Multispectral Light Source with Reflective Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinical chemistry analysis using photometry requires a wide optical source spectrum from near UV to near IR, which is challenging to achieve with LED sources, especially when multiple emitters are needed, as existing methods for collinearly superimposing rays are complex and costly, and lack stability and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A light source comprising an array of light emitters with a reflective optical grating and a transfer element that directs emitted light beams onto the grating, allowing for the overlaying of light paths and efficient delivery of multispectral illumination to multiple measurement channels without reproducing high-cost components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple LED emitters are used to cover a wide spectral range from near UV to near IR, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to the need for collinearly superimposing rays of multiple emitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple LED emitters with different spectral characteristics into a single integrated light source assembly. The emitters are arranged in a specific geometric configuration and coupled to a common optical system, merging their individual light outputs into a unified beam that achieves wide spectral coverage without requiring complex separate superimposition systems for each emitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal light source system that can simultaneously provide multiple wavelengths across UV, visible, and IR ranges using a single integrated configuration. The optical system is designed to handle multiple spectral ranges through a unified approach, making the system multi-functional rather than requiring separate specialized systems for each wavelength range.
2Ease of operation
If fiber bundles are used for light transmission, then the light delivery is flexible, but the light source stability deteriorates which is not acceptable for photometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission path into distinct functional sections: a stable rigid light source assembly for generating light with precise spectral characteristics, and a separate flexible fiber bundle for light delivery. This segmentation allows the stability-critical light generation portion to remain rigid and stable while the flexibility-critical delivery portion can be flexible, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If a polychromator module is used for detection, then the detection capability is improved, but the overall system cost increases when multiple independent measurement channels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the light source system with universal multi-channel capability built-in. The integrated light source with its array of emitters and common optical path can simultaneously serve multiple measurement channels, each with its own detector, without requiring separate light source assemblies. This universal design allows multiple independent measurement channels to share a single polychromator module and light source system, reducing overall system cost while maintaining detection precision.
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
This configuration simplifies the creation of a multispectral photometer, enabling parallel, independent measurement of multiple samples with improved light source stability and reduced component costs, making it more compact and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflective optical grating configured for overlaying the light beam paths
Implementation Method 2
the transfer element directs the emitted light beams onto the optical grating and provides the light beams reflected from the optical grating
Data Source
AI summary
A light source (112) for generating illumination light for illuminating at least one sample is disclosed. The light source (112) comprisesat least one array of light emitters (114), wherein each of the light emitters (114) is configured for emitting at least one light beam along a light beam path, wherein the light beam has a predefined wavelength range, andat least one reflective optical grating (116) configured for overlaying the light beam paths, at least one transfer element (118);wherein the transfer element (118) is arranged between the array of light emitters (114) and the optical grating (116) such that the transfer element (118) directs the emitted light beams onto the optical grating (116) and provides the light beams reflected from the optical grating (116) and impinging on the transfer element (118) into at least one measurement channel (120), wherein the measurement channel (120) is configured for receiving at least one sample.