Spectrometer coupler and spectral analysis apparatus compatible with free-space and fiber-optic inputs

Abstract

The utility model discloses a compatible free light and optical fiber input's spectrometer coupler and spectral analysis equipment, this spectrometer coupler includes shell, adapter installation platform, optical fiber adapter, lens group, reflector, power mechanism, lens installation platform and first achromatic lens, is provided with first light hole, second light hole and third light hole on the shell, the adapter installation platform is set up in the position of corresponding first light hole of shell, the optical fiber adapter is installed on the adapter installation platform, and lens group and reflector all set up in the shell, the lens installation platform is set up in the position of corresponding second light hole of shell, and the first achromatic lens is installed on the lens installation platform, and the first achromatic lens is set up in the position of corresponding second light hole, and the reflector is installed on the power mechanism, is used for letting the reflector avoid the free light of first achromatic lens focusing. The utility model can adapt to two different light signal input modes of free light and optical fiber, and this greatly expands the application range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of photoelectric detectors, and more specifically, relates to a spectrometer coupler and a spectroscopic analysis device compatible with both free light and fiber optic input. Background Technology

[0002] The numerical aperture (NA) of a spectrometer is a key parameter describing the ability of its optical system to collect and transmit light. It is closely related to the spectrometer's optical path design, and its core significance lies in quantifying the system's ability to capture light incident from different angles. The NA of a spectrometer directly affects the luminous flux, detection sensitivity, and compatibility with the front-end optical system.

[0003] The NA of the spectrometer must match the NA of the front-end optical components (such as the light source, optical fiber, sample cell, lens, etc.). If the NA of the front-end components (such as the optical fiber) is greater than the NA of the spectrometer, some light will not be received by the spectrometer, resulting in a loss of light flux and a reduction in detection sensitivity. The larger the NA, the wider the angle range of light that the spectrometer can collect, and the higher the light flux entering the system (especially for weak light signals, such as fluorescence, Raman scattering, etc.), the higher the detection sensitivity will be. However, an excessively large NA may introduce more stray light.

[0004] In combined optical systems (such as "light source → fiber optic → spectrometer" or "microscope → camera"), adapters / coupled lenses can be used to achieve NA matching between the front-end and back-end optical systems, thereby improving the efficiency of the optical system. When the NA of the light source is greater than the NA of the system, a coupling lens that reduces the light spot size (such as a convex lens for focusing) can compress large-angle light rays into small angles, thereby reducing the angle (lowering the NA) and adapting the system.

[0005] Free-light input and fiber optic input are two different optical signal input methods. Fiber optic input transmits the light beam through optical fibers. Its advantages include electrical isolation, reducing the impact of the external environment on the optical signal to some extent, high stability, strong anti-interference capabilities, and simple coupling. It is suitable for long-distance, high-stability, and flexible deployment scenarios. However, it has certain requirements regarding the type and quality of the optical fiber. Different types of optical fibers (such as single-mode and multimode fibers) have different transmission characteristics and need to be matched with the system; otherwise, significant coupling loss will occur, affecting the transmission efficiency of the optical signal. Free-light input, on the other hand, allows the optical signal to propagate in free space. Its advantages include no need for fiber coupling and no limitation by specific fiber types, resulting in high transmission efficiency. However, it has poor stability and is greatly affected by the environment (such as dust and airflow, which may cause attenuation or scattering of the optical signal). Precise alignment is required, making it suitable for short-distance, parameter-adjustable scenarios.

