Multi-UV-LED Probe System for Rapid Fluorescence Spectra Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical detection systems for UV fluorescence spectroscopy are limited in their ability to efficiently capture multiple fluorescence spectra from a single sample, often requiring mechanical components and lengthy data collection times, which hinders the analysis of materials like gem diamonds, banknotes, and biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-UV-LED probe system utilizing a plurality of UV-LEDs, an optic fiber bundle, and a spectrometer with a diffraction grating and linear photo-detector array to capture simultaneous fluorescence spectra from multiple wavelengths, along with a heating/cooling apparatus for temperature control, allowing for rapid data collection without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single UV source and mechanically swept sensor are used, then the system structure is simple, but the data collection time is lengthy and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The single UV source is segmented into multiple UV-LEDs emitting at different wavelengths (265nm, 280nm, 395nm, 405nm). This allows simultaneous excitation of multiple fluorescence spectra without mechanical sweeping, dramatically increasing data collection speed while maintaining a relatively compact system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple UV-LEDs at different wavelengths are combined into a single probe head that simultaneously illuminates the sample. This merging of multiple light sources eliminates the need for mechanical sweeping while capturing multiple fluorescence spectra at once, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and device complexity.
2Productivity
If a mechanically swept sensor is used, then the system is compact, but the measurement time is extended and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical sweeping sensor is replaced with a stationary sensor that receives light from multiple UV-LEDs simultaneously. This substitution eliminates moving parts and mechanical sweeping motion, enabling rapid capture of multiple fluorescence spectra without extending measurement time, thus improving productivity while maintaining system compactness.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple UV wavelengths are used simultaneously, then the quantity of fluorescence spectra captured increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is designed with multi-functionality by integrating multiple UV-LEDs at different wavelengths (265nm, 280nm, 395nm, 405nm) into a single compact structure. This universal design allows the same probe to capture multiple fluorescence spectra simultaneously across different excitation wavelengths, increasing the quantity of spectral data without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a compact probe design is used, then the system is portable and ease of operation improves, but the capability to capture multiple spectra simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple UV-LEDs at different wavelengths are nested within a single compact probe head structure. This nested arrangement allows the probe to maintain portability and ease of operation while simultaneously providing multi-wavelength capability for capturing multiple fluorescence spectra, resolving the contradiction between compactness and versatility.
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 the capture of hundreds of different spectra from a single sample in minutes, facilitating the determination of similarity or dissimilarity with high statistical certainty, and providing a portable, cost-effective solution for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of UV-LEDs... each adapted to emit radiation at a predetermined wavelength
Implementation Method 2
UV fluorescence spectroscopy... capture simultaneous fluorescence spectra
Implementation Method 3
a spectrometer with a diffraction grating and linear photo-detector array
Implementation Method 4
linear photo-detector array to capture simultaneous fluorescence spectra
Implementation Method 5
along with a heating/cooling apparatus for temperature control
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a multi UV-LED probe system for detection of a characteristic of a sample, the system including a device comprising a probe head, the probe head including a plurality of UV-LEDs, an optic fiber bundle, an optional heating surface, an optional cooling surface and a light directing means adapted to transfer UV from the plurality of UV-LEDs to a region of the sample and further adapted to receive fluorescent light from the region to focus it into the optic fiber bundle and a power source adapted to provide electrical energy to the plurality of UV-LEDs, a spectrophotometer configured to receive the fluorescent light from the optic fiber bundle and a processor adapted to receive signals associated with the fluorescent light and to process the signals to provide the detection of the characteristic of the sample.