Modular Spectroscopy Microscope with Interchangeable Optical Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy systems lack modular and interchangeable components, limiting flexibility in excitation wavelengths and sample analysis capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A modular spectroscopy system with interchangeable modules for the laser source, filter assembly, dichroic module, long pass module, and fiber assembly, allowing rapid changes in excitation wavelengths and improved sample inspection through widefield imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed optical components are used in the spectroscopy system, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility in excitation wavelengths and sample analysis capabilities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate interchangeable modules including objective lens modules with different numerical apertures, dichroic modules for different wavelength ranges, and long-pass filter modules. Each module can be independently removed and replaced to adapt to different excitation wavelengths and sample analysis requirements, thereby achieving versatility without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture creates a universal platform where a single base system can support multiple functions through module interchangeability. The standardized mounting interfaces allow different combinations of modules to work with the same spectrometer and control system, enabling one system to perform multiple spectroscopy applications across different wavelength ranges with varying numerical apertures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed modules are provided for different wavelengths, then wavelength coverage is comprehensive, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to reconfigure
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a single complex fixed system, the solution segments the optical path into independent replaceable modules. Each module (objective lens, dichroic mirror, long-pass filter) is designed as a separate unit that can be quickly exchanged without affecting other components, making reconfiguration simple and intuitive for different wavelength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable architecture. The modular design with standardized interfaces enables rapid adaptation of the optical train by simply swapping modules, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its characteristics (numerical aperture, wavelength range, filter properties) based on the specific analysis needs without complex reconfiguration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable modules with different numerical apertures are used, then sample analysis capability is enhanced, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design isolates alignment requirements to each individual module rather than requiring system-wide alignment. Each module (objective lens, dichroic, filter) can be pre-aligned and tested independently before installation, and the standardized mounting interfaces maintain consistent optical paths, reducing the overall alignment precision burden while preserving the ability to use multiple numerical apertures for different sample analysis capabilities.
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 rapid and flexible analysis of samples by allowing users to easily switch between different excitation wavelengths and modules, enhancing the capability for defect detection and unknown substance identification.
Implementation Method 1
a removable objective lens to focus the laser source onto a sample and collect light emitted from the sample
Implementation Method 2
a removable dichroic module to reflect the laser onto the sample and transmit emitted light to the filter assembly
Implementation Method 3
a removable long pass module to reject the laser source
Implementation Method 4
a removable fiber assembly to transfer light to the spectrometer
Implementation Method 5
a laser source
Implementation Method 6
Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy
Implementation Method 7
Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
A modular microscope can quickly be modified for specific scanning applications. The microscope includes a microscope main body which has slots into which long pass filter modules, dichroic mirror modules, notch filter modules, and LED modules can be selectively placed, removed, and changed out. In some applications, the interchangeable components permit quickly changing between Photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy (microscope) systems.