Multiplex Tunable Filter Spectrometer for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical spectrometers face challenges in achieving high optical throughput and multiplex capability while maintaining reduced instrumentation complexity, particularly in chemical and biological analyses that require sensitive detection of trace components across multiple spectral bands.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectroscopic system utilizing a rotatable or tiltable multi-band optical bandpass interference filter assembly that allows for simultaneous wavelength sweeping across multiple bands, enabling high etendue and reduced system complexity, along with the use of chemometric methods for spectral analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Fourier transform spectrometers are used to provide high optical throughput, then high etendue capability is achieved, but instrumentation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer divides the spectral range into multiple discrete wavelength bands, each handled by a dedicated interference filter. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple wavelengths simultaneously, achieving high throughput without requiring complex Fourier transform optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotating filter assembly that dynamically selects different wavelength bands by rotating the multi-band interference filter. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to sweep through multiple wavelength regions simultaneously, providing high optical throughput while maintaining mechanical simplicity rather than optical complexity.
2Device complexity
If rotatable filter spectrometers are used to reduce instrumentation complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but wavelength coverage is limited to 1-5% of nominal wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength bands into a single multi-band interference filter assembly that rotates as one unit. This combination allows the system to access multiple discrete wavelength regions (e.g., UV, visible, IR bands) simultaneously through a single rotational mechanism, dramatically expanding wavelength coverage from 1-5% to multiple broad spectral regions while maintaining reduced instrumentation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating multi-band filter assembly serves multiple functions: it selects different wavelength bands, provides spectral multiplexing, and enables simultaneous measurement across multiple spectral regions. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanical assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate filter systems or complex Fourier transform optics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional filters are added to extend wavelength coverage, then wavelength coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding separate filter assemblies for different wavelength bands, the patent merges multiple bands into a single multi-band interference filter. This unified approach allows the system to cover extended wavelength ranges (UV to IR) while maintaining a single rotating assembly, avoiding the complexity of multiple independent filter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-band interference filter serves as a universal component that handles multiple wavelength regions simultaneously. By designing the filter to include multiple discrete transmission bands, the system achieves extended wavelength coverage without requiring additional specialized filters, as one multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple single-band filters.
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 system achieves high sensitivity and versatility in chemical and biological analyses by enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple wavelength bands, improving sensitivity and reducing instrumentation complexity compared to traditional Fourier transform spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical interference filters configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source, the one or more filters having a plurality of multiplexed bandpass regions configured to simultaneously transmit multiple wavelength bands of electromagnetic radiation through the filter module
Implementation Method 2
an optical filter module which includes one or more optical interference filters configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from an electromagnetic radiation source
Implementation Method 3
an optical detector configured to receive the multiple wavelength bands of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the filter module and to generate one or more electrical signals indicative of electromagnetic radiation intensity as a function of wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides spectroscopic systems and spectrometers employing an optical interference filter module having a plurality of bandpass regions. In certain embodiments, the systems include a mechanism for wavelength tuning/scanning and wavelength band decoding based on an angular motion of one or more filters. A spectral processing algorithm separates the multiplexed wavelength-scanned bandpass regions and quantifies the concentrations of the analyzed chemical and/or biological species. The spectroscopic system allows for compact, multi-compound analysis, employing a single-element detector for maximum performance-to-cost ratio. The spectroscopic system also allows for high-sensitivity measurement and robust interference compensation.