Integrated Computational Element for Broadband Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrally resolved optical devices for fluid property measurements are complex, costly, and prone to errors due to the need for multiple filters and mechanical synchronization, especially in applications like downhole oil exploration, where they struggle with broad spectral ranges and alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact and rugged optical measurement system using integrated computational elements (ICEs) that cover the entire optical spectrum, including UV, VIS, and NIR regions, with a single or limited number of ICEs that can function as multiple devices, simplifying alignment and reducing mechanical complexity through digital light processing and micro-electromechanical systems for intensity modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters and spectrally resolved optical devices are used to cover broad spectral ranges, then measurement capability across UV, VIS, and NIR regions is improved, but device complexity and mechanical synchronization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single spectrally resolved optical device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions across different spectral regions (UV, VIS, and NIR) by using a single optical path and detector system that can resolve multiple wavelengths simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple specialized filters and rotating mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical filter rotation system is replaced with a computational approach where a single spectrally resolved device captures the full spectrum and digital processing algorithms extract the required spectral information, substituting mechanical movement with electronic/computational methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating filter wheel mechanism is used to switch between different spectral filters, then broad spectral coverage is achieved, but alignment errors and measurement latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical filter wheel is completely replaced by a computational imaging approach where a single fixed spectrally resolved optical device captures the entire spectrum at once, and software algorithms process the spectral data to achieve the same multi-wavelength measurement capability without any mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The full spectral information is captured simultaneously in a single measurement event, and the required spectral filtering is performed computationally after data acquisition, rather than requiring precise mechanical alignment of filters before measurement
3Measurement precision
If conventional spectrally resolved optical devices are manufactured with precise spectral profiles, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing multiple physical filters with precise spectral characteristics, the system uses a single spectrally resolved optical device to capture the full spectrum, and digital copies or computational models of the spectral profiles are created and stored for reference and analysis, eliminating the need for expensive precision filter fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The system shifts from physical parameter control (precise filter spectral transmission characteristics) to computational parameter control (digital spectral profiles and processing algorithms), allowing spectral measurement accuracy to be achieved through software rather than expensive precision manufacturing
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 system complexity, enhances reliability, and provides detailed compositional information with reduced latency and error, improving the accuracy of fluid property measurements across broad spectral ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a light source to provide an illumination light to a sample to yield a sample light
Implementation Method 2
a dispersive element to disperse the sample light into wavelength portions
Implementation Method 3
an integrated computational element to form a pattern associated with a measurable property of the sample; to modulate an intensity of the dispersed sample light according to the pattern
Implementation Method 4
a detector to detect the modulated sample light
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for configuring an integrated computational element (ICE) to measure a property of a sample of interest. The system includes an illumination source to provide a sample light which is reflected from or transmitted through a sample. A dispersive element disperses the sample light into wavelength portions. An intensity modulation device having an array of electronically controllable modulation elements is disclosed that forms a pattern which modulates the dispersed sample light. Collection optics focuses the modulated sample light on a detector, which generates a signal that correlates to a property of the sample. The electronically controllable modulation elements can be readily altered to conform to a different measurable property of a sample of interest as desired.