Wavelength Determination Using Complementary Optical Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the wavelength of light beams in harsh environments, such as those found in aircraft monitoring systems, are limited by the rate of spectral measurements, which restricts the precision and accuracy of physical parameter measurements.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing an optical filter with complementary and monotonically varying transmission and reflection coefficients, combined with photodetectors to detect amplitudes of transmitted and reflected light, calculates the wavelength of a narrow-band light beam based on a ratio of output signals, enabling fast and precise determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional spectral measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but measurement rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement rateVSAvoidspectral measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spectral measurement process is segmented into discrete wavelength detection events. By using an optical filter that sequentially presents different transmission characteristics at different wavelengths, the system divides the spectral analysis into manageable segments that can be processed at high speed, thereby increasing measurement rate while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter being measured from full spectral analysis to specific wavelength determination. By focusing on determining the wavelength of a narrow-band beam rather than analyzing the entire spectrum, the measurement process becomes faster while still providing sufficient precision for the application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If spectral analysis is performed at high speed, then measurement rate increases, but measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral analysis speedVSAvoidphysical parameter measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical spectral analysis methods with an optical-based wavelength determination approach. By using optical filters and photodetectors to directly determine wavelength rather than mechanically scanning through spectra, the system achieves high speed while maintaining accuracy through the precision of optical component characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If optical filters with complex transmission characteristics are used, then wavelength determination accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength determination accuracyVSAvoidoptical filter complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an optical filter as an intermediary component with specific transmission characteristics. This filter acts as a mediator between the light source and detector, providing the necessary wavelength-selective functionality without requiring complex measurement systems. The filter's transmission characteristics serve as the basis for wavelength determination while keeping the overall device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for high-speed spectral analysis of narrow-band light beams, enabling more frequent and accurate measurements of physical parameters, even in harsh environments, thereby enhancing the monitoring capabilities of aircraft systems.

Implementation Method 1

an optical filter having complementary transmission and reflection coefficients within a predetermined band of wavelengths inclusive of the wavelength of the narrow-band beam of light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

a first photodetector configured to detect amplitude of a first portion of the beam of light reflected by the optical filter and to generate a first output signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11333556B2Wavelength determination using an optical filter having complementary transmission and reflection coefficients

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 SIMMONDS PRECISION PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

Apparatus and associated methods relate to determining the wavelength of a narrow-band light beam. The narrow-band light beam is passed through an optical filter. The optical filter has complementary and monotonically-varying transmission and reflection coefficients within a predetermined band of wavelengths. The predetermined band of wavelengths includes the wavelength of the narrow-band light beam. A first photodetector detects amplitude of a first portion of the narrow-band light beam transmitted by the optical filter. A second photodetector detects amplitude of a second portion of the narrow-band light beam reflected by the optical filter. The wavelength of the narrow-band light beam is determined, based on a ratio of the determined amplitudes of the first and second portions of the narrow-band light beam transmitted and reflected, respectively.