Fluorescent Light Detection Device Using Integrated Optical Multiplexer
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescent light detection devices are costly due to the complexity and precision required in positioning optical components for efficient optical coupling, which increases the expense and difficulty of manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescent light detection device design featuring excitation and fluorescent light fibers with integrated selection filters and a retention member to maintain close proximity of their end faces, eliminating the need for precise optical axis alignment and reducing the necessity for additional lenses or optical multiplexers/demultiplexers, thereby simplifying the assembly and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical components are precisely positioned to achieve efficient optical coupling using rod lens and filter, then detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the filter and rod lens into a single integrated optical multiplexer/demultiplexer component. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning of multiple optical components, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining efficient optical coupling for sensitive detection
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical multiplexer/demultiplexer performs multiple functions: it acts as both a filter for wavelength selection and a rod lens for optical coupling. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure while preserving detection sensitivity
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical components are assembled serially to achieve efficient optical coupling, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple serially assembled optical components (filter, rod lens) into a single integrated optical multiplexer/demultiplexer. This reduces the number of assembly steps and positioning operations required, thereby easing manufacturing while maintaining detection accuracy through the integrated design
3Use of energy by moving object
If precise positioning of optical components is performed to achieve efficient optical coupling, then light transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components into a single integrated unit that maintains efficient light transmission. The integrated optical multiplexer/demultiplexer ensures proper optical coupling internally, eliminating the need for complex external positioning while preserving light transmission efficiency
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 solution allows for an inexpensive fluorescent light detection device with improved cost-effectiveness and reduced complexity in manufacturing, while maintaining the sensitivity and accuracy of fluorescent light detection, using plastic fibers and dielectric or diffractive optical elements to enhance light transmission and reduce noise.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source configured to emit excitation light
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescent light produced by the test object irradiated with the excitation light
Implementation Method 3
Each of the excitation light selection filter and the fluorescent light selection filter may be provided with a transparent base and a dielectric multilayer film formed on one of the surfaces of the transparent base
Implementation Method 4
Each of the excitation light selection filter and the fluorescent light selection filter may further be provided with a antireflection film formed on the other surface of the transparent base
Implementation Method 5
an excitation light fiber provided with an incident end face on which the excitation light from the excitation light source is incident and an emitting end face from which the excitation light is emitted
Data Source
AI summary
A fluorescent light detection device includes: an excitation light source; an excitation light fiber; a fluorescent light fiber; a detector configured to receive the fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent light fiber; a retention member configured to retain the fibers so that an emitting end face of the excitation light fiber and an incident end face of the fluorescent light fiber are located at close proximity; an excitation light selection filter provided in contact with the emitting end face; and a fluorescent light selection filter provided in contact with the incident end face. The excitation light emitted from the emitting end face irradiates a test object via the excitation light selection filter and the fluorescent light produced by the test object is incident on the incident end face via the fluorescent light selection filter.