Integrating Sphere Fluorescence Spectrophotometer for Uniform Excitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescence spectrophotometers face challenges in acquiring accurate and uniform fluorescence spectra and images due to uneven excitation light distribution, which limits the ability to measure samples with varying properties across different regions.
Innovation Solution
A fluorescence spectrophotometer design that includes an integrating sphere to scatter and average excitation light, allowing samples to be irradiated with reduced unevenness, and a camera module to capture fluorescent light reflections, enabling simultaneous acquisition of spectra and images with improved uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If excitation light is directly irradiated onto the sample through a lens, then the excitation light amount is concentrated, but the excitation light distribution becomes uneven with bias toward the center portion
Solution Approach 1:
An integrating sphere is introduced as an intermediary between the light source and sample. The sphere's inner surface scatters the excitation light uniformly in all directions, creating homogeneous illumination on the sample without the center-bias problem of direct lens irradiation, while maintaining sufficient light intensity through multiple internal reflections
Solution Approach 2:
The integrating sphere utilizes its spherical geometry with a highly reflective inner surface to scatter light uniformly. The curved surface ensures that light from any point on the sphere reaches all other points through multiple reflections, creating uniform excitation light distribution across the sample area
2Measurement precision
If a dark room sample chamber is used to measure fluorescence spectrum, then the fluorescence intensity can be detected, but the emission distribution and emission color cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges fluorescence spectrum measurement capability with fluorescence image acquisition capability into a single integrated system. The detector simultaneously captures both spectral information and spatial emission distribution, allowing both quantitative analysis and visual characterization to be performed on the same sample under identical conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed with multi-functionality to perform both fluorescence spectrum measurement and fluorescence emission distribution imaging using the same excitation light path and detection system, eliminating the need for separate measurement chambers or devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical filters are used to separate white light for excitation, then different excitation wavelengths can be obtained, but the excitation wavelength is limited by the number of optical filters
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple discrete optical filters with an LED-based excitation system. Different wavelengths are achieved by selecting from multiple LED light sources with specific emission wavelengths, eliminating the need for physical filter changes and reducing system complexity while maintaining wavelength versatility
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 allows for the acquisition of excellent sample images and spectra with reduced unevenness, enabling more accurate and efficient analysis by displaying both in the same screen, thus enhancing measurement convenience and analysis efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an integrating sphere, which has an inner surface configured to scatter the excitation light that has entered the integrating sphere
Implementation Method 2
a fluorescence spectrophotometer configured to irradiate a sample with excitation light to measure fluorescent light emitted from the sample
Implementation Method 3
the fluorescent light emitted from the sample is reflected and scattered by the inner surface of the integrating sphere, and then the fluorescent light exits from the integrating sphere and is guided to the detector
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A fluorescence spectrophotometer (1) includes: a light source (11); an excitation side spectroscope (12) configured to separate light from the light source to generate excitation light; an integrating sphere (20) having an inner surface configured to scatter the excitation light that has entered the integrating sphere; a sample holder (23), which is provided at a position on the integrating sphere that is not directly irradiated with the excitation light that has entered the integrating sphere and that is capable of being irradiated with the excitation light that has been scattered by the inner surface, and which is capable of holding a sample to be measured; a detector (16) configured to detect fluorescent light emitted from the sample irradiated with the excitation light that has been scattered by the inner surface; and an imaging device (21) configured to take the sample image of the sample that emits the fluorescent light.