Inventors:
Grover C. Wetsel - Portland OR, US
International Classification:
H01S 3/00
US Classification:
359333, 359330, 359331, 359332, 25022711, 25022712, 25022713, 25022714, 250234, 330 46
Abstract:
A system for sensing characteristics of the environment is disclosed. Sensors utilize exponential growth of a signal initiated by interaction of a sensor element with characteristics of the environment. Specific substances in the environment can be detected. The sensor element may be intrinsically sensitive to the specific substance or can be coated with a material that is sensitive to the specific substance. The sensor component is designed such that it can be made to cause exponential growth of a system signal. The exponential growth of the sensor signal is produced by parametric amplification.