Molded Parabolic and Plane Mirror for Raman Signal Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raman spectroscopy systems face challenges in measuring small Raman signals due to errant signals generated by optics, which worsen with increased light input, and traditional solutions that minimize optical elements lead to bulky systems impractical for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A single molded optical element combining a parabolic mirror and a plane turning mirror, positioned to reflect incident light without producing additional Raman scattered light, allowing for the collection and focusing of Raman scattered light onto a detector while minimizing errant signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If more light is input into the spectroscopic system to generate a measurable Raman signal, then the Raman signal strength is improved, but the errant Raman signal from the optics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parabolic mirror and plane turning mirror into a single molded optical element. This integration reduces the number of separate optical components, thereby minimizing the total errant Raman signal generated while maintaining the ability to collect and focus sufficient light for measurement
2Measurement precision
If traditional optical elements are used to collect and focus Raman scattered light, then the Raman signal collection is improved, but the system size increases making it impractical for many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (light collection, focusing, and direction changing) into a single molded optical element that integrates a parabolic mirror and a plane turning mirror. This consolidation maintains effective Raman signal collection while significantly reducing the overall system volume and component count
Solution Approach 2:
The single molded optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collects Raman scattered light, focuses the light, and directs it toward the detector using its integrated parabolic and plane mirror surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical components, reducing system size
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 solution effectively collects and directs Raman scattered light to a detector with reduced errant noise, enabling miniaturization of Raman spectrometers and improving signal consistency without increasing system size.
Implementation Method 1
a parabolic mirror configured to reflect substantially collimated light incident along a first axis. The reflected light converges towards a focal point located along a second axis
Implementation Method 2
The plane mirror reflects the incident converging light outward as exit light, which focuses at a final focus point located a nonzero distance from the surface of the plane mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An optical element is described that is a single molded piece. It includes a parabolic mirror configured to reflect substantially collimated light incident along a first axis. The reflected light converges towards a virtual focal point located along a second axis. The piece also includes a plane turning mirror positioned with respect to the parabolic mirror such that the converging light hits a surface of the plane mirror after traveling a distance less than a focal length of the parabolic mirror. The plane mirror reflects the incident converging light outward as exit light, which focuses at a final focus point located a nonzero distance from the plane mirror. The final focus point is located in a plane defined by the second axis and a third axis, and is offset at a nonzero angle from the third axis relative to a point on the surface of the plane mirror.