Interferometric Spectrometer Background Light Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectrometers designed for recreational use by novice users face challenges in accurately determining spectral characteristics of objects without enclosing them, as they lack controlled illumination, leading to interference from background light sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectrometer system utilizing an interference fringe pattern generator and a planar array of detector pixels to capture and analyze light diffused by an object, with a processor determining spectral characteristics based on intensity values and optical path differences, effectively isolating object light from background illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spectrometer is designed for recreational use by novice users without enclosing the object, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from background light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interferometer as an intermediary device between the light source and detector. The interferometer modulates the light from the object through interference patterns, encoding spectral information in a way that distinguishes it from background illumination. This mediator transforms the measurement process so that spectral data can be extracted even in uncontrolled lighting environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of light measurement from direct intensity detection to interference pattern detection. By measuring optical path differences and interference fringes rather than raw light intensity, the system can distinguish object light from background light based on their different interference characteristics, thereby maintaining measurement precision while allowing ease of use.
2Measurement precision
If a closed volume is used to enclose the object for spectral measurement, then measurement precision is improved by avoiding background illumination, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a closed volume as a physical barrier, the patent employs an interferometer as an optical intermediary that actively discriminates between object light and background light through interference modulation. This approach achieves the same precision goal without the complexity of enclosing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solution of physical enclosure with an optical interference-based measurement system. Rather than mechanically isolating the object from background light through enclosures, the system uses optical interference patterns to selectively identify and measure object light, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If traditional spectrometers are designed for laboratory use with controlled illumination, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for novice users
Solution Approach 1:
The interferometric system performs self-calibration and automatic spectral extraction through digital signal processing. The processor automatically analyzes interference patterns and computes spectral information without requiring the user to manually control illumination or perform complex measurements. This self-service capability enables novice users to achieve laboratory-grade precision through simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of illumination and measurement with automated optical interference and digital processing. The system automatically modulates light through interference and uses computational algorithms to extract spectral data, eliminating the need for users to understand or control complex illumination parameters, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
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 system enables accurate determination of spectral characteristics of objects, even in the presence of strong background illumination, by forming and analyzing interference fringe patterns, thus improving spectral analysis for non-expert users.
Implementation Method 1
an interference fringe pattern generator to form an interference fringe pattern from light rays diffused by a region of an object
Implementation Method 2
a focused source having an intensity greater than the illumination intensity of the background
Implementation Method 3
a plano-convex lens having a planar surface parallel to the planar array of detector pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An interference fringe pattern generator forms an interference fringe pattern from the light rays diffused from a region of an object positioned against a background. A planar array of detector pixels is arranged to capture an image of the interference fringe pattern. A storage medium records information indicative of intensity values of the image of the interference fringe pattern captured by a selected group of pixels of the planar array of detector pixels. The information is recorded as a function of the optical path difference values traversed by the diffused light rays through the interference fringe pattern generator for each of the pixels in the selected group of pixels. A processor determines the spectral characteristics of the object based on the information indicative of the intensity values recorded by the storage medium and the optical path difference values traversed by the diffused light rays.