Light Scattering Measurement Using Spatial Filter Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing haze measurement devices are bulky, costly, and impractical for in-line measurements due to the need for large distances and complex optical setups to differentiate between high and low k vectors, leading to geometrical errors and high costs for multiple detectors.

Innovation Solution

A compact, portable device using spatial filters with two apertures to measure low and total k vectors, allowing for simplified calculation of haze without the need for multiple detectors, utilizing a beamsplitter or multiple spatial filters to achieve accurate power measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large distance is maintained between the sample and the low k light blocking stage to avoid geometrical errors, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehaze measurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical measurement system into two separate measurement paths: one for measuring total transmitted light and another for measuring scattered light. This segmentation allows each measurement to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for large distances and complex blocking stages while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an integrating sphere as an intermediary component that collects and redistributes scattered light. This mediator enables accurate measurement of scattered light without requiring complex geometric arrangements or large distances between components, thus reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple detectors are used to measure different k vectors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvek vector differentiation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of detectors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into two distinct optical paths: one path measures total transmitted light using a first detector, while the other path measures scattered light using a second detector. This segmentation allows accurate differentiation of k vectors without requiring a single complex detector system, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The integrating sphere acts as an intermediary that redirects scattered light to the second detector. This mediator enables the second detector to measure only scattered light (high k vectors) without being affected by direct transmitted light, achieving accurate k vector differentiation with simple detector components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate and cost-effective measurement of haze and turbidity with smaller, more practical devices, suitable for in-line applications by improving the separation of k vectors and reducing the size and complexity of the measurement setup.

Implementation Method 1

Light that is scattered upon passing through a film or sheet of a material can produce a hazy or smoky field when objects are viewed through the material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

A beamsplitter or multiple spatial filters to achieve accurate power measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and transmission: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2905605B1Apparatus for measuring light scattering
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 FUNDACIO INST DE CIENCIES FOT NIQUES
  • EP2905605B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2905605B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2905605B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Apparatus for measuring light scattering of a sample comprising a light beam source, means for collimating the beam and making it impinge on the sample in a perpendicular direction, at least one light sensor, and at least one spatial filter between the sample and the optical sensor, provided with two apertures, means for measuring the total power reaching the sensor and means for measuring the power of beams with a low k vector after the beam traverses the filter. The invention provides thus a simplified, portable and compact device for measuring different parameters like haze, turbidity, etc. can be built, for any sample and without the need of changing detectors.