Microspectroscope Optical Fiber Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microspectroscopes have complex configurations and difficulty in adjusting the optical system due to the requirement of a pinhole array in multifocal confocal microscopes, which limits their performance and usability.
Innovation Solution
A microspectroscope design utilizing a plurality of light projecting and receiving optical fibers with a confocal optical system that allows for a simple and adjustable configuration without a pinhole array, where the fibers are arranged closer to each other than in a square lattice, enhancing light usage efficiency and reducing device occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pinhole array is used in multifocal confocal microscopes, then light separation from multiple positions is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty in adjusting the optical system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the optical system into multiple independent optical fibers (light projecting optical fibers and light receiving optical fibers) that are two-dimensionally arranged. Each optical fiber independently transmits light from a specific position on the sample, replacing the pinhole array structure and simplifying the overall optical system while maintaining the ability to separate light from multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical pinhole array structure with an optical fiber-based system. The optical fibers directly transmit light without requiring mechanical alignment of pinholes, thereby reducing device complexity and making the optical system easier to adjust and maintain.
2Shape
If optical fibers are arranged in a square lattice, then structural regularity is achieved, but light usage efficiency and device occupancy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention arranges the optical fibers in a two-dimensional array where the spacing between adjacent fibers is non-uniform. Specifically, the spacing in one direction is different from the spacing in the perpendicular direction, creating an asymmetric arrangement that increases light usage efficiency while maintaining structural regularity for manufacturing purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex pinhole array configuration is used, then multifocal confocal imaging is achieved, but ease of operation and adjustment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers inherently provide the multifocal confocal capability through their spatial arrangement and light transmission properties. The system self-organizes the light paths from multiple positions on the sample to the spectroscope without requiring complex external alignment mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation and adjustment.
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
This design enables efficient separation of light from multiple positions on a sample with improved light usage and easier optical system adjustment, providing a superior microspectroscope with increased light intensity and reduced spectral variations.
Implementation Method 1
a confocal optical system for causing each of a plurality of beams from the plurality of light projecting optical fibers to be condensed and irradiated onto a sample, and forming images of a plurality of beams from a plurality of condensing points on the sample, respectively on the plurality of light receiving optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light projecting optical fibers that receive light from the light source; and a plurality of light receiving optical fibers for guiding received light to the spectroscope
Data Source
AI summary
A microspectroscope includes: a light source; a plurality of light projecting optical fibers that receive light from the light source; a spectroscope; a plurality of light receiving optical fibers for guiding received light to the spectroscope; and a confocal optical system for causing each of a plurality of beams from the plurality of light projecting optical fibers to be condensed and irradiated onto a sample, and forming images of a plurality of beams from a plurality of condensing points on the sample, respectively on the plurality of light receiving optical fibers.