[0006] Both test optical signal input modes have their advantages, and the choice should be made according to the actual situation in the field of photoelectric detection. However, conventional spectrometer couplers do not have spectrometer couplers that are compatible with both free light and fiber optic inputs, making it difficult to meet more testing needs. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned defects or improvement needs of the existing technology, this utility model provides a spectrometer coupler and spectrometer analysis equipment that are compatible with both free light and fiber optic input. It can quickly match the optical system under both free light and fiber optic input conditions, meet more testing needs and reduce the complexity of user measurement operations.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of this utility model, a spectrometer coupler compatible with both free-light and fiber optic inputs is provided, comprising a housing, an adapter mounting platform, a fiber optic adapter, a lens group, a reflector, a power mechanism, a lens mounting platform, and a first achromatic lens, wherein:

[0009] The outer casing is provided with a first light-passing hole for light intake, a second light-passing hole for light intake, and a third light-passing hole for light output.

[0010] The housing is provided with the adapter mounting platform at a position corresponding to the first light-transmitting hole;

[0011] The fiber optic adapter is mounted on the adapter mounting platform for connecting fiber optic cables or fiber optic patch cords.

[0012] The lens group and the reflector are both disposed inside the housing and are arranged corresponding to the position of the first light-transmitting hole, so that the light emitted from the optical fiber or optical fiber jumper passes through the lens group and is reflected by the reflector and focused on the light inlet of the spectrometer outside the housing. The position of the third light-transmitting hole corresponds to the position of the light inlet of the spectrometer outside the housing.

[0013] The lens mounting platform is installed on the housing at the position corresponding to the second light-transmitting hole. The first achromatic lens is installed on the lens mounting platform. The first achromatic lens is set at the position corresponding to the second light-transmitting hole and is used to focus free light onto the light inlet of the spectrometer outside the housing.

[0014] The reflector is mounted on the power mechanism to allow it to avoid free light focused by the first achromatic lens.

[0015] Preferably, the fiber optic adapter is a fiber optic flange for connecting fiber optic patch cords.

[0016] Preferably, the lens group includes a second achromatic lens and a third achromatic lens arranged coaxially, so that the light emitted from the optical fiber or optical fiber jumper is collimated by the second achromatic lens and focused by the third achromatic lens onto the light inlet of the spectrometer.

[0017] Preferably, the second and third light-transmitting holes are coaxially arranged, and the center line of the first light-transmitting hole is perpendicular to the center line of the second light-transmitting hole.

[0018] Preferably, the power mechanism includes a motor and a lead screw mechanism, wherein the motor is connected to the reflector through the lead screw mechanism.

[0019] Preferably, the reflector is a right-angle reflector.

[0020] Preferably, the adapter mounting platform is a three-axis motion platform used to move the optical fiber or optical fiber patch cord.

[0021] Preferably, the lens mounting platform is a three-axis motion platform used to move the first achromatic lens.

[0022] According to another aspect of this invention, a spectral analysis device compatible with both free light and fiber optic input is also provided, comprising a spectrometer and the spectrometer coupler.

[0023] Preferably, the spectrometer coupler is detachably connected to the spectrometer.

[0024] In summary, compared with the prior art, the above-described technical solution conceived by this utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1) The spectrometer coupler of this utility model, which is compatible with both free light and fiber optic input, can adapt to both free light and fiber optic input methods by setting different light-passing holes on the housing and cooperating with corresponding optical components such as a first achromatic lens, lens group, and reflector. This greatly expands the application range. Whether it is a scenario requiring high stability of fiber optic medium transmission or a scenario requiring greater flexibility of free light input, this spectrometer coupler can meet the application scenario.

[0026] 2) The spectrometer coupler of this utility model, which is compatible with both free light and fiber optic input, compresses large-angle light into small-angle light in fiber optic input mode by using a lens group inside the housing, thereby reducing the numerical aperture NA of the input light signal to adapt to the numerical aperture parameters of various photoelectric detection systems and maximize detection efficiency.

[0027] 3) The spectrometer coupler of this utility model is compatible with both free light and fiber optic input. The power mechanism can drive the mirror to move, realizing rapid switching between fiber optic input and free light input. There is no need to manually disassemble or adjust other components, which greatly improves the operational flexibility and adaptability of the spectrometer, saves time and labor costs, and can better meet diverse testing needs. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the spectrometer coupler of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the optical path for light emitted from an optical fiber or fiber optic patch cord to enter the spectrometer of a spectral analysis device.

