Tunable Optical Filter Using Semiconductor Nanoparticles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing color imaging systems face challenges with filters that are not tunable post-manufacture and are not compatible with CMOS manufacturing processes, and photodetectors that have fixed spectral bands, making them incompatible with the need for independent detection of multiple spectral bands.
Innovation Solution
An electrically tunable optical filter comprising semiconductor nano-/microparticles with an electrically adjustable optical index layer, insulating layers, and electrodes, allowing for adjustable resonance frequencies and compatibility with CMOS manufacturing processes, along with a matrix of such filters and photodetectors for enhanced spectral control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If absorbing filters made with dyes are used, then one or more defined wavelengths can be transmitted, but the filtering capacity is subject to aging and the materials are not compatible with CMOS manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of filter material from organic dyes to inorganic semiconductor nano-/microparticles. These semiconductor particles exhibit Mie resonance properties that are stable and compatible with CMOS manufacturing, eliminating the aging issues of dye-based filters while maintaining wavelength selectivity through resonant scattering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical absorption mechanism of dye molecules with the physical electromagnetic resonance mechanism of semiconductor particles. This substitution eliminates chemical degradation while providing stable, tunable optical filtering through controlled resonance frequencies determined by particle size and material properties
2Ease of manufacture
If filters based on semiconductor nano-/microparticles with fixed size and material are manufactured, then CMOS manufacturing compatibility is achieved, but the resonance frequency cannot be controlled a posteriori
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic control mechanism by placing an electrode adjacent to each semiconductor particle. By applying electrical voltage, the resonance frequency of each particle can be tuned a posteriori, transforming the static filter into a dynamically adjustable system while maintaining CMOS compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical field between the electrode and the semiconductor particles. This electrical field acts as a mediator that modifies the resonance properties of the particles without requiring physical contact or complex reconfiguration, enabling simple post-manufacturing tuning
3Ease of manufacture
If photodetectors with fixed spectral bands are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but independent detection of multiple spectral bands is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each photodetector universal by combining it with a tunable semiconductor particle filter. The same photodetector structure can detect multiple spectral bands by electronically adjusting the resonance frequency of the associated semiconductor particle, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-band detectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic spectral selection capability to each photodetector through the tunable semiconductor filter. By applying different voltages to the electrode, the filter's resonance frequency changes, allowing the same detector to independently detect different spectral bands on demand
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 the independent detection of multiple spectral bands and tunable resonance frequencies, improving the compatibility and efficiency of color imaging systems with CMOS manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
semiconductor nano-/microparticles, exhibiting electromagnetic resonance properties in the optical and near infrared range
Implementation Method 2
a layer with an electrically adjustable optical index disposed on the surface formed by said nano-/microparticles and said plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of photonic and optoelectronic components and more particularly relates to an optical filter (14) comprising: a plurality of semiconductor nano-/microparticles (1) arranged on a plane (22), said particles having electromagnetic resonance properties in the near-infrared and optical domain, this filter being characterised in that it furthermore comprises: a layer having an electrically adjustable refractive index (5), said layer being placed on the surface formed by said nano-/microparticles (1) and said plane (22); a first electrically insulating layer (8) that is placed on said layer having an electrically adjustable refractive index (5); and an electrode (7) placed on said first electrically insulating layer.