Acoustic Liquid Surface Spectroscopy Without Moving Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopic methods require mechanical moving parts, which hinder miniaturization and are not suitable for conditions without electricity, and they are costly.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic method using a substrate and a liquid specimen with non-moving parts, where electromagnetic radiation is reflected on both surfaces to create interferograms, transforming the time scale into a length scale to analyze unknown radiation characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Fourier Transform spectrometers are used, then signal-to-noise ratio is enhanced, but mechanical moving parts are required which hinder miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving mirror of traditional Fourier Transform spectrometers with a liquid specimen whose surface position is modulated by acoustic waves. The acoustic field (electromagnetic/energy field) substitutes for the mechanical scanning system, eliminating moving parts while maintaining the interferometric measurement capability that provides enhanced signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves (sound waves in liquid medium) to modulate the liquid surface position. This acoustic field acts as a non-mechanical actuator to create the optical path difference variation needed for Fourier Transform spectroscopy, replacing the mechanical scanning system with a fluid-based acoustic modulation approach.
2Measurement precision
If dispersive spectrometers are used, then spectral resolution is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dispersive elements (gratings, prisms) with an acoustic field modulating a liquid surface. The interference pattern generated by the acoustic-modulated liquid surface provides spectral information through Fourier transformation, achieving spectral resolution without traditional dispersive optics, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturized spectrometers are developed, then portability is improved, but spectral resolution may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic waves in a liquid medium to create a compact interferometric measurement system. The acoustic field can be confined to a small volume (liquid specimen), enabling miniaturization while maintaining the interferometric path difference variation needed for spectral measurement. The acoustic modulation provides a space-efficient alternative to mechanical scanning systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables low-cost, portable spectroscopy capable of analyzing unknown radiation without mechanical parts, suitable for various conditions, providing reliable spectral information.
Implementation Method 1
impinging the liquid specimen and the substrate with a first electromagnetic radiation having a known wavelength so that the first electromagnetic radiation is reflected on the first and on the second surface
Implementation Method 2
detecting a first plurality of data forming a first interferogram having a first plurality of fringes relative to the interference of the reflections of the first electromagnetic radiation on the first and on the second surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 4c~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spectroscopic method to analyse a radiation having an unknown characteristic, the method comprising: • providing a substrate (3) defining a first surface (4a); • providing a liquid specimen (4) defining a second surface (4b); • impinging the liquid specimen (4) and the substrate (3) with a first electromagnetic radiation having a known wavelength so that the first electromagnetic radiation is reflected on the first and on the second surface (4a, 4b); • impinging the liquid specimen (4) and the substrate (3) with a second electromagnetic radiation to be analysed and having an unknown characteristic, the second electromagnetic radiation having a second wavelength or wavelength distribution, so that the second electromagnetic radiation is reflected on the first and on the second surface; • varying the location of the second surface with respect to the first surface; • detecting a first plurality of data forming a first interferogram having a first plurality of fringes relative to the interference of the reflections of the first electromagnetic radiation on the first and on the second surface during the variation in location of the second surface; • detecting a second plurality of data forming a second interferogram synchronous to the first having a second plurality of fringes relative to the interference of the reflections of the second electromagnetic radiation on the first and on the second surface during the variation in location of the second surface; • determining, from the position of the fringes in the first interferogram, a time-length transformation which transforms the time scale of the first interferogram into a length scale; • applying the time-length transformation to the second plurality of data forming the second interferogram; • determining a transformation of the points of the second interferogram so that the second interferogram becomes a signal that is independent from the position and shape of the second surface, and that oscillates around a constant value; and • applying such transformation to the second interferogram.