Optical Measurement Cell Temperature Control for Dark Current Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid improvement in autosampler operation speed leads to a potential loss of analysis data at the beginning of analysis due to insufficient time for measuring dark current, which is necessary for accurate absorbance measurement in optical measurement devices, especially in liquid chromatographs without unified autosampler management.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement device with a temperature control mechanism that adjusts to a stable state, allowing for the storage and continuous use of dark current measurements, eliminating the need for immediate pre-analysis measurements, thereby preventing data loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autosampler operation speed is improved, then productivity is improved, but measurement of dark current cannot be completed before analysis starts causing loss of analysis data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures dark current in advance during a temperature stabilization period before analysis begins. The controller measures dark current when the optical part's temperature is stable, storing this value for subsequent use during analysis. This preliminary measurement eliminates the need to complete dark current measurement immediately before analysis, resolving the conflict between fast autosampler operation and adequate dark current measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If dark current is measured immediately before analysis starts, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis data at the beginning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs dark current measurement in advance during temperature stabilization, storing the measured value before analysis begins. The calculator then uses this pre-measured dark current value to calculate absorbance throughout the analysis period, including the beginning. This ensures both measurement precision and preservation of initial analysis data.
3Measurement precision
If dark current is measured immediately after analysis starts, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis data at the beginning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures dark current before analysis starts during the temperature stabilization period, rather than after analysis begins. This preliminary measurement ensures that dark current values are available from the very beginning of analysis, preventing loss of initial analysis data while maintaining measurement precision through proper temperature stabilization.
4Reliability
If temperature of optical part is stabilized, then reliability of dark current measurement is improved, but time required for measurement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature stabilization period with the dark current measurement process. While the optical part is stabilizing to a target temperature, the controller performs dark current measurement. This combines two processes that would otherwise be sequential, obtaining reliable dark current measurements during stabilization without adding extra time to the overall workflow.
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
Prevents loss of analysis data by ensuring stable dark current measurements are stored and used consistently, even with fluctuating temperatures, thus maintaining accurate absorbance calculations during continuous analyses.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to control the temperature control element so that the temperature of the optical part becomes a target temperature which is set in advance
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving element that receives light out from the measurement cell and outputs current according to intensity of received light
Implementation Method 3
measurement of the dark current by closing the shutter
Data Source
AI summary
An optical part (2) including a measurement cell (12), a light source part (10) that emits light to be emitted to the measurement cell (12), a light receiving element (14), and a shutter (18) that shields light to the light receiving element (14), a storage part (6), a controller (4), and a calculator (8). The optical part (2) includes a temperature control element (26) for adjusting a temperature of the optical part (2), the controller (4) is configured to control the temperature control element (26) so that a temperature of the optical part (2) becomes a target temperature which is set in advance, and to execute, at least in a case where a measured value of the dark current at the target temperature is not stored in the storage part (6), measurement of the dark current immediately after a transition from an unstable state to a stable state, the storage part (6) stores a measured value of the dark current acquired in the measurement, and the calculator is configured to continuously use a same measured value of the dark current in the calculation processing while the stable state of the temperature of the optical part continues.