Fluorometric Sensor Head with Ball Lens Micro-Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorometric sensors face challenges in accurately determining the concentration of substances in liquid samples due to inefficiencies in measuring fluorescent signals, particularly in commercial and industrial applications where precise concentration is crucial for product effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A handheld fluorometric sensor with an immersible sensor head featuring an efficient micro-optics configuration that measures fluorescent signals at an angle of 60-120 degrees to the excitation beam, significantly reducing the analytical distance and enhancing sensitivity, allowing for precise concentration calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fluorometric sensor designs are used, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity and measurement efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional linear optical path design to a three-dimensional micro-optics configuration using ball lenses. The excitation light source, ball lens, and detector are arranged in a 3D space with specific geometric relationships (60-120 degree angles), creating a compact yet highly efficient optical measurement system that significantly improves sensitivity while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes critical geometric parameters including the 60-120 degree angle between excitation beam and detection path, the specific radius of ball lenses, and the analytical distance. These parameter optimizations enable the system to achieve 5-10 times higher measurement efficiency compared to traditional designs by maximizing light collection efficiency and minimizing analytical distance
2Productivity
If analytical distance is reduced to improve sensitivity, then measurement efficiency increases, but device design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ball lenses (spherical optical elements) instead of traditional flat or cylindrical optics. The spherical geometry of the ball lenses naturally focuses and directs light in multiple directions, enabling the excitation light to efficiently illuminate the sample and the detector to collect fluorescent signals from various angles, thereby reducing analytical distance and improving measurement efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a three-dimensional optical measurement space where the excitation source, ball lens, and detector are positioned at specific spatial coordinates. This 3D configuration allows the analytical distance to be minimized in the critical measurement path while maintaining proper optical alignment, achieving superior measurement efficiency without excessive design complexity
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 improved sensor head achieves increased sensitivity, capable of measuring concentrations up to five to ten times more efficiently than previous designs, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies and ensuring accurate product concentration monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorometric spectroscopy concerns the detection of fluorescent light emitted by a sample of interest. It involves using a beam of light, usually ultraviolet (UV) light, that excites the electrons in molecules of certain compounds in the sample and causes them to emit light of a lower energy (i.e., to 'fluoresce').
Implementation Method 2
The sensor head includes one or more windows that transmit light between the sample and electronics within the sensor head. The micro optic elements are arranged to bring an analytical area where fluorescent signals are measured closer to the focusing ball lenses.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments provide an optical sensor head and method of making an optical sensor head. In some cases the sensor head can be used as a fluorometric sensor to measure concentrations of substances within a liquid sample of interest. The sensor head includes a light source window and a detector window that transmit light between the sensor head and an analytical area. In some cases the windows include a ball lens positioned within a channel such that the ball lens and the channel create a seal between the interior and exterior of the sensor head.