Fiber Optic Probe Scatterometer for Non-Destructive IR Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IR spectroscopy methods for polymer-containing materials face challenges such as insufficient signal-to-noise ratio and the need for destructive testing, as well as the obscuration of molecular absorption data by Fresnel reflections and limited access to internal surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic probe scatterometer with an elongated member featuring an opaque outer enclosure and an optically transparent inner enclosure, equipped with centrally disposed optical fibers, allows for non-destructive spectroscopy measurements by reducing or eliminating surface reflections and accessing small or hard-to-reach areas, using a spectrometer and illumination source to collect scattered light signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art fiber optic probes are used for IR spectroscopy measurements, then the device structure is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is insufficient and Fresnel reflections obscure molecular absorption data
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into functionally distinct segments: an illumination fiber bundle for delivering light, a separate collection fiber bundle for gathering scattered light, and a transparent enclosure housing these components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while collectively solving the signal-to-noise ratio problem through dedicated light paths that avoid surface reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent enclosure acts as an intermediary structure between the illumination source and the sample surface. This enclosure houses the optical fibers and positions them at a controlled distance from the sample, serving as a mediator that organizes the optical path and prevents direct contact between fibers and sample surface, thereby reducing Fresnel reflections while maintaining measurement capability.
2Ease of operation
If prior art IR spectroscopy approaches are used, then the measurement can be performed, but only the outer surface can be measured and material destruction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The probe transitions from surface-level measurement to internal volume measurement by inserting the fiber bundle through a small opening into the material's interior. The illumination and collection fibers are positioned within the material volume, allowing spectroscopic measurement of internal structures and interfaces that were previously inaccessible, while maintaining non-destructive operation through the small insertion aperture.
3Area of stationary object
If the optical fibers are positioned close to the sample surface, then the measurement area is small, but Fresnel reflections from the surface obscure the molecular absorption signal
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent enclosure extends slightly beyond the immediate fiber tip position, creating a small air gap between the enclosure surface and the sample. This partial extension allows the fibers to be positioned close to the sample for small measurement area while the enclosure surface acts as a barrier that blocks surface reflections from reaching the collection fibers, thereby preserving molecular absorption signal integrity.
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, non-destructive evaluation of organic materials, including fiber-reinforced composites, by improving the signal-to-noise ratio and allowing internal spectral data collection, facilitating in-situ analysis without damaging the sample.
Implementation Method 1
providing an interrogating light signal from an illumination source to said sample along said optically transparent thin-walled enclosure
Implementation Method 2
collect a scattered light signal from the sample by said one or more optical fibers to provide to the spectrometer
Implementation Method 3
one or more optical fibers centrally and axially disposed and spaced apart a distance B with respect to the optically transparent thin-walled enclosure
Implementation Method 4
an elongated member including an outermost opaque thin walled enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic probe scatterometers for spectroscopy measurements are disclosed. An example device includes an optically transparent illumination tube, an opaque tube, an inner surface of the opaque tube being adjacent an outer surface of the illumination tube and the illumination tube being disposed within the opaque tube, and an optical fiber disposed within and spaced a first distance from the illumination tube, wherein the opaque tube is to be coupled to a spectrometer and an illumination source to provide a light signal along the illumination tube and to collect a scattered light signal via the optical fiber for the spectrometer.