[0030] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the optical path of a spectrometer for free light entering a spectral analysis device;

[0031] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same technical features, specifically:

[0032] 1. Housing; 11. First light-transmitting hole; 12. Second light-transmitting hole; 13. Third light-transmitting hole; 21. Adapter mounting platform; 22. Lens mounting platform; 31. Second achromatic lens; 32. Third achromatic lens; 33. First achromatic lens; 4. Power mechanism; 5. Reflector; 6. Fiber optic adapter; 7. Fiber optic cable; 8. Spectrometer; 81. First spherical mirror; 82. Light reflecting element; 83. Second spherical mirror; 84. Detector; 9. Free light. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 According to one aspect of the present invention, a spectrometer coupler compatible with free light and fiber optic input is provided, comprising a housing 1, an adapter mounting platform 21, a fiber optic adapter 6, a lens group, a reflector 5, a power mechanism 4, a lens mounting platform 22, and a first achromatic lens 33.

[0035] The outer casing 1 is provided with a first light-transmitting hole 11 for light intake, a second light-transmitting hole 12 for light intake, and a third light-transmitting hole 13 for light output.

[0036] The housing 1 has the adapter mounting platform 21 positioned at the location corresponding to the first light-transmitting hole 11.

[0037] The fiber optic adapter 6 is mounted on the adapter mounting platform 21 for connecting the fiber optic cable 7 or the fiber optic patch cord; the light emitted from the fiber optic cable 7 or the fiber optic patch cord enters the housing 1 through the first through hole.

[0038] Both the lens assembly and the reflector 5 are disposed within the housing 1 and are arranged corresponding to the position of the first light-transmitting hole, so that the light emitted from the fiber optic cable 7 or fiber optic patch cord passes through the lens assembly and is reflected by the reflector 5 before being focused at the light inlet of the spectrometer 8 outside the housing 1. The position of the third light-transmitting hole 13 corresponds to the position of the light inlet of the spectrometer 8 outside the housing 1. The lens assembly processes and focuses the light emitted from the fiber optic cable 7 or fiber optic patch cord, and after reflection by the reflector 5, it is focused at the light inlet of the spectrometer 8. The reflector 5 mainly reflects the light from the lens assembly, ensuring accurate focusing of the light at the light inlet of the spectrometer 8. The fiber optic cable 7 or fiber optic patch cord transmits optical signals after connecting to the light source, and the light is output from one end.

[0039] The lens mounting stage 22 is installed on the outer casing 1 at a position corresponding to the second light-transmitting hole 12. The first achromatic lens 33 is mounted on the lens mounting stage 22, and is positioned corresponding to the second light-transmitting hole 12 to focus the free light 9 onto the light inlet of the spectrometer 8 outside the outer casing 1. The free light 9 first passes through the first achromatic lens 33, then enters the interior of the outer casing 1 through the second light-transmitting hole 12, and then exits through the third light-transmitting hole 13 and is focused onto the light inlet of the spectrometer 8. The free light 9 is light that propagates in free space (such as air, vacuum, etc.), and its propagation does not depend on physical media such as optical fibers.

[0040] The reflector 5 is mounted on the power mechanism 4 to allow the reflector 5 to avoid the free light 9 focused by the first achromatic lens 33. Therefore, by driving the reflector 5 to move through the power mechanism 4, the optical path can be switched. The light emitted by the optical fiber 7 or optical fiber jumper is transmitted through the lens group and reflected by the reflector 5 and then focused at the light inlet of the spectrometer 8, or the free light 9 is focused at the light inlet of the spectrometer 8 by the first achromatic lens 33.

[0041] See Figure 2 , Figure 3 The light entering the spectrometer 8 is reflected sequentially by the first spherical mirror 81, the light reflecting element 82, and the second spherical mirror 83 before reaching the detector 84 of the spectrometer 8.

