Analyte Alignment via Diffraction Pattern Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spectrometric analysis methods require a lengthy alignment process for precise positioning of small analytes relative to a light beam, which is time-consuming and prone to misalignment unless regularly verified.

Innovation Solution

A method involving illumination of the analyte with a light beam, capturing a diffraction pattern using an imaging device, and adjusting the analyte's position based on properties of the diffraction pattern to achieve precise alignment, utilizing a lensless imaging device and motorized stages for precise movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional microscope architecture with multiple magnification objectives is used for alignment, then alignment precision can be achieved, but alignment time becomes excessively long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the complex multi-objective microscope system and implements it through a simplified single-objective system with diffraction pattern analysis. The alignment information is extracted from the diffraction pattern properties (center position, symmetry, intensity distribution) rather than requiring multiple magnification stages, thereby reducing alignment time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct visual alignment through multiple magnification objectives to indirect alignment through diffraction pattern analysis. By analyzing parameters of the diffraction pattern (center position relative to beam spot, symmetry, intensity distribution), the system achieves precise alignment without the time-consuming multi-objective approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If beam position verification is performed regularly to prevent misalignment, then alignment reliability is maintained, but system complexity and operational time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the diffraction pattern is continuously or periodically analyzed to monitor and maintain alignment. The properties of the diffraction pattern (center position, symmetry) provide real-time feedback on alignment status, allowing the system to detect and correct misalignment automatically without requiring complex verification procedures or increasing operational time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the analyte position is adjusted based on diffraction pattern properties, then alignment precision is improved, but the complexity of the imaging and control system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single imaging objective serve multiple functions: both imaging the analyte and analyzing the diffraction pattern for alignment. The same optical path and detector are used for both purposes, eliminating the need for separate alignment optics and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high positioning precision through diffraction pattern analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This method significantly reduces alignment time and ensures accurate positioning of the analyte relative to the light beam, enhancing the efficiency and precision of spectrometric analysis without the need for frequent verification.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device taking a transmission image of the beams scattered by the analyte of the sample to establish a diffraction pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP2951558B1Method for regulating the relative position of an analyte in relation to a light beam
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2951558B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2951558B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3F
  • EP2951558B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for regulating the relative position of an analyte of a sample (16) in relation to a light beam (F), characterised in that the method comprises: illuminating the analyte of the sample (16) by means of the light beam (F); capturing, by means of an imaging device (38), a transmission image of the beams diffused by the analyte of the sample (16) in order to establish a diffraction pattern; and modifying the relative position of the analyte of the sample (16) in relation to the light beam (F) according to at least one property of the diffraction pattern.