Spectrophotometer Using Optical Fibers for Compact Simultaneous Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrophotometer systems are not compact, efficient, or reproducible, limiting their ability to perform multiple simultaneous measurements, track transmission over time, and measure optical transmission without moving optical components, and they are not suitable for angular or time-dependent transmission analysis.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectrophotometer system using optical fibers to directly receive native radiation from the source without conventional optical devices, with each fiber's entrance close to the source for optimal coupling, and employing light-emitting diodes and CMOS or CCD detectors for high fidelity and repeatability measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional optical devices (monochromator, beam splitters, lenses) are used to achieve wavelength selection and beam routing, then measurement capability is provided, but device volume and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes conventional optical components (monochromator, beam splitters, lenses, mirrors) from the spectrophotometer system, replacing them with optical fibers that directly guide light from the source to the sample and detector, dramatically simplifying the device architecture while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as light guides, wavelength selectors (through their inherent spectral transmission properties), and spatial positioners, eliminating the need for separate monochromator and beam routing components
2Productivity
If conventional spectrophotometer architecture is used, then measurement function is achieved, but the system allows only one measurement at a time, limiting productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into multiple independent fiber-optic channels, each capable of simultaneous measurement, allowing multiple samples to be analyzed in parallel without requiring complex mechanical switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic multiplexing where multiple optical fibers can be selectively activated or combined, allowing flexible configuration for single or multiple simultaneous measurements based on experimental needs
3Reliability
If optical components are positioned at fixed distances from the source, then alignment is simplified, but optical coupling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are pre-positioned with their input ends at optimized distances from the light source during device assembly, ensuring maximum optical coupling efficiency before the device is put into operation, eliminating the need for alignment adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible optical fibers self-adjust to optimal positioning through their inherent flexibility, automatically achieving good optical coupling with the light source without requiring precise mechanical alignment mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures
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 system achieves high fidelity and reproducibility in transmission measurements over time, allowing for simultaneous and angular transmission analysis without optical component movement, and is suitable for small volume measurements and integration with fluidic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction between the radiation emitted by the source and the optical fibers is carried out without a conventional optical device
Implementation Method 2
Each light source is formed of one or more light-emitting diodes
Implementation Method 3
A spectrophotometer system measures the absorbance of a solution at a given wavelength
Implementation Method 4
One or two photodiode type detectors 17 which restore a current proportional to the number of photons received
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
Figure 2E~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a spectrophotometer system characterised in that it comprises: - an opaque casing (27), - a light source (20) c, said casing (27) enclosing: - an optical device (21) that comprises: o an opaque jacket (210) in which said light source (20) is placed, o a first aperture produced through said opaque jacket, o a first optical fibre (213) arranged through said first aperture, o said first optical fibre comprising an input that extends into said internal space (211) and an output that extends into said external space, and being arranged to guide a first light beam, generated from said light radiation, from the internal space to the external space, - a first detector (24), and - a first storage unit located between the first detector (24) and said first optical fibre in order to receive said first beam.