Long-Path Gas Absorption Cell Curved Reflectors for Compact Optical Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical gas absorption cells face limitations in achieving multiple reflections within a narrow space, restricting the optical path length and failing to meet the demand for higher sensitivity in trace gas detection.
Innovation Solution
A long-path gas absorption cell reflective optical system with a first and second reflector, where the second reflector includes a concave surface and an outer annular surface, allowing a collimated light beam to reflect multiple times between them, forming uniform light spots and increasing the optical path length within a limited space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If more reflections are added to extend optical path length, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved reflectors with specific radii of curvature to enable multiple reflections of the light beam within a compact space. The first reflector has radius of curvature R1 and the second reflector has radius of curvature R2, creating an optical cavity that achieves long optical path length through curved surface geometry rather than increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from linear optical path to three-dimensional reflective path by positioning reflectors at specific angles and distances. The light beam reflects multiple times between the first and second reflectors arranged in space, converting a one-dimensional path extension problem into a three-dimensional geometric optimization problem
2Measurement precision
If optical path length is extended within limited space, then detection range is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter relationships between the reflectors: the first reflector has radius of curvature R1, the second reflector has radius of curvature R2, and they are separated by distance d. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves multiple reflections within limited space while maintaining manufacturability through defined geometric relationships rather than requiring ultra-precise positioning
3Device complexity
If traditional optical gas absorption cell is used, then structure is simple, but optical path length is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the optical cavity structure within the gas absorption cell, nesting the reflective optical system inside the cell housing. The first and second reflectors are positioned within the limited space of the absorption cell to create multiple reflections, achieving long optical path length without expanding the overall device structure
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 more reflections within a smaller space, ensuring precision in manufacturing, simplifying the manufacturing process, and enhancing the optical path length to volume ratio, making it suitable for various detection environments.
Implementation Method 1
A collimated light beam enters from the light input port, reflects between the first reflector and the second reflector multiple times, and exits through the light output port
Data Source
AI summary
A long-path gas absorption cell reflective optical system, which includes a first reflector (1) and a second reflector (2), the first reflector (1) and the second reflector (2) are set opposite and spaced apart, with the second reflector (2) having an optical input port (3) and an optical output port (4). The first reflector (1), the second reflector (2), the optical input port (3), and the optical output port (4) together constitute a multiple reflection optical system; a collimated light beam enters through the optical input port (3) and reflects between the first reflector (1) and the second reflector (2), finally exiting through the optical output port (4). This achieves a longer light path for the collimated light beam within a limited space, allowing for more reflections; the system has a simple structure, relatively simple optical adjustment, is easy to operate, and has stable performance, making it widely applicable in various detection environments.