Light-Recycling Optical Cavity for Top-Lit Sample Examination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical diagnostic systems often require complex bottom lit, top read architectures with backlights or light guides, which can be cumbersome and less efficient for optical examination of test samples.
Innovation Solution
An optical system utilizing a top lit, top read architecture with a front optical film and a back reflector forming a light recycling optical cavity, allowing for simpler and more efficient optical examination by injecting light through the front optical film and detecting light exiting the cavity, which can enhance light intensity through constructive interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional bottom lit, top read architecture with backlights or light guides is used, then optical examination of test samples can be performed, but the system becomes complex and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex backlight and light guide components from the optical system. By using a simplified top-lit architecture where light is injected directly through the front optical film into the optical cavity, the system eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining optical examination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional optical architecture from bottom-lit to top-lit. Instead of illuminating the sample from below through a backlight, the system injects light from the top through the front optical film, reversing the traditional approach and achieving simpler system design.
2Illumination intensity
If light is injected through front optical film into optical cavity, then light intensity is enhanced through constructive interference, but the optical film must balance transmission and reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters of the front optical film, specifically its thickness and refractive index, to achieve the desired balance between transmission and reflection. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system enhances light intensity through constructive interference while maintaining appropriate light distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The front optical film is designed as a composite structure with specific layer configurations to achieve simultaneous transmission and reflection properties. This composite design allows the film to function as both a light entry point and an interference-enhancing element.
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 enhances light intensity by up to 30% through constructive interference, providing a more efficient and simpler diagnostic solution for test samples, including biological samples like enzyme-linked immunoassays, without the need for backlights or light guides.
Implementation Method 1
The system enhances light intensity by up to 30% through constructive interference
Implementation Method 2
a front optical film and a back reflector defining a light recycling optical cavity therebetween
Implementation Method 3
a test sample having a higher first optical absorption at a first wavelength and a lower second optical absorption at a second wavelength
Implementation Method 4
the test sample is configured to convert at least a portion of an incident first light having a first wavelength and an intensity I1b to a converted second light having at least a second wavelength different from the first wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes a front optical film and a back reflector defining a light recycling optical cavity therebetween. The optical cavity is configured to receive a test sample. The optical system includes a light source disposed on the front optical film side of the optical cavity and configured to emit first and second lights having respective intensities I1b and I1g and respective first and second wavelengths toward the optical cavity, such that when the test sample is disposed in the recycling optical cavity and the emitted first and second lights are recycled in the optical cavity while being at least partially absorbed by the test sample, at least portions of the recycling emitted first and second lights exit the optical cavity through the front optical film as respective exiting first and second lights having respective optical intensities I2b and I2g. I2g/I1g is greater than I2b/I1b by at least 10%.