Motorized Variable Path Length Cell for Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current molecular spectrometers face challenges in accurately measuring optical properties of samples due to uncertainties caused by large or small path lengths, noise, and natural variations in light intensity, which affect the reliability of spectral signal detection.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that allows for easy variation of optical path length from 5 microns to 10,000 microns, enabled by a programmable control system, along with a design that facilitates easy sample preparation and cleaning, allowing for automatic data collection at different path lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large path length is used for spectral analysis, then the absorbance signal strength is improved, but the transmitted light becomes too weak to be reliably detected due to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a motorized translation stage that enables dynamic adjustment of the optical path length between the sample and detector. This dynamic positioning system allows the path length to be varied from small to large values, optimizing the balance between absorbance signal strength and transmitted light detection reliability for different measurement conditions
2Illumination intensity
If a small path length is used for spectral analysis, then the transmitted light level is maintained high, but the absorbance signal strength becomes too small for reliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized translation stage enables dynamic extension of the optical path length when high absorbance signal strength is needed. By automatically increasing the path length for samples with low absorbance, the system maintains reliable detection sensitivity while preserving high transmitted light levels for samples that require it
3Device complexity
If the optical path length is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to minimize noise and natural variations through path length adjustment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements motorized control of the optical path length parameter, allowing automatic adjustment to optimal values for different sample types and measurement conditions. This parameter variability enables the system to minimize noise and natural variations by selecting appropriate path lengths, thereby improving measurement reliability without excessive complexity
4Device complexity
If manual path length adjustment is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity and efficiency of data collection from multiple samples is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized translation stage is integrated with the spectrometer system to provide automatic path length adjustment for multiple samples. The system self-regulates by varying path lengths based on sample characteristics, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving data collection efficiency and productivity
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 high-degree control over path lengths for precise spectral analysis, improving data reliability and efficiency by minimizing noise and natural variations, and allowing for rapid analysis of multiple samples.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting light of varying wavelengths through the sample so as to provide wavelength information and to provide measured amounts of light absorbed by any given sample
Implementation Method 2
A molecular spectrometer is an instrument wherein a solid, liquid, or gaseous sample is illuminated, often with non-visible light such as light in the infrared region of the spectrum. The light transmitted through the sample is then captured and analyzed to reveal information about the characteristics of the sample
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention is thus directed to an automated system (200) of varying the optical path length in a sample that a light from a spectrophotometer (9) must travel through. Such arrangements allow a user to easily vary the optical path length while also providing the user with an easy way to clean and prepare a transmission cell for optical interrogation. Such path length control can be automatically controlled by a programmable control system to quickly collect and stores data from different path lengths as needed for different spectrographic analysis. Moreover, the system utilizes configured wedge shaped windows (5, 5') to best minimize the reflections of light which cause periodic variation in transmission at different wave lengths (commonly described as "channel spectra"). Such a system, as presented herein, is able to return best-match spectra with far fewer computational steps and greater speed than if all possible combinations of reference spectra are considered.