Fluorescence Absorbance Analysis Monochromator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic analysis methods for water quality, such as absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, face challenges with long scanning times, inaccurate detection of unstable compounds, and limited simultaneous collection of absorbance and emission data, leading to uncertainty and inaccuracy in measurements due to time-dependent changes and chemical processes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a double subtractive monochromator with multiple gratings for near-zero dispersion and stray light reduction, combined with a multi-channel fluorescence detector and reference photodiode for simultaneous absorbance and fluorescence detection, and a processor for real-time data correction, enabling faster and more accurate analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate fluorescence and absorbance measurements are performed using corresponding instruments, then comprehensive spectral data can be obtained, but the scanning time increases significantly and sample stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorescence and absorbance measurement capabilities into a single integrated instrument system. The system uses a common light source and monochromator for excitation, with beam splitting to direct light to both fluorescence and absorbance detectors simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate instruments and sequential measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs parallel simultaneous measurements of fluorescence and absorbance without interruption. The continuous acquisition of both signal types eliminates time delays between measurements, ensuring that spectral data reflects the actual sample state at a single moment
2Loss of information
If long scanning times are used to achieve comprehensive spectral coverage, then more complete data is obtained, but compound stability deteriorates and photo-induced changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorescence and absorbance measurement capabilities into a single integrated instrument system. The system uses a common light source and monochromator for excitation, with beam splitting to direct light to both fluorescence and absorbance detectors simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate instruments and sequential measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs parallel simultaneous measurements of fluorescence and absorbance without interruption. The continuous acquisition of both signal types eliminates time delays between measurements, ensuring that spectral data reflects the actual sample state at a single moment
3Device complexity
If sequential measurements are performed, then instrument complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to time-dependent changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the excitation light path into two separate paths - one for fluorescence detection and one for absorbance detection. This allows simultaneous measurements without requiring two complete instrument systems, managing complexity while maintaining accuracy
4Productivity
If parallel fluorescence and absorbance readings are performed, then scanning time is reduced, but near simultaneous data collection for fluorescence reabsorbance correction is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs parallel simultaneous measurements of fluorescence and absorbance without interruption. The continuous acquisition of both signal types eliminates time delays between measurements, ensuring that spectral data reflects the actual sample state at a single moment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the excitation light path into two separate paths - one for fluorescence detection and one for absorbance detection. This allows simultaneous measurements without requiring two complete instrument systems, managing complexity while maintaining accuracy
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 approach allows for near simultaneous collection of absorbance and fluorescence data, reducing exposure time and photo-induced changes, enhancing accuracy and precision in the analysis of dissolved and suspended organic and inorganic substances, while minimizing the impact of time-dependent chemical processes.
Implementation Method 1
a monochromator having at least two gratings positioned to output selected bands of excitation wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a reference photodiode, a beam splitter positioned to direct a portion of light from the first concave mirror to the reference photodiode
Implementation Method 3
characteristic fluorescence associated with colored or chromophoric matter, i.e. absorption of shorter wavelength excitation light energy and re-emission of longer wavelength (and lower energy) emission light energy
Implementation Method 4
a first concave mirror, a second mirror, a detector, and a processor; and from which the subject-matter of claim 1 differs in that said second mirror is concave
Data Source
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AI summary
A system or method for analyzing a sample include an input light source, a monochromator having at least two gratings positioned to receive light from the input light source and to sequentially illuminate the sample with each of a plurality of wavelengths, a multi-channel fluorescence detector positioned to receive and substantially simultaneously detect multiple wavelengths of light emitted by the sample for each of the plurality of excitation wavelengths, an absorption detector positioned to receive and detect light passing through the sample, and a computer in communication with the monochromator, the fluorescence detector, and the absorption detector, the computer controlling the monochromator to sequentially illuminate the sample with each of the plurality of wavelengths while measuring absorption and fluorescence of the sample based on signals received from the fluorescence and absorption detectors.