A scientific instrument for physical measurement using spatially resolved light scattering

Abstract

The invention relates to a scientific instrument for physical measurement that uses spatially resolved light scattering to monitor the behavior of a sample. The instrument comprises a laser light source, a camera, and an optical device for detecting the scattered light. It can operate under standard laboratory conditions or in temperature- and humidity-controlled environments, and also allows for measurements during mechanical stresses applied to the sample. This system is intended for rheological analysis and the measurement of deformations and displacements at the microspore scale.

Description

Title of the invention: Scientific instrument for physical measurement using spatially resolved light scattering Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of scientific instruments for physical measurement, and more particularly to an instrument for monitoring the rheological behavior of samples via a spatially resolved light scattering measurement. The invention is applicable both in standard laboratory conditions and in controlled environments with or without mechanical constraints.

[0002] Description of the prior art

[0003] Current techniques for measuring light scattering are generally not spatially resolved and often involve complex systems requiring strict temperature and humidity control to ensure accurate results. These systems can be expensive and difficult to use in various environments. Furthermore, it is often useful to analyze samples subjected to mechanical stress, which is not always well integrated into existing instruments. Summary of the invention

[0004] The invention provides a scientific instrument for physical measurement using a spatially resolved light scattering technique with a laser and a camera. The instrument is capable of operating under laboratory conditions without requiring a temperature or humidity control system. Furthermore, it can be used under controlled conditions with temperature and / or humidity control systems, as well as during mechanical stresses applied to a given sample. Detailed description of the invention

[0005] The scientific instrument for physical measurement according to the invention comprises the following elements • Laser light source: A laser diode emitting coherent and directional light, optimized for a specific range of wavelengths to maximize the accuracy of scattered light detection. • Detection camera: A high-sensitivity CCD or CMOS camera, capable of detecting low light intensities, thus ensuring an accurate measurement of the light scattered by the sample. • Optical device: A set of lenses, a diaphragm, and filters arranged to direct the laser light onto the sample and collect the scattered light. The optical device is designed to maintain high spatial resolution. • Measurement system in laboratory conditions: The instrument is designed to operate efficiently without requiring a temperature or humidity control system, thus facilitating its use in standard laboratory environments. • Control system: The instrument can be equipped with temperature and / or humidity control systems to allow measurements in controlled environments. These systems are independently controllable, enabling specific measurement conditions tailored to the experimenter's needs. • Mechanical stress system: The instrument includes a mechanism for applying mechanical stresses to the sample, such as compressive or tensile forces. This mechanism allows for the measurement of light scattering while the sample is subjected to mechanical stresses, thus providing additional information on the rheological properties of the sample.

[0006] Preferred embodiment

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the instrument uses a laser diode emitting at a visible wavelength, combined with a high-sensitivity camera. The optical device includes lenses, diaphragms, and optical filters to eliminate unwanted wavelengths.

[0008] The temperature control system is based on Peltier elements, allowing precise control of the sample temperature. The humidity control system uses electronically controlled humidifiers and dehumidifiers to maintain a stable environment.

[0009] The mechanical loading mechanism includes a stepper motor to apply precise and controlled forces to the sample. Integrated force and displacement sensors allow for real-time measurement of the applied stresses and deformations.

[0010] Advantages of the invention

[0011] The invention offers several advantages over existing instruments:

[0012] • A spatially resolved measurement: the developed device is unique in allowing this capability

[0013] • Flexibility of use: Ability to operate under laboratory conditions uncontrolled, as well as in regulated environments.

[0014] • Precision and sensitivity: Use of high-quality optical components and sensitive cameras.

[0015] • Measurement under mechanical stress conditions: Unique ability to measure the light scattering during the application of mechanical stresses, providing valuable information on the material properties of the samples.

[0016] Figure 1 (in the Drawings section below) is a schematic representation of the instrument according to the invention, including: a. Laser light source (laser) b. Detection camera + Optical device c. Control system (temperature and / or humidity) d. Engine e. Fixed bit f. Sample g. Movable jaw h. Force sensor i. Laser displacement sensor

[0017] Conclusion

[0018] The invention offers an innovative solution for monitoring rheological behavior via a spatially resolved light scattering measurement, adaptable to various environments and experimental conditions. It simplifies measurement procedures while providing accurate and reliable results, even under mechanical or thermal stress on the sample.

Claims

Demands

1. A scientific instrument for physical measurement comprising a laser light source, a camera arranged to detect light scattered by a sample, and an optical device configured to direct the laser light to the sample and collect the scattered light, the whole enabling the physical behavior of samples to be tracked via a spatially resolved measurement of light scattering, with or without a temperature control system or mechanical stress.

2. Instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for mechanically stressing the sample, enabling the measurement of the spatially resolved light scattering during mechanical stressing of the sample.

3. Instrument according to claim 2, comprising force and displacement sensors enabling the measurement of stresses and deformations applied to the sample in real time.

4. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a temperature control system enabling the measurement of light scattering under controlled temperature conditions.

5. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical stressing mechanism includes a configurable compression or tension device.

6. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a humidity control system enabling the measurement of light scattering under controlled humidity conditions.

7. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature and humidity control systems are independently controlled to permit specific measurement conditions.

8. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser light source is a laser diode emitting in a specific wavelength range to optimize the detection of scattered light and enables homogeneous illumination of the sample.

9. Instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera is a high-sensitivity CCD or CMOS camera, enabling accurate detection of scattered light even at low intensity and the temperature control system is based on Peltier elements.

10. A method for measuring the spatially resolved light scattering of a sample to monitor its physical behavior, using an instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - illumination of the sample with the laser light source, - detection of the light scattered by the sample with the camera, - thermal and / or mechanical stresses or not, - analysis of the scattering data to determine the physical properties of the sample.

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