Optical Computing Device for Field Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spectroscopic techniques in field or process environments face challenges due to sample preparation delays, interference from background materials, and the complexity of transitioning laboratory instruments to field conditions, which complicates accurate and precise quantitative measurements.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical computing devices with integrated computational elements in primary and reference channels to interact with electromagnetic radiation, allowing for real-time analysis of sample characteristics without the need for extensive sample preparation, by distinguishing relevant electromagnetic radiation from interfering signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spectroscopic techniques are used in field environments, then portability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent temperature, humidity, and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computational processing through integrated computational elements (ICE) that encode reference spectral information directly into optical components. This preprocessing compensates for environmental variations before measurement, allowing field deployment while maintaining precision by pre-correcting for expected interference patterns
Solution Approach 2:
Integrated computational elements act as intermediaries between the light source/sample and the detector. These ICE components encode reference information and perform computational spectroscopy functions optically, mediating the measurement process to compensate for environmental disturbances without requiring complex electronic stabilization systems
2Measurement precision
If sample preparation steps are conducted to remove interfering materials, then measurement precision is improved, but analysis time increases due to preparation delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes interfering spectral components computationally through integrated computational elements that encode reference information about interfering materials. This allows the system to mathematically subtract interference patterns from the measured spectrum without requiring physical removal of interfering materials through sample preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical/sample preparation-based interference removal with optical-computational methods. Integrated computational elements perform spectral unmixing and interference correction through optical processing and computational algorithms, substituting physical sample manipulation with information-processing approaches
3Ease of operation
If laboratory spectroscopic instruments are transitioned to field environments, then portability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to overcome environmental inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges spectroscopy, computation, and environmental compensation functions into integrated computational elements. These combined components perform multiple functions (spectral encoding, reference information storage, computational processing) within single optical elements, reducing the number of separate subsystems needed for field deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the spectroscopic measurement by using broad-band light sources and detecting full spectra simultaneously rather than scanning narrow bands. This parameter change, combined with computational processing, simplifies the optical path and reduces the number of moving parts needed, facilitating field deployment
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
Enables rapid, accurate, and precise determination of sample characteristics in field conditions, reducing delays and costs associated with sample preparation and instrument transition, while maintaining laboratory-level precision.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample having a characteristic of interest
Implementation Method 2
a first integrated computational element arranged within a primary channel and configured to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation source and produce a first modified electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a first detector arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations from the first and second integrated computational elements, respectively, and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample
Data Source
AI summary
Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and first and second integrated computational elements arranged in primary and reference channels, respectively. The first and second integrated computational elements produce first and second modified electromagnetic radiations, and a detector is arranged to receive the first and second modified electromagnetic radiations and generate an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample.