Immersion Tip Structure for Stray-Light-Resistant Raman Probes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raman spectroscopy in biological media is hindered by high sensitivity to ambient light and other optical sensors, leading to interference and low sensitivity due to weak Raman signals, especially in turbid media with low nutrient concentrations.
Innovation Solution
An immersion tip for Raman spectroscopy with a cylindrical body featuring a slit and integrated light-absorbent material to block stray light, combined with a reflective material to redirect Raman signals, enhancing signal collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard immersion tip is used to measure Raman signals in biological media, then the measurement can be performed, but the measurement sensitivity is low due to strong interference from ambient light and other optical sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful stray light components from the optical path by introducing a light-absorbent material that selectively absorbs ambient light and sensor interference while allowing the Raman signal to pass through. This separation of harmful light from useful signal resolves the contradiction by eliminating interference without compromising measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful stray light into a beneficial filtering mechanism by using the light-absorbent material to selectively block unwanted wavelengths while transmitting the Raman signal. The harmful ambient light and sensor interference are transformed into a controlled filtering process that enhances measurement precision by removing only the harmful components.
2Measurement precision
If the laser power is increased to enhance the weak Raman signal, then the signal intensity improves, but the heat sensitivity of optical elements causes damage or degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-absorbent material as an intermediary component between the laser source and the sample, and between the sample and the detector. This intermediary selectively manages light transmission, allowing sufficient laser power to generate strong Raman signals while preventing excessive heat from reaching temperature-sensitive optical elements, thus resolving the contradiction between signal intensity and thermal damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple filters and optical components are added to eliminate ambient light interference, then the stray light rejection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light-filtering functions into a single integrated light-absorbent material component. Instead of using separate filters, baffles, and shields that would increase device complexity, the invention combines stray light absorption, sensor interference blocking, and optical path management into one unified component, thereby improving harmful factor rejection without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Reliability
If the immersion tip is made completely sealed to protect internal components, then the protection of optical elements improves, but the sensitivity to moisture and heat increases due to trapped humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the critical sealing points moisture-resistant while leaving other areas open or semi-open. The light-absorbent material is strategically positioned at specific locations where moisture accumulation would be most harmful, allowing the immersion tip to maintain adequate protection without creating a completely sealed environment that would trap moisture and heat, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and sensitivity.
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 solution effectively reduces stray light interference and amplifies Raman signals, improving measurement sensitivity and reliability in industrial biotechnology applications.
Implementation Method 1
comprising a part made of a light-absorbent material arranged facing the window
Implementation Method 2
combined with a reflective material to redirect Raman signals, enhancing signal collection
Implementation Method 3
equipped with a collimating optic (lens or micro-ball 32)
Implementation Method 4
Raman spectroscopy uses the inelastic scattering principle that is generated when a sample is illuminated by intense monochromatic light
Implementation Method 5
Current devices use a laser source with a fixed wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
Immersion tip of a probe for Raman spectroscopy comprising a cylindrical body equipped with a collimating optic and/or a window and designed to be immersed in a liquid to be analysed, the cylindrical body consisting of two parts separated by a slit intended to allow the liquid to be analysed to pass through it, the first part being hollow and traversed from a first end by light emission and reception signals, the other end opposite the first being closed by the collimating optic and/or the window, the second part being configured to prevent any reception of stray light other than that passing through the slit and comprising a part made of a light-absorbent material arranged facing the window.