[0042] Furthermore, the fiber optic adapter 6 is a fiber optic flange for connecting fiber optic patch cords. The fiber optic flange is a standardized fiber optic adapter with excellent versatility and compatibility. It can be easily connected to various standard fiber optic patch cords without additional adapters or complex docking procedures, greatly improving the convenience and efficiency of fiber optic 7 connections. Using a fiber optic flange as the fiber optic adapter 6 not only improves the connection performance of the spectrometer coupler but also enhances the equipment's versatility, stability, and ease of use.

[0043] Furthermore, the lens group includes a second achromatic lens 31 and a third achromatic lens 32 coaxially arranged, so that the light emitted from the fiber 7 or fiber optic patch cord is collimated by the second achromatic lens 31 and focused by the third achromatic lens 32 at the light input port of the spectrometer 8. The second achromatic lens 31 and the third achromatic lens 32 work together to effectively correct chromatic aberration, ensuring that the light emitted from the fiber 7, after collimation, focusing, and reflection by the mirror 5, is accurately focused at the light input port of the spectrometer 8. The second achromatic lens 31 and the third achromatic lens 32 are compatible with various fiber 7 types, whether single-mode or multimode fiber, and can be adapted to different numerical apertures of the fiber 7 by adjusting the lens parameters to meet diverse application requirements. The lens group compresses large-angle light rays into small angles, reducing the numerical aperture (NA) of the input light signal, thereby adapting it to the spectrometer.

[0044] Furthermore, the second light-transmitting aperture 12 and the third light-transmitting aperture 13 are coaxially arranged, ensuring that the free light 9 can be accurately aligned with the light inlet of the spectrometer 8 after being focused by the first achromatic lens 33, thereby improving the light coupling efficiency; the center line of the first light-transmitting aperture 11 is perpendicular to the center line of the second light-transmitting aperture 12. This layout optimizes the optical path geometry, simplifies the movement trajectory of the reflector 5, and facilitates optical path switching and dynamic adjustment.

[0045] Furthermore, the power mechanism 4 includes a motor and a lead screw mechanism, with the motor connected to the reflector 5 via the lead screw mechanism. The combination of the motor and the lead screw mechanism enables high-precision, automated motion control of the reflector 5. The lead screw mechanism can precisely convert the rotational motion of the motor into the linear displacement of the reflector 5, achieving high displacement adjustment accuracy. The motor-driven reflector 5 moves at high speed, effectively shortening switching time and improving overall operating efficiency.

[0046] Furthermore, the reflector 5 is a right-angle reflector. The right-angle reflector enables precise 90° reversal of the optical path, ensuring that light emitted from the fiber optic cable 7 or fiber optic patch cord is reflected to the input port of the spectrometer 8. This greatly improves the controllability and stability of the optical path and reduces signal loss and detection errors caused by optical path deviations. The reflection by the right-angle reflector ensures that the light signal remains well-focused after reflection, improving the quality and intensity of the light signal received by the spectrometer 8, thereby enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of spectral detection.

[0047] Furthermore, the adapter mounting platform 21 is a three-axis motion platform used to move the optical fiber 7 or the optical fiber patch cord. The adapter mounting platform 21, being a three-axis motion platform, enables flexible adjustment of the optical fiber 7 or the optical fiber patch cord in three-dimensional space, ensuring that the light emitted by the optical fiber 7 or the optical fiber patch cord is accurately focused onto the input port of the spectrometer 8. It can quickly respond to and adapt to different optical fiber alignment requirements, reducing the time and errors associated with manual adjustments.

[0048] Furthermore, the lens mounting stage 22 is a three-axis motion platform used to move the first achromatic lens 33. The three-axis motion platform of the lens mounting stage 22 greatly enhances the flexibility and accuracy of focusing the free light 9, allowing the first achromatic lens 33 to flexibly adjust its position in three-dimensional space to adapt to free light 9 inputs from different angles and directions. This ensures that the free light 9 is accurately focused at the entrance port of the spectrometer 8, thereby improving the sensitivity and accuracy of spectral detection.

