Non-imaging Collection Optics with Segmented Raman Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Raman spectral systems face challenges in selectively detecting Raman signals from biogenic substances like blood glucose due to intense fluorescence signals produced by the body, which hinder the measurement process, especially in turbid media such as human skin.
Innovation Solution
A collection optics system for spectrometers, comprising a non-imaging collection unit and a Raman filter placed on the entrance surface, which blocks fluorescence signals while allowing Raman signals to pass through, using a transparent member or band filter to support the Raman filter and transmit scattered light containing Raman signals, effectively reducing noise and improving signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional collection optics system is used to detect Raman signals from biogenic substances, then the system can collect scattered light, but the intense fluorescence signals from the body hinder the selective detection of Raman signals
Solution Approach 1:
The entrance surface of the non-imaging collection unit is segmented into multiple regions: a central region with a Raman filter to block fluorescence signals, and peripheral regions without the filter to transmit Raman signals. This spatial segmentation allows selective detection of Raman signals while blocking harmful fluorescence interference from the central region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the entrance surface are assigned different optical properties: the central region has fluorescence-blocking capability through the Raman filter, while the peripheral regions maintain full light transmission. This local differentiation of optical quality enables the system to simultaneously block harmful fluorescence and collect useful Raman signals from different spatial zones.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a Raman filter is provided on the entrance surface to block fluorescence signals, then fluorescence interference is reduced, but the filter may block some Raman signals
Solution Approach 1:
The entrance surface is divided into a central region with the Raman filter and peripheral regions without the filter. This segmentation ensures that fluorescence blocking is applied only where needed (central region), while Raman signals from peripheral regions remain unblocked, thus maintaining overall Raman signal intensity while reducing fluorescence interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The Raman filter is applied locally to specific regions (central portion) of the entrance surface rather than uniformly across the entire surface. This localized application of filtering quality allows the system to block fluorescence signals in the central region while preserving Raman signal transmission in the peripheral regions, optimizing the balance between noise reduction and signal preservation.
3Quantity of substance
If the size of the entrance surface is increased to collect more scattered light, then more Raman signals can be collected, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-imaging collection unit is designed to perform multiple functions within a compact structure: it collects scattered light from a large effective area, spatially separates fluorescence and Raman signals through its geometric design, and interfaces with the Raman filter system. This multi-functionality allows efficient Raman signal collection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension and angular distribution of scattered light to achieve signal separation. By designing the non-imaging collection unit with specific geometric characteristics, it exploits the different angular distributions of fluorescence and Raman scattered light to separate them spatially, enabling effective filtering without requiring a large physical aperture or complex optical paths.
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 solution enables the selective collection and enhancement of Raman signals from blood glucose, improving the resolution of Raman peaks and reducing fluorescence interference, thereby enhancing the detection accuracy and effectiveness of Raman spectral systems for mobile health diagnostics.
Implementation Method 1
the body produces intensive fluorescence signals
Implementation Method 2
Raman signals from scattered light output from a target object
Data Source
AI summary
A collection optics system for a spectrometer and a Raman spectral system including the collection optics system is provided. The collection optics system is configured to selectively collect a Raman signal from scattered light output from a target object, the collection optics system includes a non-imaging collection unit configured to collect the Raman signal and output the Raman signal, the non-imaging collection unit including an entrance surface on which the scattered light is incident and an exit surface through which the Raman signal is output, and a Raman filter provided on a portion of the entrance surface of the non-imaging collection unit and configured to block the scattered light including a fluorescence signal. Therefore, the collection optics system may suppress reception of the fluorescence signal of the scattered light and selectively collect the Raman signal.