Conformal Filter for Spectral Analyte Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopic imaging devices are limited by tunable optical filters that operate at single bandpass and low throughput, requiring multiple discrete measurements for analyte discrimination, which increases overall measurement time and lacks flexibility for detecting a wide variety of analytes.
Innovation Solution
A conformal filter system that adapts to specific broadband spectral features, allowing simultaneous transmission of multiple passbands to improve analyte discrimination and increase measurement throughput, using a tunable filter with a look-up table to configure photon filtering based on the analyte's spectral shape, enabling detection of multiple analytes in near real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single bandpass tunable filters are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement time increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic filter system where the bandpass characteristics can be changed in real-time through electronic control. The tunable filter allows switching between different passbands by adjusting control voltages, enabling the system to adapt to different analytes and measurement requirements without physical reconfiguration, thus improving throughput while managing complexity through electronic rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the filter by adjusting the control voltages applied to the tunable filter elements. By varying these parameters, the filter can transmit different wavelength bands sequentially or simultaneously, allowing multiple discrete bandpass measurements to be performed without changing the physical filter configuration, thereby increasing measurement throughput.
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete bandpass measurements are performed, then analyte discrimination improves, but overall measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous measurement by implementing a system that can rapidly switch between multiple passbands without interruption. The tunable filter allows the system to perform sequential bandpass measurements in a continuous manner, eliminating the need to stop and reconfigure between measurements, thus maintaining high analyte discrimination while reducing total measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-programming the sequence of passbands to be measured and storing the corresponding control voltages. This allows the measurement process to proceed without interruption, as the filter can be switched between bands instantly based on pre-calculated parameters, improving both speed and precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed MOEs are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability for detecting different analytes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed, statically-fabricated filters with a dynamic tunable filter system. Instead of creating multiple precise physical filters for different analytes, the system uses a single filter whose characteristics can be dynamically adjusted through electronic control, achieving the adaptability needed for detecting various analytes while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable filter serves multiple functions by being able to transmit different wavelength bands depending on the analyte being detected. A single filter device can be configured to detect multiple different analytes by changing its passband characteristics electronically, eliminating the need for multiple specialized filters and greatly improving versatility.
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
The conformal filter system enhances analyte discrimination performance, increases measurement speed, and provides flexibility for detecting a wide range of analytes by simultaneously transmitting multiple passbands, reducing overall measurement time and improving detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a conformal filter comprising a tunable filter capable of adapting to a variety of configurations which filter interacted photons conforming to at least one spectral shape associated with an analyte of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting analytes using a conformal filter. A conformal filter, which may comprise a tunable filter, is configured to filter interacted photons conforming to a spectral shape correlated with an analyte of interest. Conformal filter configurations may be selected by consulting a modified look-up table associated with an analyte. An iterative methodology may be used to calibrate a conformal design for an analyte of interest, refine a previous conformal filter design for an analyte of interest, and/or generate a new conformal filter design for an analyte of interest.