Fluorocarbon Plastic Sample Containers for Spectroscopic Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic analysis of samples with multiple complex components or difficult-to-measure spectra is challenging, particularly in agricultural samples like grain, where determining moisture and protein content is crucial for decision-making, due to issues with reproducibility and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a sample container made from fluorocarbon plastic with high diffuse transmittance, placed inside an optically integrating cavity, which allows for homogeneous and isotropic light interaction, amplifying absorbance signals and reducing presentation errors, combined with spectroscopic sample preparation tools made from fluorocarbon plastic for precise sample handling and modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sample containers are used in spectroscopic analysis, then sample handling is simple, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to weak absorbance signals and presentation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sample container from conventional materials to fluorocarbon plastic with specific optical properties (diffuse transmittance ≥80%). This parameter change enables the container to amplify absorbance signals while maintaining structural simplicity, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorocarbon plastic container acts as an optical intermediary between the sample and the integrating cavity. It modifies the light-sample interaction by providing diffuse transmittance that amplifies absorbance signals, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex additional components
2Loss of information
If samples with multiple complex components are analyzed, then comprehensive chemical composition determination is achieved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to spectral complexity and reproducibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the measurement system by introducing a fluorocarbon plastic container with high diffuse transmittance. This parameter change amplifies absorbance signals uniformly across all spectral regions, improving the reliability of chemical composition determination for complex samples without losing spectral information
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorocarbon plastic material provides homogeneous optical properties throughout the container structure, ensuring uniform light distribution and consistent absorbance signal amplification across the entire sample area. This homogeneity improves measurement reproducibility for complex multi-component samples
3Illumination intensity
If the enclosing member material is changed to fluorocarbon plastic, then optical performance improves with high diffuse transmittance, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable fluorocarbon plastic sample containers that can be manufactured using standard plastic molding techniques. Although the material is more specialized than conventional containers, the disposable nature and simple molding process keep manufacturing complexity and cost manageable while achieving the required optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies a minimum diffuse transmittance parameter of 80% for the fluorocarbon plastic material, providing a clear manufacturing target. This parameter-based specification simplifies the manufacturing process by focusing on achieving a specific optical property rather than controlling multiple geometric parameters
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 enhances the accuracy and reliability of spectroscopic measurements by amplifying weak absorbance signals, reducing errors, and simplifying sample handling, while maintaining the optical stability of the integrating cavity, thereby improving the determination of chemical composition, especially in complex agricultural samples.
Implementation Method 1
the enclosing member having diffuse transmittance of at least 80%
Implementation Method 2
The diffusive white coating transforms light guided into the cavity, by multiple scattering reflections, into a homogenous photon gas which fills the cavity
Implementation Method 3
Chemical substances have characteristic emission and absorption frequencies, which correspond to lines or bands in a spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sample container for use inside an optically integrating cavity, comprising an enclosing member comprised of fluorocarbon plastic, the enclosing member having diffuse transmittance of at least 80% and the sample container being adapted to contain a solid or liquid sample.