Dichroic Spectroscopy Analyzer for Compact Multi-Range Absorbance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopy analyzers are complex, expensive, and large due to the need for multiple spectrometers to handle multiple wavelength ranges, and they struggle to create a small, uniform light spot on the specimen while maintaining a compact, low-cost design.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectroscopy analyzer integrates multiple light sources and optical components to cover a wide range of wavelengths, including visible, ultraviolet, and infrared, using a unique design that includes a reflector and dichroic mirror-reflector to separate light into spectrometer and detector paths, allowing for efficient signal collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate spectrometers are used to cover different wavelength ranges, then the analyzer can measure multiple substances (glucose, creatinine, urea nitrogen) across different spectra, but the size and cost of the analyzer increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (broadband source for 400-700nm, infrared sources for 1050-2500nm) and multiple spectrometers into a single integrated optical system. The spectrometers share common components including the sample cell, detector, and signal processing electronics, allowing multiple wavelength ranges to be measured without proportionally increasing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with universal components that serve multiple functions: the sample cell handles all wavelength ranges, the detector processes signals from all spectrometers, and the housing integrates all optical paths. This multi-functional design allows one analyzer to measure blood oximetry (400-700nm) and metabolic substances (1050-2500nm) without requiring separate dedicated devices
2Measurement precision
If traditional spectrometers are used to provide sufficient resolution and stray light rejection, then accurate absorbance spectrum measurements can be obtained, but the spectrometer design becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate optical elements including diffraction gratings for wavelength separation, mirrors for light path steering, and filters for stray light rejection. These intermediary components break down the complex function of traditional spectrometers into manageable stages, achieving accurate measurements while simplifying the overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system segments the measurement function into distinct stages: light source emission, wavelength separation via diffraction gratings, sample interaction, signal detection, and digital processing. Each stage is optimized independently, allowing accurate absorbance measurements without requiring a single complex spectrometer design
3Power
If multiple light sources are used to provide sufficient power intensity for each wavelength range, then adequate signal strength is achieved, but creating a small uniform light spot on the specimen becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical elements to transform the spatial distribution of light from multiple sources. Lenses and mirrors redirect light paths in multiple dimensions, focusing light from different sources onto a common small spot on the sample while maintaining adequate intensity from each source
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 analyzer provides high-resolution spectroscopy across multiple wavelength ranges with a small, uniform light spot, maintaining a compact and cost-effective design, capable of analyzing various specimens efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a dichroic mirror-reflector positioned to receive the focused analysis light from the receiving lens, the dichroic mirror-reflector configured to filter the analysis light such that a first portion of the analysis light in the first light range and the third light range is reflected off the dichroic mirror-reflector as spectrometer light, and such that a second portion of the analysis light in the second light range passes through the dichroic mirror-reflector as a detector light
Implementation Method 2
an absorber material positioned between the dichroic mirror-reflector and the detector
Implementation Method 3
a focal lens positioned to receive and focus the analysis light
Data Source
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AI summary
Absorbance spectroscopy methods and systems are disclosed including a spectroscopy analyzer, comprising: an optical element device positioned to receive an analysis light that passes through a sample of a fluid specimen from an illumination unit, the analysis light including first light in a first light range and second light in a second light range different than the first light range, the optical element device comprising: a housing assembly that defines an internal space; and a dichroic mirror-reflector within the internal space positioned to receive the analysis light, the dichroic mirror-reflector configured to filter the analysis light such that a first portion of the analysis light in the first light range is reflected off the dichroic mirror-reflector as a spectrometer light, and such that a second portion of the analysis light in the second light range passes through the dichroic mirror-reflector as a detector light.