Thermocouple Grating Plasmon Resonance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging apparatuses face challenges in improving image quality due to defects such as white points (white scratches) and polarization dependency, and they struggle with miniaturization and cost reduction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a thermocouple device group with a grating structure on the light receiving face, where thermocouples are arranged to cause plasmon resonance, generating an electromotive force from temperature changes, allowing for improved sensitivity and reduced image degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photodiode is disposed in the pixel to perform photoelectric conversion, then light detection capability is improved, but white points (white scratches) are generated in captured images due to electron recombination or generation from silicon crystal defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the photodiode-based photoelectric conversion system with a thermocouple-based thermal detection system. Instead of directly converting light to electrical signals using a photodiode, the invention uses light absorption to generate heat, which is then converted to electrical signals by thermocouples. This substitution eliminates the white point problem caused by silicon crystal defects while maintaining light detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct photoelectric conversion to thermal detection. By measuring temperature changes rather than directly detecting photons, the system avoids the harmful effects of electron recombination in silicon crystals. The thermocouples detect the thermal energy generated by light absorption, providing an alternative detection mechanism that eliminates white points.
2Measurement precision
If a nanochain structure with metal nanoparticles is used to detect plasmon resonance, then light detection is achieved through resistance change, but the dynamic range of detection intensity is narrow and polarization dependency is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the resistance-based detection method with a thermocouple-based thermal detection method. Instead of measuring resistance changes in a nanochain structure, the invention uses thermocouples to measure temperature changes caused by light absorption. This substitution provides a wider dynamic range and reduces polarization dependency, as thermal detection is less sensitive to the polarization state of incident light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical resistance to temperature. By measuring thermal energy rather than resistance, the system achieves a wider dynamic range and reduced polarization dependency. The thermocouples convert temperature changes into electrical signals, providing a more versatile detection method that works effectively across different light intensities and polarization states.
3Productivity
If photoelectric conversion in a semiconductor layer is used for light detection, then light detection efficiency is improved, but white points are generated in captured images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the semiconductor layer-based photoelectric conversion system with a thermocouple-based thermal detection system. Instead of using a semiconductor layer to convert light directly to electrical signals, the invention uses light absorption to generate heat, which is then detected by thermocouples. This substitution maintains light detection efficiency while eliminating white points caused by electron recombination in the semiconductor layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from photoelectric conversion to thermal detection. By measuring temperature changes rather than directly converting photons to electrical signals, the system avoids the white point problem while maintaining detection efficiency. The thermocouples detect the thermal energy generated by light absorption, providing an alternative mechanism that eliminates harmful effects.
4Measurement precision
If color filters are used in the imaging apparatus to generate color images, then color detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the color filter component from the imaging system. Instead of using color filters to separate wavelengths, the invention uses a grating structure to diffract light and a thermocouple array to detect different spatial components. This extraction eliminates the need for color filters, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining color detection capability through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the grating structure and thermocouple array perform multiple functions: they simultaneously enable color detection, eliminate the need for color filters, and provide a pathway for miniaturization. The grating structure diffracts light into different directions, and the thermocouple array detects the thermal energy from different spatial components, effectively replacing the function of color filters with a multi-functional integrated 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 approach enhances image quality by preventing white point generation, enabling high sensitivity and miniaturization of imaging apparatuses, while also reducing costs by eliminating the need for color filters and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an electromotive force is generated due to a change in the temperature of a portion of the thermocouple device group, at which the plasmon resonance occurs
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of thermocouples are arranged so as to be separated from each other such that the light receiving face has a grating structure, and the thermocouple device group is disposed such that the incidence light is incident to the grating structure so as to cause plasmon resonance to occur on the light receiving face
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit in which a plurality of pixels receiving incidence light on a light receiving face are disposed in an imaging region of a substrate, wherein the pixel includes a thermocouple device group in which a plurality of thermocouples are aligned along the light receiving face, wherein, in the thermocouple device group, the plurality of thermocouples are arranged so as to be separated from each other such that the light receiving face has a grating structure, and wherein the thermocouple device group is disposed such that the incidence light is incident to the grating structure so as to cause plasmon resonance to occur on the light receiving face, and an electromotive force is generated due to a change in the temperature of a portion of the thermocouple device group, at which the plasmon resonance occurs, in each of the plurality of thermocouples.