Handheld Raman Spectrometer with Optical Coupling Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical scanning methods, such as Raman spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy, face challenges in effectively identifying unknown materials, particularly in environments where hazardous materials are present, and struggle to provide rapid and accurate assessments to ensure safety and security.
Innovation Solution
A scanning system with a hand-held form factor, featuring a radiation source, detector, and electronic processor, along with an arm and optical coupling medium, that maintains separation from the sample and transmits radiation for analysis, allowing for the identification of materials through Raman scattering and absorption spectra, and includes a method for calibrating the detector using spectral information from the coupling medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical scanning methods are used to identify unknown materials, then material identification capability is improved, but measurement time and speed are insufficient for rapid assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing spectral data and establishing reference libraries of known materials before actual measurement. The processor compares measured spectra against pre-stored reference patterns, enabling rapid identification without requiring lengthy analysis during the measurement phase itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a two-stage measurement approach where a first, shorter measurement is performed to quickly assess whether the sample matches known hazardous materials. If the first measurement indicates a potential match, a second, longer measurement is then performed for confirmation. This skipping approach avoids performing the complete lengthy measurement on all samples, thereby reducing overall measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
2Reliability
If an arm with optical coupling medium is used to maintain separation from the sample, then safety and non-contact measurement are improved, but radiation transmission efficiency decreases due to diffusive scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical coupling medium as an intermediary substance between the detector arm and the sample. This coupling medium fills the gap and improves optical contact, reducing diffusive scattering of radiation while maintaining the non-contact safety advantage. The coupling medium acts as a mediator that enhances radiation transmission through the interface without requiring direct contact between the detector and hazardous sample.
3Productivity
If the detector measures radiation directly from the sample, then measurement speed is improved, but the ability to scan through container walls is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical scanning system with multi-functionality to handle both direct sample measurement and container wall penetration scenarios. The system can operate in multiple modes: direct contact mode for open samples and transmission mode for containerized materials. This universal design allows the same device to adapt to different measurement situations without requiring separate specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus, kits, methods, and systems that include a radiation source configured to direct radiation to a sample; a detector configured to measure radiation from the sample; an electronic processor configured to determine information about the sample based on the measured radiation; a housing enclosing the source, the detector, and the electronic processor, the housing having a hand-held form factor; an arm configured to maintain a separation between the sample and the housing, the arm including a first end configured to connect to the housing and a second end configured to contact the sample; and a layer positioned on the second end of the arm, the layer being configured to contact the sample and to transmit at least a portion of the radiation from the sample to the detector.