High Gain Infrared Collector and Data Node

Case ID:
97-397

An infrared collector employs a concentrator formed of a plurality of spatially related gradient-indexed (GRIN) lenses and a photo detector interconnected by optical fibers. Since the GRIN lenses are arranged on a hemispherical shell the concentrator is relatively insensitive to the direction of the incoming infrared radiation. Optical fibers are used to connect the GRIN lenses to a photo detector where assembly is simplified.

Commercial Applications

• Infrared data networks

Competitive Advantages

• Infrared detector in the collector has a size that is significantly smaller than those used in conventional collectors
• Concentrator has high optical gain and therefore is particularly well adapted for use in low-power portable systems

Patent Status

Patent Issued 6,064,067

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Nic Wetzler
Wayne State University
nic.wetzler@wayne.edu
Inventors:
Yang Zhao
Dan Hu
Keywords:
Device
Optical