer structures and moving objects, by allowing simultaneous detection of larger areas and reducing measurement times.
Implementation Method 1
the first and/or the second electromagnetic waves are at least partially absorbed and/or reflected by the object, wherein the transmitted portion and/or the reflected portion of the first and/or the second electromagnetic waves is at least partially detected by the receiver unit
Implementation Method 2
the first and/or the second electromagnetic waves are at least partially absorbed and/or reflected by the object
Implementation Method 3
the first transmitter unit is configured for transmitting first electromagnetic waves modulated with a first modulation frequency and the second transmitter unit is configured for generating second electromagnetic waves modulated with a second modulation frequency
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and a method for determining characteristics of an object or a sample, the system comprising: at least a first and a second transmitter unit (11, 12), wherein the first transmitter (11) unit is configured for transmitting first electromagnetic waves (T1) towards the object (2) and the second transmitter (12) unit is configured for transmitting second electromagnetic waves (T2) towards the object (2); at least one receiver unit (13) for receiving electromagnetic waves from the object (2), the receiver unit (13) generating a receiver signal upon receipt of the electromagnetic waves from the object (2), wherein the first and the second transmitter unit (11, 12) is configured in such a way that the first and the second electromagnetic waves (T1, T2) are modulated differently in such a way that by demodulating the receiver signal, a portion of the receiver signal evoked by the first electromagnetic waves (T1) can be separated from a portion of the receiver signal evoked by the second electromagnetic waves (T2), and/or the first and the second transmitter unit (11, 12) is configured in such a way that at the same point in time the frequency of the first electromagnetic waves (T1) is different from the frequency of the second electromagnetic waves (T2) such that a portion of the receiver signal evoked by the first electromagnetic waves (T1) can be separated from a portion of the receiver signal evoked by the second electromagnetic waves (T2).