Reconstructing Optical Spectra Using ICE Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical computing techniques for determining downhole fluid characteristics in the oil and gas industry face challenges in recording high resolution optical spectra due to harsh downhole conditions, which limit the use of sophisticated instruments and result in low resolution data with narrow band optical filters.
Innovation Solution
Design and fabrication of broadband Integrated Computational Element (ICE) structures with predefined transmission spectral patterns, using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) loading vectors to reconstruct high resolution spectral data, enabling accurate determination of sample composition and optical density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated grating-based or Fourier Transform-based instruments are used, then high resolution spectral data can be obtained, but the device complexity and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is divided into multiple discrete wavelength bands, each detected by a separate detector element. This segmentation allows high spectral resolution to be achieved through spatial distribution of detection elements rather than through complex mechanical or computational systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple detectors that each receive copies of the sample light at different wavelengths. By creating and detecting multiple wavelength copies simultaneously, the system achieves high spectral resolution without requiring complex moving parts or sequential scanning mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If high powered light sources and sensitive detectors are used to resolve spectra in the visible and short near infrared region, then spectral measurement capability is improved, but the power requirements increase and the tool becomes less rugged
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses narrowband optical filters with very specific wavelength transmission characteristics to isolate individual spectral components. This local quality approach allows each detector to measure a specific wavelength band with high precision using minimal light power, rather than requiring high power across the entire spectral range.
3Reliability
If narrow band optical filters are used, then the system is more resilient in the downhole environment, but the spectral resolution is limited to four or fewer optical channels
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is divided into multiple discrete wavelength bands, each detected by a separate detector element. This segmentation allows high spectral resolution to be achieved through spatial distribution of detection elements rather than through complex mechanical or computational systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a single broadband light source that illuminates the sample across the entire spectral range of interest. This broadband source serves multiple functions by providing all necessary wavelengths simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple narrowband sources or complex wavelength switching mechanisms.
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 ICE structures allow for high resolution spectral data reconstruction, overcoming the limitations of low resolution data from narrow band filters, providing accurate measurements of downhole fluid characteristics with improved ruggedness and reduced power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
broadband Integrated Computational Element (ICE) structures with predefined transmission spectral patterns
Implementation Method 2
two or more detectors positioned to optically interact with the optically-interacted light and thereby produce signals
Data Source
AI summary
Two or more Integrated Computational Element (“ICE”) structures are designed and utilized in an optical computing device to combinatorily reconstruct spectral patterns of a sample. To design the ICE structures, principal component analysis (“PCA”) loading vectors are derived from training spectra. Thereafter, two or more ICE structures having spectral patterns that match the PCA loading vectors are selected. The selected ICE structures may then be fabricated and integrated into an optical computing device. During operation, the ICE structures are used to reconstruct high resolution spectral data of the samples which is utilized to determine a variety of sample characteristics.