TIR Waveguide with Diffusive Element for Light Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light communication devices face limitations due to limited space for sensors, requiring multiple sensors for each light entrance and imposing mechanical constraints on sensor placement and alignment, which restricts light collection and effectiveness in devices like wearable technology.
Innovation Solution
The use of waveguides, specifically Total Internal Reflection (TIR) waveguides with diffusive elements and multiple entrances, to channel light to a single sensor, reducing the number of sensors needed and enhancing light collection and flexibility in sensor placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for each light entrance, then light detection capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light collection functions into a single sensor by using a waveguide structure that collects light from multiple entrances and channels it to one detection point. This consolidates what would traditionally require multiple sensors into a single sensor system, reducing device complexity while maintaining light detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary element between multiple light entrances and a single sensor. It receives light from multiple locations, propagates it through its structure, and delivers it to the single sensor for detection, thereby enabling one sensor to perform the function of multiple sensors.
2Productivity
If sensors are placed close to light entrances, then light collection efficiency is improved, but mechanical constraints and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light collection function from the detection function. The waveguide structure is divided into multiple entrances for light collection and a separate detection region with the sensor. This segmentation allows light to be collected at various points along the waveguide and still be efficiently delivered to the sensor, reducing mechanical alignment constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide introduces a spatial dimension for light propagation, allowing light to travel along the length of the waveguide from multiple entrances to the sensor. This dimensional approach decouples the physical distance between light entrances and the sensor, enabling flexible sensor placement while maintaining collection efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If waveguide length is increased to collect more light, then light collection area is improved, but light propagation loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes waveguide parameters including length, width, and refractive index to balance light collection area with propagation efficiency. By carefully selecting these parameters, the waveguide can be sufficiently long to collect light from multiple entrances while minimizing propagation losses through the waveguide material and structure.
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 increases light collection and signal quality, reduces mechanical constraints, and allows for more flexible placement of sensors, improving the effectiveness of light communications in devices with limited space.
Implementation Method 1
The TIR waveguide comprises a first structure, a diffusive element, and one or more waveguide entrances. The first structure has a first index of refraction, where a second index of refraction adjacent the first structure is less than the first index of refraction such that light input to the TIR waveguide propagates along the TIR waveguide within the first structure.
Implementation Method 2
The diffusive element is disposed along an internal edge of the first structure at a first location of the TIR waveguide. The diffusive element is configured to disrupt the propagation of the light along the TIR waveguide.
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system for light communications comprises a total internal reflection (TIR) waveguide and a light sensor adjacent to the TIR waveguide. The TIR waveguide comprises a TIR structure, a diffusive element, and a waveguide entrance. The TIR structure is configured to internally propagate light associated with optical signaling along the TIR waveguide. The diffusive element is disposed at an internal edge of the TIR structure opposite the light sensor. The diffusive element is configured to disrupt the propagation of the light such that at least some of the light is directed to the light sensor. The waveguide entrance is offset from the diffusive element along the TIR structure and configured to collect the light into the TIR structure.