Harmonic Line Shape Optimization for Integrated Computational Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for designing Integrated Computational Elements (ICEs) are inefficient and costly, resulting in a limited number of candidate designs with high calibration sensitivity, which increases computing time and resource requirements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves defining a harmonic line shape to simulate an optical response function, varying its parameters to maximize sensitivity and minimize Standard Error in Calibration (SEC), and fabricating an ICE thin-film stack that matches the ideal optical response function, using techniques such as Lorentzian or Gaussian line shapes and regression analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a randomized starting thickness approach is used in ICE design algorithms, then the number of candidate designs with high calibration sensitivity increases, but the computing time and resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a systematic search space for layer thicknesses based on optical path difference criteria before running the optimization algorithm. This pre-planning of the search boundaries and step sizes allows the algorithm to efficiently explore only relevant design space, avoiding random sampling of irrelevant configurations, thus achieving high calibration sensitivity designs with reduced computing time and resources
2Measurement precision
If more candidate designs are generated for analysis during candidate finalization, then the quality of selected ICE designs improves, but the computing resources and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes parameters by establishing specific optimization criteria including target wavelength ranges, optical path difference thresholds, and calibration sensitivity metrics. These parameter definitions guide the algorithm to generate designs that inherently meet quality standards, reducing the need for extensive post-generation analysis while maintaining high design quality
3Measurement precision
If traditional minimization algorithms are used to optimize layer thicknesses, then the Standard Error in Calibration is reduced, but the number of iterations and computing resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal thickness ranges and step sizes based on the desired optical path differences before initiating the minimization algorithm. This pre-planning allows the algorithm to converge faster with fewer iterations while achieving the same or better Standard Error in Calibration performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by optimizing the search step sizes and convergence criteria based on the specific application requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the algorithm achieves efficient convergence with reduced iterations while maintaining high calibration 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 significantly reduces computation time and complexity, producing ICE designs with roughly twice the sensitivity of traditional methods, while being cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
One type of an ICE is an optical thin film optical interference device, also known as a multivariate optical element ('MOE')
Implementation Method 2
When light from a light source interacts with a substance, unique physical and chemical information about the substance is encoded in the electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from, transmitted through, or radiated from the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to design highly-sensitive Integrated Computational Elements for optical computing devices. A harmonic line shape is defined and used to simulate an optical response function which has a plurality of parameters that are varied until an ideal optical response function is determined. The ideal optical response function will be that function which maximizes the output sensitivity and/or minimizes the Standard Error of Calibration. Thereafter, the method designs a film stack having an optical response function that matches the ideal transmission function, and an ICE is fabricated based upon this design.