LED Spectrofluorometer for Non-Contact Art Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrofluorimeters are bulky, heavy, and unsuitable for studying fragile works of art or archaeological objects, as they require sample extraction or laboratory analysis, and often involve contact with the object, which can be detrimental.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable spectrofluorimeter using light-emitting diodes as light sources with integrated focusing systems, powered by low-voltage batteries or USB, allowing non-contact analysis with adjustable excitation and optimized for wavelengths suitable for organic materials, featuring a mechanical positioning system and optical filters for fluorescence collection and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spectrofluorimeters are used, then analysis capability is provided, but the devices are bulky, heavy, and require contact with objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical light sources (such as lamps requiring complex optical systems) with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are solid-state devices with no moving parts. This substitution dramatically reduces device weight and enables non-contact operation, as LEDs can be directly positioned near the sample without requiring bulky mechanical mounting or contact mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the light source by using LEDs with specific emission wavelengths (250-300 nm for UV, 300-500 nm for visible range) and low operating voltages. These parameter changes enable portable operation on batteries or USB power, eliminating the need for heavy power supplies and making the device suitable for field analysis of artworks and archaeological objects.
2Measurement precision
If sample extraction or laboratory analysis is performed, then detailed analysis is achieved, but fragile objects cannot be studied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the object itself to serve as the analysis target without requiring sample extraction. The portable spectrofluorimeter allows direct in-situ analysis of the artwork or archaeological object, eliminating the harmful factor of sample removal while maintaining analysis capability. The device performs measurements directly on the object surface through non-contact fluorescence excitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluorescence emission as an intermediary signal to obtain compositional information without direct contact or sample removal. By exciting the sample with UV or visible light and measuring the emitted fluorescence, the system provides detailed chemical analysis while the object remains intact and undisturbed, eliminating damage risks associated with sampling.
3Power
If high-power light sources are used, then excitation capability is improved, but thermal load and damage risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power delivery parameters by using low-voltage LED operation (typically 3-5V forward voltage) with controlled current drive. This provides sufficient optical power for fluorescence excitation while maintaining low thermal output compared to conventional high-power lamps, thereby reducing thermal load on the analyzed object and eliminating burn or degradation risks.
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
Enables non-destructive, efficient analysis of chemical compounds on fragile works of art and archaeological objects, providing accurate identification of pigments and binders with reduced thermal load and risk of damage, while being lightweight and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the means for light excitation comprise a first light-emitting diode and a second light-emitting diode, said light excitation beam being formed from one and/or the other light beam generated by each light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
optical means of conveying adapted to collect a fluorescence light flux emitted by said study area excited by the excitation light beam
Implementation Method 3
said optical conveying means include a first and a second optical filter intended to eliminate parts of said fluorescence light flux which are emitted respectively at the first wavelength and the second wavelength
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an LED spectrofluorometer (100) for analysis of an object (101), comprising a light excitation means (11, 112, 113) suitable for illuminating a study zone (101B) of the object with an excitation light beam (1), and optical routing means (121, 122, 123, 124) suitable for collecting a fluorescent light flux (2) emitted by the study zone excited by the excitation light beam and for routing the fluorescent light flux to an optical spectrometer (131) for analysis of the light spectrum thereof. According to the invention, the light excitation means comprises a first light-emitting diode (111) and a second-light emitting diode (112), the first light-emitting diode emitting at a first wavelength (λ1) between 250 and 300 nm and the excitation light beam being formed from one or other of the light beams generated by each light-emitting diode.