Time-Resolved Optical Detection Using Common Timing Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time-resolved imaging devices are complex, costly, and bulky due to the need for spatial optical modulators and multiple photodetectors, limiting their compactness and adaptability for various spatial resolution requirements.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor array of time-resolved detection elements, such as photon avalanche diodes, connected through a common timing circuit, selectively enabled by pre-defined patterns to sample light signals in both spatial frequency and time domains, eliminating the need for a spatial optical modulator and enabling adaptive spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spatial optical modulators and multiple photodetectors are used to achieve time-resolved imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the spatial optical modulator from the imaging system, eliminating the need for complex spatial modulation hardware. The invention achieves time-resolved imaging by directly detecting photons with picosecond-resolution timing circuits, taking out the unnecessary intermediate modulation step while preserving the core measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the timing circuit universal by having it serve multiple detection elements simultaneously through a common timing resource. This multi-functional approach allows a single timing circuit to handle timing measurements for all photodetectors in the array, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining picosecond temporal resolution across the entire imaging system.
2Measurement precision
If spatial optical modulators and multiple photodetectors are used to achieve time-resolved imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive spatial optical modulator component from the system, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. By achieving time-resolved imaging through direct photon detection with timing circuits alone, the invention eliminates the need for costly modulator hardware while maintaining picosecond temporal resolution measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by making the timing circuit universal and shared across multiple detection elements. Instead of requiring dedicated timing circuits for each photodetector, a single common timing circuit serves the entire array, reducing the total component count and manufacturing complexity while preserving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If spatial optical modulators and multiple photodetectors are used to achieve time-resolved imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the bulky spatial optical modulator from the imaging system, significantly reducing device volume. By achieving time-resolved imaging through direct photon detection with timing circuits, the invention eliminates the need for large modulator components while maintaining picosecond temporal resolution measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent reduces device volume by making the timing circuit universal and shared across all detection elements. A single common timing circuit replaces multiple individual timing circuits, reducing the overall hardware footprint and device volume while preserving picosecond temporal resolution across the entire imaging array.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive spatial resolution is required for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing the detection element array to be selectively enabled or disabled in different patterns. This dynamic control of detection elements provides adjustable spatial resolution from low to high without requiring physical hardware changes, achieving adaptability through software-controlled activation patterns rather than complex reconfigurable hardware.
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
The solution allows for compact, cost-effective, and adaptable time-resolved imaging with high temporal resolution, capable of acquiring images with low or high spatial resolution depending on the application, while simplifying hardware and reducing data transfer volume.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor comprising a number of detection elements configured to detect a light signal in a single photon regime
Implementation Method 2
the timing circuit is configured to measure a time of arrival of an output signal from the detection elements on said common line, the output signal being indicative of the detection of a photon of the light signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is disclosed for detecting time-resolved optical data, the device comprising a sensor comprising a number of detection elements configured to detect a light signal in a single photon regime, a timing circuit connected to said number of detection elements though a common line, and a control module connected to the sensor, the control module being configured to selectively enable the detection elements of the sensor according to a set of enabling patterns. The timing circuit is configured to measure a time of arrival of an output signal from the detection elements on the common line, the output signal being indicative of the detection of a photon of the light signal by any of the enabled detection elements.