Diagonal LED Photometer for Chromophore Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photometers rely on high-power, high-temperature light sources like tungsten/halogen and deuterium lamps, which consume significant energy and introduce complexity with filter wheels and chopper motors, limiting their efficiency and stability for measuring chromophore concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A photometer utilizing four light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged diagonally to generate measurement and reference light beams, with the LEDs positioned to minimize errors from luminosity fluctuations and physical shifts in the optical path, allowing for accurate chromophore concentration determination using the Beer-Lambert relationship.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional high-power light sources (tungsten/halogen lamps, deuterium lamps) are used, then sufficient light beam power is generated for easy detection and measurement, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases due to filter wheels and chopper motors
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple discrete LED elements (first LED, second LED, third LED, fourth LED) arranged in diagonal quadrants, each contributing to specific measurement or reference light generation, replacing the monolithic conventional lamp structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical filter wheel and chopper motor system is replaced with a solid-state LED light source that generates light at specific wavelengths without moving parts, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining light generation functionality
2Illumination intensity
If conventional high-power light sources are used, then sufficient light beam power is generated for easy detection and measurement, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light source transitions from high-power conventional lamps operating at high temperatures to LED technology with lower operating temperatures and different power consumption characteristics, changing the energy efficiency parameters of the system
Solution Approach 2:
LEDs are used as replaceable, low-cost light emitting elements that consume less energy than conventional lamps, allowing for energy-efficient operation with acceptable service life for the application
3Measurement precision
If filter wheel and chopper motor are used to alternately pass reference and measure filters, then wavelength isolation is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical filter wheel system is replaced with a stationary LED array where different LEDs emit at different wavelengths, eliminating the need for mechanical rotation and complex filtering mechanisms while maintaining wavelength discrimination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength selection function is segmented across multiple discrete LED sources, each emitting at a specific wavelength, allowing simultaneous or sequential generation of reference and measurement light without mechanical intervention
4Measurement precision
If LEDs are arranged diagonally in quadrants, then errors from luminosity fluctuations and optical path shifts are minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LEDs are arranged in a diagonal quadrant configuration rather than a symmetric grid pattern, creating an asymmetric layout that compensates for optical path shifts and luminosity fluctuations through differential positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The diagonal arrangement is designed in advance to preemptively counteract errors from optical path shifts and luminosity variations, with the positioning geometry pre-configured to minimize these errors before they affect measurement accuracy
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 LED-based photometer provides a stable, energy-efficient solution for measuring chromophore concentrations by minimizing errors from LED drift and optical path shifts, enhancing measurement accuracy and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The photometer includes a light source having first, second, third and fourth light emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of the first and second LEDs is operable to generate measurement light at the measurement wavelength and each of the third and fourth LEDs is operable to generate reference light at the reference wavelength.
Implementation Method 2
The chromophore absorbs light at a measurement wavelength and absorbs substantially less light at a reference wavelength.
Implementation Method 3
The detector converts the beams into voltage signals proportional to the light intensity received by the detector.
Data Source
AI summary
A photometer is provided for measuring the concentration of a chromophore in a fluid. The photometer includes a light source, a sample cell and a detector. The light source includes first, second, third and fourth light emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of the first and second LEDs emit light at a measurement wavelength and each of the third and fourth LEDs emit light at a reference wavelength. The first and second LEDs are arranged diagonal to each other and the third and fourth LEDs are arranged diagonal to each other. The photometer performs a routine for correcting concentration measurement for LED drift.