Liquid Crystal Filter Spectrometer for Miniature Non-Invasive Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrometers for non-invasive blood sugar measurement are bulky due to their volume characteristics, restricting the development of miniature sensors, especially when using bulky gratings or Michelson interferometers for NIR absorption and Raman spectroscopy.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design incorporating a liquid crystal (LC) filter with a tunable wavelength based on electrical stimulus, combined with a photodetector, dielectric mirrors, and a spectrum scanner, which allows for efficient light detection and spectrum analysis, enabling a compact and efficient measurement system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bulky grating or Michelson interferometer is used to analyze light spectrum, then measurement precision is improved, but volume of the spectrometer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical grating or Michelson interferometer system with a liquid crystal filter system that uses electrical control to tune wavelength. The liquid crystal filter adjusts its optical properties through electrical stimuli rather than mechanical movement, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining spectrum analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from mechanical position (grating angle or interferometer path length) to electrical parameter (voltage applied to liquid crystal). By applying different voltages to the liquid crystal filter, the transmission wavelength is tuned, enabling spectrum analysis without mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spectrometer components are used, then spectrum analysis capability is improved, but ease of manufacture for miniature sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement of mechanical components with electrically controlled liquid crystal filters enables miniaturization. Liquid crystal filters can be fabricated using thin-film deposition techniques and integrated into compact modules, making miniature sensor manufacturing feasible while preserving spectrum analysis functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid crystal filter utilizes thin film structures that can be deposited on substrates and integrated into compact form factors. This thin-film approach enables the fabrication of miniature spectrometers that maintain full spectrum analysis capability while being suitable for portable and implantable applications.
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 LC filter-based spectrometer achieves a compact and efficient design for non-invasive blood sugar measurement, enhancing light efficiency and enabling the development of miniature sensors for NIR absorption and Raman spectroscopy applications.
Implementation Method 1
an LC layer configured to pass light having a wavelength that is tunable based on an electrical stimulus that is applied to the LC layer
Implementation Method 2
pass light having a wavelength that is tunable based on an electrical stimulus that is applied to the LC layer
Implementation Method 3
a laminated structure in which inorganic layers having different refractive indices are alternately stacked on each other
Implementation Method 4
Each of the first dielectric mirror and the second dielectric mirror may have a laminated structure in which inorganic layers having different refractive indices are alternately stacked on each other
Implementation Method 5
a photodetector configured to detect the light passed through the LC filter
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometer and a spectrometer module are disclosed. The spectrometer includes a liquid crystal (LC) filter including an LC layer configured to pass light having a wavelength that is tunable based on an electrical stimulus that is applied to the LC layer, and a photodetector configured to detect the light passed through the LC filter.