Bidirectional Fiber Optic Probe for Miniaturized Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fibre optic probes for spectroscopy require multiple fibres for light delivery and collection, leading to larger probe sizes, higher costs, and reduced flexibility, while also compromising signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional fibre-optic spectroscopic probe with an optical in/out coupler that converts higher-order light modes to lower-order modes, allowing for efficient light coupling and collection using a single fibre, thereby eliminating the need for multiple fibres and reducing probe diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple fibres are used for light delivery and collection, then light coupling efficiency is improved, but probe size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light delivery and collection functions into a single optical fibre by utilizing bidirectional light propagation. The fibre serves dual purposes: delivering light from the source to the sample and collecting reflected light back to the detector, thereby eliminating the need for separate fibres and reducing probe size while maintaining coupling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fibre is designed to perform multiple functions - acting as both a light delivery conduit and a light collection channel. The fibre's core and cladding structure enable it to guide light in both directions, making it a universal component that replaces multiple specialized fibres
2Measurement precision
If multiple fibres are used for light delivery and collection, then spectroscopic measurement capability is improved, but probe flexibility and diameter are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fibre functions into a single fibre structure, reducing the probe diameter from accommodating multiple fibres to fitting just one. This consolidation maintains spectroscopic measurement capability through bidirectional light propagation while enabling access to confined spaces like blood vessels and mini-reactors
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple fibres are used for light delivery and collection, then light collection efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines light delivery and collection into a single fibre system, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need to manage multiple fibres, their alignment, and connections. The simplified structure reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining light collection efficiency through the fibre's bidirectional capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical fibre serves as a universal component for both light delivery and collection, replacing multiple specialized fibres. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, simplifies the overall device architecture, and lowers both manufacturing and operational complexity
4Use of energy by moving object
If higher-order light modes are coupled into the fibre, then light energy transfer is improved, but mode conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibre structure itself performs the mode conversion function through its core-cladding geometry and refractive index profile. The fibre automatically converts higher-order modes to lower-order modes during light propagation without requiring external mode conversion components, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining high light energy transfer efficiency
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 solution enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, reduces probe size and cost, and enables more flexible applications, including mini-reactors, human endoscopy, and blood vessels, while maintaining high energy transfer efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each fibre can be seen as a spatial filter that attenuates said relatively higher order modes of light and redirect their power at least partly into said relatively lower order modes of light while the light propagates along said fibre
Implementation Method 2
The fibre or each fibre of the bundle of fibres is adapted to operate as a converter that converts light modes of light propagating along the fibre from relatively higher-order modes to relatively lower-order modes
Implementation Method 3
The in/out coupler is arranged and adapted to couple higher mode light rays into the proximal end of the fibre and to let lower mode light rays pass to an analyzing sensor element
Implementation Method 4
The optical sensor element is adapted to sense a spectroscopic property of a sample to be brought into contact or in proximity to said sensor element
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional fiber optic probe comprises an optical in/out coupler and a single fiber or a bundle of fibers, each fiber having a proximal end and a distal end and a numerical aperture NA=sin θ. The numerical aperture NA describes the range of angles over which the optical fiber's proximal end can accept or emit light. The numerical aperture depends on the refractive index n of the fiber core and is given by NA=n sin* θ. θ is the acceptance angle being defined as the half angle of the acceptance cone of the fiber at its proximal end.