UV Light Module Feedback Control via Wavelength Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling UV light sources is challenging due to the inability of humans to directly perceive UV light, leading to difficulties in monitoring their operational status, and conventional detectors have low responsivity and high light loss during transmission.
Innovation Solution
A UV light module with a substrate-mounted light source and detector, where a lens or waveguide is used to internally reflect and transmit a portion of the UV light to the detector, minimizing light loss and maximizing UV output power, allowing for effective feedback control of the light source's output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional photodiode is used to detect UV light, then the detector can generate photocurrent, but the spectral responsivity decreases as wavelength decreases, resulting in low detection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength conversion layer as an intermediary between the UV light source and the photodiode detector. This layer converts UV light to visible light wavelengths, enabling the photodiode to operate at its peak responsivity while maintaining accurate detection of UV light intensity. The intermediary transforms the harmful UV wavelengths into detectable visible wavelengths without losing the original light power information.
2Measurement precision
If the optical path length between UV light source and detector is increased to improve detection, then more light can be detected, but UV light is absorbed by air causing intensity to decrease rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength conversion layer acts as a mediator that converts UV light to visible light before detection. Since visible light is not absorbed by air in the same way UV light is, this intermediary conversion enables the detector to receive sufficient light intensity even when positioned at optimal distances for detection, without suffering from UV absorption losses.
3Measurement precision
If a waveguide mechanism is added to direct UV light to the detector, then sufficient light can reach the detector, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength conversion function with the light guiding function by integrating the wavelength conversion layer directly onto the photodiode detector surface. This combination eliminates the need for separate waveguide structures, as the converted visible light naturally reaches the detector through direct contact, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective light delivery.
4Loss of energy
If the detector is positioned closer to the light source to minimize light loss, then UV light output power is maximized, but the detector may receive insufficient light intensity for accurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light being detected by using a wavelength conversion layer that transforms UV light to visible light. This parameter change allows the detector to operate at optimal distances without suffering from UV absorption, as visible light maintains its intensity over longer path lengths in air, thus resolving the conflict between minimizing light loss and ensuring sufficient detection intensity.
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 enables efficient monitoring and control of UV light sources by generating a measurable photocurrent, ensuring the UV light output is maintained at target levels while minimizing light loss, thus optimizing UV light output for applications.
Implementation Method 1
The lens includes a surface on which a portion of the output light is internally reflected and the portion of the output light travels through the lens to the detector
Implementation Method 2
The indicator may include a detector, such as photodiode, that generates photocurrent in response to the UV light incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to UV light modules that generate UV light. The UV light module includes: a substrate; a light source mounted on a top surface of the substrate, the light source generates output light; a detector mounted on the top surface of the substrate, the detector detects light incident thereon; and a lens disposed over the light source and the detector. The lens includes a surface on which a portion of the output light is internally reflected and the portion of the output light travels through the lens to the detector.