NMR Illumination Insert Using Extraction and Intermediary Principles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMR spectrometers with illumination capabilities face challenges such as non-uniform light intensity distribution, magnetic field distortion, sample contamination, and reduced sensitivity due to the use of optical fibers and glass coaxial inserts.
Innovation Solution
An illumination insert for NMR spectrometers is designed with a light guide portion to direct light from a source and a diffuser portion to uniformly distribute the light towards the sample, minimizing magnetic field interference and enhancing light delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical fibre is used to guide light into the sample area, then light delivery to the sample is achieved, but non-uniform light intensity distribution and magnetic field distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the optical fibre from the sample area and places it outside the NMR bore. The light is delivered through a non-magnetic window into the sample, extracting the light-guiding function from the problematic fibre configuration that causes magnetic field distortion and non-uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-magnetic window acts as an intermediary between the external light source and the sample. This window allows light transmission while maintaining magnetic field uniformity, mediating the conflict between delivering light and preserving magnetic field homogeneity.
2Illumination intensity
If optical fibre extends into the sample, then light delivery is improved, but sample contamination and magnetic field distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibre is completely removed from the sample environment. Light is delivered through a non-magnetic window positioned outside the sample, eliminating the contamination risk associated with fibre material contact with the sample while maintaining effective light delivery.
3Illumination intensity
If glass coaxial insert is used to extend into the sample, then light delivery is achieved, but field inhomogeneity and reduced sensitivity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The glass coaxial insert is removed from the sample area. The patent uses a non-magnetic window approach that delivers light without introducing materials into the sample environment, thereby avoiding field inhomogeneity and preserving the signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from magnetic/glass coaxial structures to non-magnetic materials for the window and housing, fundamentally altering the magnetic properties of the illumination system to avoid field distortion and maintain sensitivity.
4Illumination intensity
If optical fibre is used for illumination, then light guidance is achieved, but intensity reduction and difficulty with sealed samples occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibre is extracted from the illumination system and replaced with a non-magnetic window approach. This allows the system to work with sealed samples (including cryogenic sealed samples) without the contamination and compatibility issues associated with optical fibres, while maintaining adequate light intensity through the window.
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 illumination insert provides uniform illumination to the sample, increasing the sensitivity of NMR characterization and reducing magnetic field distortions, while being compatible with sealed samples and allowing for convenient optical adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide portion (14) is configured to guide light received from a light source (22) towards the diffuser portion (16)
Implementation Method 2
The diffuser portion (16) is configured to diffuse light received from the light guide portion (14) towards a sample (30) contained within the bore (12c)
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination insert for an NMR spectrometer, the illumination insert being shaped to receive a sample and comprising a light guide portion for guiding light from a light source, and a diffuser portion for diffusing light received from the light guide portion towards a sample received in the illumination insert.