Movable Lens Spectrometer for Heterogeneous Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic measurement devices face challenges in achieving high resolution and preventing sample damage due to the need for tightly focused beams, which can only measure a single location on heterogeneous samples and may damage sensitive samples with intense light sources.
Innovation Solution
A spectroscopic system that uses an electro-mechanical stage to move a focused beam across a sample's surface, averaging intensity over a larger area to increase sensitivity and prevent damage, while maintaining alignment with a spectroscopic aperture through reversible optics and automatic focus control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tightly focused beam is used to achieve high spectroscopic resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the sample may be damaged by intense light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic beam scanning across the sample surface using a movable mirror or galvanometer, transforming the static focused beam into a dynamic scanning beam. This allows the beam to sequentially illuminate multiple locations while maintaining high intensity at each point, achieving both high resolution and reduced overall sample damage through temporal distribution of energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sample measurement into multiple discrete locations or regions, scanning the focused beam across different areas sequentially. This segmentation allows high-resolution measurement at each point while distributing the total energy exposure across the entire sample, preventing concentration of damage at a single location
2Measurement precision
If a tightly focused beam is used to achieve high spectroscopic resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to specialized mechanical mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focusing mechanisms with an optical scanning system using movable mirrors or galvanometers. Instead of mechanically adjusting lenses or sample positions to achieve focus, the system uses rapid mirror deflection to scan the beam, substituting mechanical complexity with simpler optical components and control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dual-function optical system where the same optical components serve both focusing and scanning purposes. The movable mirror or galvanometer system provides both beam direction control and positioning functionality, eliminating the need for separate specialized mechanical mechanisms for each function
3Measurement precision
If a tightly focused beam is used to measure a single location, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to analyze heterogeneous samples is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic scanning to enable the focused beam to rapidly visit multiple locations on heterogeneous samples, transforming a single-point measurement system into a multi-location analysis system. The rapid scanning allows the system to maintain high measurement precision at each point while covering extensive sample areas, adapting to sample heterogeneity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spatial scanning dimension to the measurement process, transitioning from single-point analysis to area-wide analysis. By scanning the beam across the sample surface in controlled patterns, the system effectively adds a spatial dimension to the measurement capability, enabling analysis of heterogeneous samples across multiple locations while maintaining high precision at each measurement point
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-resolution spectroscopic analysis of larger sample areas without damaging sensitive samples, by distributing beam intensity and using automatic focus methods to optimize signal acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element, such as a lens or a prism, adapted to focus the beam of illumination on a sample
Data Source
AI summary
A spectroscopic system is described that provides at least one of focus of an excitation beam onto a sample, automatic focus of an optical system of the spectroscopic system for collecting a spectroscopic signal, and/or averaging of excitation intensity over a surface area of the sample.