Optical Angle Scanning With Interlaced Sampling for Noise Decorrelation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensing technologies face challenges in generating reliable data due to noise interference from factors like wavelength, light intensity, temperature, bulk drift, and optical alignment, which complicates the detection of substances, particularly in systems using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR).
Innovation Solution
Implementing non-sequential scanning methods, such as interlace scanning, to decouple the optical scanning of substances from traditional sequential time-dependent scanning, reducing noise by capturing multiple discontinuous data points at non-sequential angles and reassembling them in sequential order, thereby reducing correlated and uncorrelated noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential time-dependent scanning is used to detect substances, then the detection process follows traditional scanning methods, but noise from temperature, bulk drift, and optical alignment varies over time reducing data reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional sequential scanning approach by implementing non-sequential scanning where detection points are measured in a non-linear order through the sample. This inversion disrupts the temporal correlation of noise sources such as temperature drift and bulk refractive index changes, allowing them to be averaged out more effectively. By measuring points out of sequential order and then reassembling them, the system decorrelates time-dependent noise from the analytical signal, significantly improving data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic scanning cycles where the probe beam systematically visits different regions of the sample in a repeating non-sequential pattern. Each cycle measures multiple detection points, and by repeating these cycles, the system accumulates multiple measurements that can be averaged. This periodic action allows random noise to be reduced through statistical averaging while maintaining the non-sequential advantage of decorrelating systematic drifts.
2Measurement precision
If sequential scanning is used, then the scanning process is simple to implement, but correlated noise from temperature and bulk drift reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scanning control where the probe beam's path through the sample is actively varied in a non-sequential manner rather than following a fixed sequential trajectory. The scanning system dynamically adjusts which detection points are measured and in what order, allowing flexibility to optimize measurement sequences. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt scanning patterns to minimize the impact of time-correlated noise while maintaining implementation feasibility through software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the scanning strategy by introducing non-sequential timing patterns. Instead of measuring points in simple spatial sequence, the system varies both the spatial order and temporal spacing of measurements. This multi-dimensional scanning approach (combining spatial non-sequentiality with temporal variation) allows the system to decorrelate noise more effectively while the overall process remains manageable through programmed control sequences.
3Productivity
If traditional sequential scanning is used, then data collection follows a linear pattern, but time-dependent noise correlates with the scanning sequence reducing throughput efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional linear scanning sequence by implementing non-sequential measurement orders. Instead of moving systematically from one detection point to the next in sequence, the probe beam visits points in a randomized or strategically varied order. This inversion breaks the temporal correlation between sequential measurements and time-dependent noise sources, allowing faster effective data collection since noise doesn't systematically affect consecutive measurements in the same way, thereby improving detection throughput.
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 approach results in a reduced noise profile and improved data fidelity by decorrelating time-dependent noise, allowing for more accurate and sensitive substance detection with higher throughput.
Implementation Method 1
SPR occurs under conditions where electrons of a conductive substrate, e.g., thin metal film, metal coupon, grating, semitransparent metal film, etc., become excited by light, e.g., plane-polarized light (the probe signal), directed thereto at a given angle of incidence
Implementation Method 2
The conductive substrate may be optically associated with an internal reflection prism with a high refractive index
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensing system can include illuminator optics, including light source, a lens assembly, and an optical deflector capable of modifying an angle of light energy via angle skipping. The illuminator optics can be adapted or adaptable to optically scan non-sequential angle positions of a substance or substances carried by a scannable substrate including at a region of interest (ROI), a reference region of scannable substrate, or both. The system can also include imager optics including a detector to receive the light energy after interaction with the ROI, the reference region, or both associated with the scannable substrate. Other types of scanning are also disclosed that do not rely on angular light scanning or optics.