Tunable Detector Non-Planar Semiconductor Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical computing devices, such as ICEs, face challenges in downhole hydrocarbon exploration due to harsh environmental conditions and the need for frequent recalibration, which complicates spectral measurements and reduces accuracy, especially with multiple passive elements and rotating wheels that are difficult to align with flowing fluids.
Innovation Solution
An optical computing device with a tunable detector having non-planar semiconductor structures that can be manufactured to respond to and weight specific wavelengths of light, allowing for spectral measurements across a broad spectral band with a reduced number of physical components, enabling accurate analysis of samples without the need for extensive recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotating passive elements are used for spectral measurements, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral filtering functions into a single integrated detector device with multiple detection elements, eliminating the need for multiple rotating passive elements. Each detection element is configured to detect a specific wavelength range, and the controller processes signals from these elements to achieve comprehensive spectral analysis in a stationary configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating filter wheel system with a stationary detector array. Instead of mechanically rotating passive elements to change spectral filtering, the system uses multiple fixed detection elements with different spectral responses, controlled electronically to achieve the same spectral analysis capability without moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotating passive elements are used for spectral measurements, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but alignment accuracy with flowing fluid deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating filter wheel system with a stationary detector array. Instead of mechanically rotating passive elements to change spectral filtering, the system uses multiple fixed detection elements with different spectral responses, controlled electronically to achieve the same spectral analysis capability without moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of detection elements through the controller, which can selectively activate and adjust the operation of individual detection elements based on the spectral characteristics of the flowing fluid. This dynamic electronic control replaces the static mechanical rotation, allowing adaptive spectral analysis without physical movement that could misalign with the fluid flow.
3Ease of operation
If passive elements are used in harsh environmental conditions, then spectral measurements can be performed, but recalibration frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration capability through the controller, which can automatically adjust and compensate for environmental variations affecting the detection elements. The system monitors its own performance and performs recalibration operations autonomously, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing the time loss associated with frequent recalibration in harsh downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent compensates for environmental effects by dynamically adjusting operational parameters of the detection elements. The controller modifies detection parameters such as integration time, gain, and threshold levels based on environmental conditions, allowing the system to maintain measurement accuracy without physical recalibration of the passive elements themselves.
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 tunable detector effectively determines sample characteristics by weighting specific wavelengths of light, improving measurement accuracy and reducing device complexity, enabling efficient spectral analysis in harsh downhole environments.
Implementation Method 1
a detector having a non-planar semiconductor structure that can be manufactured to have particular characteristics that may tune the detector to respond to and weight particular wavelengths of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical computing device including a detector having a non-planar semiconductor structure is provided. The detector may include one or more structures having structure characteristics that may be optimized to respond to and weight predetermined wavelengths of light radiated from a sample that are related to characteristics of the sample. The detector may include an array of the one or more structures, wherein each of the structure units may be individually addressable to program or tune the detector to respond to and weight a spectra of light and generate an output signal based on the weighted spectra of light that is proportional to the characteristics of the sample.