Slim ATR Sensor Segmented Infrared Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ATR sensors face challenges in achieving a favorable signal-to-noise ratio and miniaturization due to the need for beam splitting, which reduces the infrared measuring radiation fraction and requires additional installation space for the beam splitter.
Innovation Solution
The ATR sensor design includes an infrared radiation source that emits both the infrared measuring radiation fraction and the infrared reference radiation fraction in different spatial directions, allowing for simultaneous radiation and maintaining the same emission characteristics, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and enabling a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If beam splitting is used to provide reference radiation, then reference quality is improved, but the measuring radiation fraction is decreased and installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared radiation source is segmented to emit separate radiation fractions in different spatial directions - one fraction for measurement through the ATR element and another fraction for reference detection. This segmentation allows both measuring and reference radiation to be obtained simultaneously without beam splitting, maintaining full signal strength for both purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-direction beam path with beam splitting to a multi-dimensional radiation approach where the infrared source emits radiation fractions in different spatial directions. This dimensional change eliminates the need for beam splitters and allows both measurement and reference sensors to receive full-strength radiation signals.
2Measurement precision
If beam splitting is used to provide reference radiation, then reference quality is improved, but installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter component is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using a beam splitter to divide the infrared radiation, the design directly emits separate radiation fractions from the source in different spatial directions, eliminating the need for the beam splitter and reducing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-direction beam path with beam splitting to a multi-dimensional radiation approach where the infrared source emits radiation fractions in different spatial directions. This dimensional change eliminates the need for beam splitters and allows both measurement and reference sensors to receive full-strength radiation signals.
3Measurement precision
If beam splitting is used to provide reference radiation, then reference quality is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared radiation source is segmented to emit separate radiation fractions in different spatial directions - one fraction for measurement through the ATR element and another fraction for reference detection. This segmentation allows both measuring and reference radiation to be obtained simultaneously without beam splitting, maintaining full signal strength for both purposes and improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous and simultaneous emission of both measuring radiation fraction and reference radiation fraction from the infrared source. This continuous dual-function operation ensures that both measurement and reference signals are available simultaneously with full signal strength, improving the signal-to-noise ratio compared to sequential or split-beam approaches.
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 approach allows for a higher useful signal level for both the infrared measuring sensor and the infrared reference sensor, resulting in an improved signal-to-noise ratio for the same nominal power, while also achieving a slim and compact sensor design.
Implementation Method 1
ATR element (24) which as an ATR measuring element is configured to transmit infrared radiation under reflection to at least one boundary surface of the ATR measuring element (24)
Implementation Method 2
An infrared radiation source configured and arranged to radiate an infrared measuring radiation fraction of the infrared radiation emitted by the infrared radiation source captured by the infrared measuring sensor in a measurement radiation direction and to radiate an infrared reference radiation fraction of the infrared radiation emitted by the infrared radiation source captured by the infrared reference sensor in a reference radiation direction different from the measurement radiation direction
Data Source
AI summary
An ATR sensor having a sensor housing, wherein at least the following sensor components are accommodated in the sensor housing: an infrared radiation source, an ATR element, wherein the ATR element is designed to transmit infrared radiation via reflection on at least one boundary surface of the ATR element; an infrared measuring sensor which detects infrared radiation emitted by the infrared radiation source after its transmission via the ATR element, and which outputs a measuring detection signal depending on the infrared radiation detected by the infrared measuring sensor; and infrared reference sensor which detects infrared radiation emitted by the infrared radiation source that is not transmitted by the ATR element, and which outputs a reference detection signal depending on the infrared radiation detected by the infrared reference sensor, the infrared radiation source being designed and arranged to radiate an infrared measuring radiation portion detected by the infrared measuring sensor in a measuring radiation direction, and to simultaneously radiate an infrared reference radiation portion detected by the infrared reference sensor in a reference radiation direction that is different to the measuring radiation direction.