ATR Prism Recessed Surface Design for Optical Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ATR prism measurement devices experience reduced light detection accuracy due to obstruction of the total reflection at the second totally reflecting surface by other members or foreign matter, such as dust, which affects the signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
An ATR prism design with a recessed portion on one of the surfaces, where the second totally reflecting surface is protected by a covering member, preventing contact with other members or foreign matter, and maintaining high internal transmittance to ensure effective total reflection and accurate light detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the second totally reflecting surface is placed in contact with the support structure, then the ATR prism can be properly positioned and supported, but the total reflection of probe light is obstructed resulting in lowered light detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The second surface is divided into two functional zones: a recessed portion containing the totally reflecting surface that is isolated from contact with other members, and a surrounding contact portion that provides mechanical support. This segmentation allows the supporting member to contact only the contact portion while the recessed portion with the totally reflecting surface remains unobstructed, simultaneously achieving stable positioning and high light detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the second surface are assigned different functions: the recessed portion is designed with high optical quality to maintain total reflection, while the contact portion (surrounding the recessed portion) is designed to provide mechanical support. This local differentiation of quality and function resolves the contradiction between needing contact for stability and avoiding contact for optical performance
2Measurement precision
If the second totally reflecting surface is exposed, then light detection accuracy can be maximized, but the surface is vulnerable to contact with foreign matter such as dust
Solution Approach 1:
The totally reflecting surface is nested within the recessed portion, creating a protective cavity structure. This nested configuration allows the totally reflecting surface to be shielded from foreign matter like dust while remaining functional for total reflection, as the recessed structure prevents direct contact with contaminants in the environment
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
Prevents reduction in light detection accuracy by ensuring the second totally reflecting surface remains unobstructed, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios and enhancing the accuracy of biological information measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The ATR prism causes probe light incident on the incident surface to be repeatedly totally reflected by the first totally reflecting surface and the second totally reflecting surface under a state in which the first totally reflecting surface is held in contact with a living organism
Implementation Method 2
The evanescent wave penetrates into the target object through a totally reflecting surface of an ATR prism arranged in contact with the target object when total reflection occurs in the ATR prism
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an ATR prism, including a material having an internal transmittance of 90% or higher at a wavelength falling within a wavelength range of from 8 μm to 10 μm, when the material has a thickness of 2 mm. The ATR prism includes: a first surface including a first totally reflecting surface; a second surface including a second totally reflecting surface; and a recessed portion formed in one of the first surface or the second surface.