Multi-pass Optical Absorption Spectrometer for Small Sample Volumes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical absorption spectrometers are complex, expensive, and require large sample volumes, making them impractical for certain applications such as analyzing small biological samples or using outside of a clinical setting.
Innovation Solution
An optical absorption spectrometer design that uses a broadband light source and reflectors to pass the light beam through a sample multiple times, allowing for smaller sample volumes (1-2 μl) and potentially lower-cost, less complex construction, enabling analysis in non-laboratory settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional optical absorption spectrometer is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer is divided into distinct functional modules: a light source unit, a sample housing with integrated reflectors, and a sensor array. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The reflectors are integrated directly into the sample housing structure, merging the sample containment function with the light reflection function. This integration eliminates separate reflective components and reduces device complexity while maintaining the optical path required for precise measurements
2Measurement precision
If a conventional optical absorption spectrometer is used, then measurement precision is maintained, but sample volume requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light beam is directed to pass through the sample multiple times by reflecting off surfaces at angles, transforming a single-pass linear path into a multi-pass three-dimensional path. This increases the effective optical path length through the sample without increasing the physical sample volume required, thereby maintaining measurement precision with smaller sample quantities
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam continuously reflects and passes through the sample repeatedly, maximizing the interaction between light and sample molecules. This continuous useful action ensures that sufficient absorption signals are obtained from small sample volumes to maintain measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If a conventional optical absorption spectrometer is used, then analysis accuracy is maintained, but sample preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample housing is pre-configured with integrated reflectors and optimized optical paths, eliminating the need for complex sample chamber assembly during preparation. This preliminary configuration of the measurement system allows for faster sample loading and reduces preparation time while maintaining analysis accuracy
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 analysis of smaller samples with equivalent sensitivity, reducing the need for large sample volumes and potentially lowering costs, allowing for use in settings like hospitals or homes, and facilitating faster sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more reflectors configured to reflect the light such that the light passes through a sample holding volume of the sample housing multiple times
Implementation Method 2
The molecular absorption of a sample is measured over a known optical path length through a sample. The molecular absorption is determined by the atomic structure and their bonds that make up the molecules in the sample, and different molecules will have absorption maximums at different wavelengths.
Implementation Method 3
a sensor arranged to receive the light from the sample housing, after the reflections; wherein the sensor comprises a plurality of detectors configured to detect the intensity of the received light at multiple different wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
An optical absorbance spectrometer including a sample housing configured to hold a sample, a light source configured to emit broadband light into the sample housing, one or more reflectors configured to reflect the light such that the light passes through a sample holding volume of the sample housing multiple times, and a sensor arranged to receive the light from the sample housing, after the reflections. The sensor comprises a plurality of detectors configured to detect the intensity of the received light at multiple different wavelengths.