Data Acquisition Apparatus Dynamic Optical Path Refractive Index

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data acquisition apparatuses for calculating refractive indices face limitations in achieving high accuracy and resolution due to restricted acquisition ranges and scattering potential limitations, particularly when dealing with transparent samples where the refractive index differences are subtle.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a configuration with a first beam splitter having an optical film that generates light traveling in different directions, a measurement optical path and a reference optical path, and a photodetector, where the incident position of light from the illumination device changes, altering the angle of light through the measurement optical path, allowing for the acquisition of a scattering potential and subsequent refractive index calculation through interference fringe analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional data acquisition apparatus with fixed optical path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and acquisition range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefractive index calculation accuracyVSAvoidoptical path configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the optical path configurable and adjustable. The system switches between different optical paths (first optical path for transmission light, second optical path for reflected light) based on measurement requirements, enabling the apparatus to adapt its structure dynamically to achieve both high measurement precision and flexible acquisition range without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single data acquisition apparatus that can handle multiple measurement modes. The same apparatus can acquire both transmission light for refractive index calculation and reflected light for surface contour information, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining high measurement precision across different functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the acquisition range is expanded to capture more scattering potentials, then the refractive index calculation accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefractive index calculation accuracyVSAvoidoptical path configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically configures optical paths based on measurement needs. By switching between first and second optical paths, the apparatus expands its acquisition range to capture comprehensive scattering potentials for accurate refractive index calculation without permanently increasing structural complexity. The dynamic reconfiguration allows the same hardware to achieve enhanced measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the optical path into distinct first and second paths, each optimized for specific measurement aspects. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each path while maintaining overall system manageability, enabling expanded acquisition range through coordinated use of multiple specialized paths rather than one complex undifferentiated path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple optical paths are used to improve measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverefractive index calculation accuracyVSAvoidoptical path switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically selecting and switching between optical paths based on the measurement requirements. The control unit autonomously determines which optical path (first for transmission, second for reflection) should be active, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining ease of operation despite the presence of multiple optical paths for enhanced measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the control unit monitors measurement conditions and automatically adjusts optical path selection accordingly. This feedback-driven automatic switching ensures that the most appropriate optical path is used for each measurement scenario, maintaining high measurement precision while keeping the system easy to operate without manual path selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This configuration enables the acquisition of a wider range of scattering potentials, enhancing the accuracy of refractive index calculations even with compact apparatuses, and improves the clarity of sample contours, especially for transparent samples.

Implementation Method 1

a first beam splitter 3 has an optical surface in which an optical film is formed, in the first beam splitter 3, light traveling in a first direction and light traveling in a second direction are generated from incident light by the optical film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

Light transmitted through the sample is detected together with light on the reference optical path by a photodetector. A hologram is formed by the light transmitted through the sample and the light on the reference optical path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Data Source

PatentUS11269191B2Data acquisition apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.03.08 EVIDENT CORP
  • US11269191B2 patent drawing
  • US11269191B2 patent drawing
  • US11269191B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data acquisition apparatus includes an illumination device, a first beam splitter, a measurement unit, and a photodetector. A measurement optical path and a reference optical path are positioned between the illumination device and the photodetector. In the first beam splitter, light traveling in a first direction and light traveling in a second direction are generated from incident light. The measurement optical path is positioned in the first direction, the reference optical path is positioned in the second direction, and the measurement unit is disposed on the measurement optical path. In the optical surface of the first beam splitter, an incident position of light emitted from the illumination device changes with time, and the angle formed by light propagating through the measurement optical path and the optical axis of the measurement optical path changes with change in the incident position.