Wedge-Shaped Light Trapping Device for High Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic wave-trapping devices face challenges in achieving high collection efficiency, with existing methods often resulting in light leakage due to reflection and scattering, and are costly and complex to manufacture, especially when using nanostructures which are sensitive to environmental changes and limited in bandwidth.
Innovation Solution
A wedge-shaped electromagnetic wave-trapping device with spaced-apart parallel first walls, a second wall extending at a first lateral angle, and a third wall extending at a second lateral angle, coated with reflective materials, designed to receive electromagnetic rays and maximize detection efficiency by reducing idle bouncing and allowing a large entrance aperture for efficient light trapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If nanostructures are used to maximize light absorption, then light absorption efficiency is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the light-trapping structure by using a wedge shape with specific angle ranges (10-45 degrees for the first angle, 10-30 degrees for the second angle). This geometric parameter optimization achieves high light absorption efficiency without requiring complex nanoscale fabrication, thereby resolving the contradiction between absorption efficiency and manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The light-trapping device is segmented into distinct functional regions: a substrate, a wedge-shaped light-trapping structure with specific angular configurations, and detector elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured separately, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high absorption efficiency
2Loss of energy
If nanostructures are used to maximize light absorption, then light absorption efficiency is improved, but environmental stability deteriorates due to sensitivity to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from nanoscale structures to macroscopic wedge-shaped geometry with stable angular parameters. This parameter change from nanoscale to macroscale eliminates the environmental sensitivity inherent in nanostructures while preserving light-trapping effectiveness through optimized wedge angles
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped light-trapping structure uses simple, robust materials that are environmentally stable and resistant to degradation. This approach replaces fragile nanostructures with durable macroscopic geometry that maintains performance under varying environmental conditions
3Loss of energy
If conventional light-trapping methods are used, then light collection is improved, but bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge-shaped light-trapping structure serves multiple spectral bands simultaneously due to its geometric design. The specific angular configuration (10-45 degrees for the first angle, 10-30 degrees for the second angle) enables effective light trapping across ultraviolet, visible, and infrared ranges, providing universal functionality across broad spectral bands
4Illumination intensity
If anti-reflection coatings are used to enhance light transmittance, then light transmittance is improved, but light absorption is reduced due to the law of reversibility of light
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs an asymmetric wedge-shaped structure where the light entry face and the detection face have different geometries and orientations. This asymmetry breaks the law of reversibility by creating non-reciprocal light paths: light enters through one geometry but must traverse a different geometry to escape, thereby trapping light more effectively while maintaining high absorption
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 device achieves near 100% collection efficiency across a broad spectral band, is cost-effective, environmentally stable, and suitable for mass manufacturing, with improved sensor sensitivity and reduced surface recombination, while maintaining a large aperture for efficient light detection.
Implementation Method 1
each of the pair of first walls, the second wall and the third wall can be coated with aluminum, silver, copper, gold, dielectric materials, any reflective coatings or any combinations thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic wave-trapping device including two surfaces, each disposed in a plane, the two surfaces disposed at a first angle with respect to one another to form an opening, one of the two surfaces is configured to be orientated such that an incident electromagnetic ray through the opening, is disposed at a second angle with respect to the one of the two surfaces.