Visible-to-NIR Optical Receiver for Large-Area Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visible light communication systems face challenges such as limited signal power reception due to small photodetector areas and undesirable illumination in indoor environments, as well as the inadequacy of near-infrared photodetectors for hybrid integration with near-infrared photonics platforms.
Innovation Solution
An optical converting receiver that uses near-infrared quantum dots to convert visible light into near-infrared light, integrated with silicon-based optical elements and photodetectors, enabling efficient data transmission and decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a larger photodetector area is used to increase received signal power, then the received signal power increases, but the resistance-capacitance (RC) limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the optical signal from visible range to near-infrared range. This parameter change enables the use of photodetectors with larger active areas that are not constrained by the same RC limits, as NIR photodetectors have different electrical characteristics that allow for larger detection areas while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wavelength conversion intermediary (visible-to-NIR converter) that transforms the visible light signal into a near-infrared signal. This intermediary enables the system to use photodetectors optimized for NIR wavelengths, which have larger active areas and different RC characteristics, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection area and RC limits.
2Productivity
If visible light is used for communication, then data transmission is enabled, but undesirable illumination is created in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the optical signal from visible range (400-680 nm) to near-infrared range (700-2000 nm). This parameter change allows data transmission to occur at wavelengths that are invisible to the human eye, thereby eliminating undesirable illumination while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of visible light illumination into a benefit by transforming the signal to the near-infrared range. The wavelength conversion process transforms what would be a harmful effect (visible illumination) into a beneficial outcome (invisible communication signal) that achieves the same data transmission goal without the unwanted side effect.
3Measurement precision
If silicon-based photodetectors are used for visible light detection, then detection efficiency is high, but hybrid integration with near-infrared photonics platforms is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wavelength conversion intermediary that transforms visible light signals into near-infrared signals. This intermediary enables hybrid integration between silicon-based photodetectors (optimized for visible light) and near-infrared photonics platforms, as the converted NIR signal can be efficiently detected by InGaAs or Ge-based photodetectors while maintaining compatibility with existing NIR photonic infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational wavelength parameter from visible to near-infrared, enabling the system to leverage both silicon-based photodetector technology for signal conversion and InGaAs/Ge-based photodetectors for efficient NIR detection, thereby achieving hybrid integration versatility while maintaining high detection efficiency.
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 enhances data transmission efficiency, expands the detection spectrum of commercial photodetectors, and supports dual-functionalities for downlink and uplink operations, while avoiding undesirable illumination, thereby addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
near-infrared quantum dots to convert visible light into near-infrared light
Implementation Method 2
photodetectors being configured to convert the NIR light beam into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical converting receiver, for changing a visible light beam into a near-infrared, NIR, light beam, includes a substrate, a non-silicon-based optical element located on the substrate and configured to receive the visible light beam and convert the visible light beam into the NIR light beam, a silicon-based optical element located on the substrate and optically coupled to the non-silicon-based optical element, the silicon-based optical element being configured to propagate the NIR light beam, and a photodetector located on the substrate and optically coupled to the silicon-based optical element, the photodetector being configured to convert the NIR light beam into an electrical signal.