Bifurcated Optical Fiber Probe for Dual Spectroscopy
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for characterizing material samples using absorption/reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy require separate instruments and large optical tables, making them costly, time-consuming, and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a bifurcated optical fiber probe connected to a spectrometer, allowing for simultaneous reflectance absorbance and photoluminescence measurements using a single probe, integrated with a substrate and light emitting devices, enabling in-situ and ex-situ characterization with reduced space, time, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate dedicated benchtop instruments are used for absorption/reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines absorption/reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy capabilities into a single integrated optical probe system. The probe integrates multiple optical fibers (illumination fibers, collection fibers) and light sources (laser diode, LED) into one unified device that can perform both types of spectroscopy measurements, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The optical probe is designed with multi-functionality to perform both absorption/reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy using a single device. The probe can switch between different measurement modes by activating different light sources and collection paths, making it a universal instrument that replaces multiple dedicated instruments
2Measurement precision
If separate dedicated benchtop instruments are used for absorption/reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both spectroscopy capabilities into one probe, the system eliminates the need to physically move samples between different instruments and perform sequential measurements. Both absorption/reflectance and fluorescence measurements can be performed in-situ at the same location, significantly reducing characterization time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is pre-configured with all necessary optical components (illumination fibers, collection fibers, light sources) integrated into a single unit that can perform multiple measurement types. This preliminary integration eliminates setup and reconfiguration time between different measurement modes
3Reliability
If separate dedicated benchtop instruments are used for absorption/reflectance spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, then measurement reliability is maintained, but space requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spectroscopy functions into a compact handheld probe that can be positioned near the sample without requiring large optical tables. The integrated design with bundled optical fibers and compact light sources dramatically reduces the space footprint while maintaining measurement reliability through proper optical coupling and signal collection
Solution Approach 2:
The probe transitions from traditional benchtop optical table configurations to a compact, portable form factor. By reconfiguring the optical paths and using fiber optic technology, the system moves from a two-dimensional optical table layout to a three-dimensional compact probe structure that can be positioned close to the sample, reducing overall space requirements
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective dual characterization of material samples by integrating reflectance absorbance and photoluminescence measurements into a single probe, reducing the need for multiple instruments and large optical setups.
Implementation Method 1
a reflectance absorbance measurement of the sample associated with the first light emitting device
Implementation Method 2
a photoluminescence measurement of the sample associated with the second light emitting device
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for characterizing material samples. In one aspect, a device for characterizing a sample includes a substrate configured for receiving a sample thereon; an optical fiber probe comprising a first end positioned near the sample and a second end that is bifurcated to include one or more first fiber configured for connection to a first light emitting device and one or more second fiber configured for connection to a spectrometer; a reflectance module coupled to the substrate; and a second light emitting device positioned near the sample. The optical fiber probe is configured for selectively obtaining at the spectrometer both a reflectance absorbance measurement of the sample associated with the first light emitting device and a photoluminescence measurement of the sample associated with the second light emitting device.