Thin-film luminescent concentrators for position-sensitive devices

Area of Science:

• Optics and photonics
• Materials science
• Sensor technology

Background:

• Luminescent concentrators (LCs) are optical devices that absorb incident light and re-emit it at a longer wavelength.
• The output signal of an LC is influenced by incident light properties, material characteristics, and geometry.
• LCs exhibit position-dependent output, suggesting potential for spatial sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate luminescent concentrators (LCs) as two-dimensional position-sensitive elements.
• To analyze LC designs for improved linear response in position sensing.
• To experimentally validate the performance of LC-based position-sensitive devices.

Main Methods:

• Ray-tracing simulations were employed to analyze various LC designs.
• Experimental characterization of position-sensitive devices integrating LCs with photodetectors.
• Evaluation of spatial resolution and linear range of the developed sensors.

Main Results:

• LCs demonstrate potential as position-sensitive devices due to their position-dependent output signal.
• Ray-tracing simulations guided the optimization of LC designs for enhanced linear response.
• Experimental results confirmed the feasibility of LC-based position sensing with a spatial resolution of approximately 13 micrometers within a +/-5 mm linear range.

Conclusions:

• LCs offer a simple and effective alternative to traditional position-sensitive sensors.
• LC-based devices provide a larger linear range compared to discrete photodetector sensors.
• The developed LC sensor exhibits high spatial resolution, suitable for various position-sensing applications.