[0049] According to another aspect of this utility model, a spectral analysis device compatible with both free light and fiber optic input is also provided, comprising a spectrometer 8 and the aforementioned spectrometer coupler. This spectral analysis device, by integrating the spectrometer coupler, achieves compatibility with both free light 9 and fiber optic input, eliminating the need for additional adapters or complex optical path adjustments. Users can quickly adjust the configuration according to their needs and easily switch the optical input mode of the spectrometer coupler, thereby expanding its applicability and frequency of use.

[0050] Furthermore, the spectrometer coupler is detachably connected to the spectrometer 8. This detachable connection facilitates transportation and storage. In scenarios where multiple users share the device, the detachable connection allows different users to configure the coupler according to their own needs, further improving the device's shareability and utilization.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A spectrometer coupler compatible with free-space light and fiber-optic input, characterized in that, It includes a housing, an adapter mounting platform, a fiber optic adapter, a lens assembly, a reflector, a power mechanism, a lens mounting platform, and a first achromatic lens, wherein: The outer casing is provided with a first light-passing hole for light intake, a second light-passing hole for light intake, and a third light-passing hole for light output. The housing is provided with the adapter mounting platform at a position corresponding to the first light-transmitting hole; The fiber optic adapter is mounted on the adapter mounting platform for connecting fiber optic cables or fiber optic patch cords. The lens group and the reflector are both disposed inside the housing and are arranged corresponding to the position of the first light-transmitting hole, so that the light emitted from the optical fiber or optical fiber jumper passes through the lens group and is reflected by the reflector and focused on the light inlet of the spectrometer outside the housing. The position of the third light-transmitting hole corresponds to the position of the light inlet of the spectrometer outside the housing. The lens mounting platform is installed on the housing at the position corresponding to the second light-transmitting hole. The first achromatic lens is installed on the lens mounting platform. The first achromatic lens is set at the position corresponding to the second light-transmitting hole and is used to focus free light onto the light inlet of the spectrometer outside the housing. The reflector is mounted on the power mechanism to allow it to avoid free light focused by the first achromatic lens.

2. The free-space and fiber input compatible spectrometer coupler of claim 1, wherein, The fiber optic adapter is a fiber optic flange used to connect fiber optic patch cords.

3. The free-space and fiber input compatible spectrometer coupler of claim 1, wherein, The lens group includes a second achromatic lens and a third achromatic lens arranged coaxially, so that the light emitted from the optical fiber or optical fiber patch cord is collimated by the second achromatic lens and focused by the third achromatic lens onto the light inlet of the spectrometer.

4. The free-space and fiber input compatible spectrometer coupler of claim 1, wherein, The second and third light-transmitting holes are coaxially arranged, and the center line of the first light-transmitting hole is perpendicular to the center line of the second light-transmitting hole.

5. The free-space and fiber input compatible spectrometer coupler of claim 1, wherein, The power mechanism includes a motor and a lead screw mechanism, and the motor is connected to the reflector through the lead screw mechanism.

6. The free-space and fiber input compatible spectrometer coupler of claim 1, wherein, The reflector is a right-angle reflector.

7. The free-space light and fiber input compatible spectrometer coupler of claim 1, wherein, The adapter mounting platform is a three-axis motion platform used to move optical fibers or optical fiber patch cords.

8. The free-space and fiber input compatible spectrometer coupler of claim 1, wherein, The lens mounting platform is a three-axis motion platform used to move the first achromatic lens.

9. A spectroscopic analysis device compatible with free-space light and fiber-optic input, characterized in that, Includes a spectrometer and a spectrometer coupler as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The free-space and fiber input compatible optical spectrum analyser of claim 9, wherein, The spectrometer coupler is detachably connected to the spectrometer.

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