Auto-Aligning Spectroscopic Receiver Using Residual Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopic systems face misalignment issues due to changes in the index of refraction of samples and manufacturing tolerances, leading to reduced detection efficiency as they rely on emitted light for alignment, which can diminish the light intensity available for detection.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes residual excitation light, normally filtered out, is routed to an image sensor to detect misalignment, allowing an actuator to maintain optical alignment between the target and receiver, thereby compensating for changes in the sample's refractive index and manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If emitted light is used for alignment detection, then alignment can be detected, but the intensity of emitted light for original detection purpose is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces residual excitation light as an intermediary substance to perform alignment detection. Instead of using the emitted light directly for alignment (which would reduce its intensity for detection), the excitation light that passes through the sample without being absorbed serves as a proxy indicator. This intermediary approach allows alignment monitoring without consuming the precious emitted light signal.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment adjustment is performed, then initial alignment can be achieved, but alignment drift occurs due to refractive index changes and manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the position of residual excitation light detected by the image sensor continuously monitors alignment status. The controller receives this position information and automatically adjusts the optical component positions to maintain optimal alignment. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for drift caused by refractive index changes and manufacturing tolerances, ensuring long-term alignment stability.
3Measurement precision
If residual light is filtered out as conventionally done, then emission light detection is optimized, but alignment information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical detection path into two functional channels: one for emission light detection (with filtering) and another for residual light monitoring (for alignment). By spatially and functionally separating these two purposes, the system can optimize each channel independently - filtering out residual light for emission detection while simultaneously utilizing a portion of it for alignment monitoring through the image sensor.
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 ensures highly repeatable sampling by automatically maintaining optical alignment, preventing beam path alterations and maintaining detection efficiency by using residual light as a proxy for emission light.
Implementation Method 1
a separator that separates the residual light from the receiving optical path to be routed to an image sensor
Implementation Method 2
an actuator for controlling an optical relative position between the target and the receiver. The controller includes a module (unit) that is adapted to control the actuator to maintain an optical alignment between the target and the receiver according to a detection result of the image sensor
Implementation Method 3
a receiving optical path that guides the emission light and a residual light, which is at least a part of the excitation light propagated forward, coaxially between the target and the receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A system including a signal obtaining module and a controller is provided. The signal obtaining module includes: a receiver to which an emission light generated in the target by an excitation light is input; a receiving optical path that guides the emission light and a residual light, which is at least a part of the excitation light propagated forward, coaxially between the target and the receiver; a separator that separates the residual light from the receiving optical path to be routed to an image sensor; and an actuator for controlling an optical relative position between the target and the receiver. The controller includes a module that controls the actuator to maintain an optical alignment.