Wavelength Converting Element for Optical Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical concentrators, such as lenses and mirrors, are limited by the constant radiance theorem, restricting the achievable communication efficiency and geometry, making it difficult to design systems with large collecting apertures and high concentration factors in a small volume for data communications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a wavelength converting element that converts electromagnetic radiation to longer wavelengths, allowing for a wider field of view or higher gain, and integrating this element into devices like display screens to facilitate efficient data transmission without visual impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical concentrators (lenses and mirrors) are used, then optical concentration can be achieved, but the concentration level is limited by the constant radiance theorem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the radiation to overcome the constant radiance theorem limitation. By converting radiation to longer wavelengths, the system achieves higher concentration levels than conventional single-wavelength concentrators, as the theorem's constraints are relaxed when wavelength transformation is involved
Solution Approach 2:
A wavelength converting element is introduced as an intermediary between the radiation source and the detector. This intermediary transforms the radiation wavelength, enabling the system to achieve concentration levels that would be impossible with direct optical concentration alone
2Quantity of substance
If large collecting apertures are used to improve data collection, then more radiation can be collected, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
By transforming the wavelength parameter, the system decouples the relationship between collecting aperture size and concentration factor. This enables large aperture systems to maintain compact volumes, as the wavelength conversion allows higher concentration ratios than conventional optics permit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength as an additional dimension for optimization. Instead of only adjusting spatial parameters (aperture size, focal length), the system uses wavelength transformation to achieve concentration, adding a new degree of freedom that resolves the volume-capacity tradeoff
3Speed
If smaller photo-detectors are used to improve data rate performance, then detection speed increases, but the collecting aperture area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength transformation enables the system to maintain a large collecting aperture while using a small detector. The wavelength converting element acts as an intermediary that concentrates radiation from the large aperture onto the small detector area, preserving both the aperture area for high signal collection and the small detector size for high-speed operation
4Measurement precision
If wavelength conversion to longer wavelengths is implemented, then higher concentration levels are achieved, but the field of view may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wavelength conversion parameters to achieve the desired concentration factor while maintaining an acceptable field of view. By carefully selecting the wavelength converting element's characteristics and its positioning, the system balances concentration enhancement with angular acceptance
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 approach enables higher concentration levels than conventional methods, allowing for smaller, more efficient detectors and flexible device integration, enhancing data transmission efficiency and device design.
Implementation Method 1
a concentration stage for receiving and concentrating the radiation, prior to detection of the radiation by the detector, the concentration stage comprising a wavelength converting element configured to convert radiation to longer wavelength radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for data communications are disclosed. In a disclosed arrangement, there is provided an apparatus for data communications, comprising : a detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation; a decoder for obtaining information from the detected electromagnetic radiation; and a concentration stage for receiving and concentrating the radiation, prior to detection of the radiation by the detector, the concentration stage comprising a wavelength converting element configured to convert radiation to longer wavelength radiation.