Dual Fiber Bundle Refractometer Light Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light arrangements for measuring refractive indices are prone to breaking when used with hot substances exceeding 100°C, as the light source overheats, and long fiber bundles are susceptible to impacts and vibration, making alignment difficult.
Innovation Solution
A dual fiber bundle arrangement where a flexible, bendable first fiber bundle transfers light to a stiff, short second fiber bundle with mat-surfaced ends, allowing the light source to be positioned away from the measuring window, providing even light distribution and resistance to impacts and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the light source is arranged at a long distance from the prism to prevent overheating, then the light source overheating is reduced, but the fiber bundle becomes long and prone to breaking
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is divided into two segments: a first flexible fiber bundle for light transmission from the source, and a second rigid fiber bundle with mat-surfaced ends for even light distribution at the measuring window. This segmentation allows the light source to be positioned away from the measuring window to avoid overheating, while the rigid second bundle ensures reliable alignment and connection at the prism interface.
2Temperature
If the fiber bundle is made long to position the light source away from the measuring window, then overheating is prevented, but alignment with the prism becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The second fiber bundle is designed with mat-surfaced ends that provide even light distribution, creating a localized quality improvement at the measuring window interface. This local modification ensures proper alignment and light distribution at the critical interface with the prism, while the overall long fiber bundle configuration maintains the light source at a safe distance from heat-generating hot substances.
3Temperature
If the fiber bundle is made long to allow light source positioning, then thermal management is improved, but resistance to impacts and vibration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle system is segmented into a flexible first bundle that can accommodate thermal expansion and movement, and a rigid second bundle that provides structural strength and resistance to impacts and vibrations at the measuring window interface. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a complete light transmission system.
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 accurate refractive index measurements from hot substances with improved resistance to overheating, impacts, and vibrations, allowing flexible positioning of the light source relative to the measuring optics.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber bundle arrangement for transmitting light from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a second end surface of the fibers at the second end of the second fiber bundle being mat surfaced for creating an even light distribution
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to light arrangement for an optical device for measurement of an index of refraction, having a light source, a fiber bundle arrangement for transmitting light from the light source, a diffusing member, and imaging optics for transmitting the light to a measuring window. In order to provide for an arrangement which is durable and accurate even when used for measuring hot specimens where the light source is positioned far from the measuring window, the fiber bundle arrangement includes a novel combination of a first fiber bundle and a second fiber bundle.