Optical Detection System with Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical detection systems using surface plasmon waves face limitations in sensitivity and dynamic range due to fixed light source and detection unit positions, complex light path adjustments, and inability to integrate multiple measurement modes, particularly restricting phase detection and microscopy integration.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection system with a light source unit, a control unit featuring one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirrors and a cylindrical lens, and a detection unit, allowing adjustable incident angles and fixed light source and detection unit positions, enabling simultaneous operation of resonance angle, amplitude, and phase modes with high sensitivity and large dynamic range, and easy integration into microscopy systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two-arm rotating stage is used to adjust incident angle, then angle scanning capability is achieved, but system size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the angle adjustment function from a complex two-arm rotating stage and implements it through a simpler single rotation stage combined with a movable prism. This separates the angle scanning function from the complex mechanical structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the required adaptability for angle scanning in both amplitude and phase modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a unified optical path structure where a single rotation stage controls the incident angle for multiple measurement modes (amplitude and phase). The movable prism and beam splitter configuration allows the same mechanical adjustment to serve multiple detection functions, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each mode.
2Measurement precision
If incident angle is adjusted for maximum sensitivity, then measurement sensitivity improves, but system operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the rotation stage position is controlled to automatically achieve and maintain the optimal incident angle for maximum sensitivity. The system can detect the resonance condition and adjust the angle accordingly, eliminating the need for manual optimization while ensuring high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic angle adjustment capability where the incident angle can be changed during measurement operations. The rotation stage allows real-time modification of the incident angle to optimize sensitivity for different measurement conditions, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
3Ease of manufacture
If vertical prism coupling face is used, then optical coupling is achieved, but long-term stability and measurement consistency deteriorate due to matching oil evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical prism coupling configuration by using a horizontal prism coupling face. This reversal changes the orientation of the optical path and eliminates the need for matching oil that evaporates over time. The horizontal configuration allows for a different coupling mechanism that maintains stability without relying on volatile materials.
4Adaptability or versatility
If vertical light path is used for image capture, then microscopy integration is achieved, but prism coupling face orientation becomes unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional orientation of the optical path by using a horizontal prism coupling face instead of vertical. This dimensional change allows the optical system to be integrated with microscopy systems that require horizontal light paths, while simultaneously simplifying the prism coupling design and eliminating the conflicts present in vertical configurations.
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 system achieves high sensitivity and large dynamic range in surface plasmon wave measurements, simplifies light path adjustments, and facilitates integration with microscopy systems, overcoming previous limitations in sensitivity and dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
The control unit includes a first mirror, a first one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror, a second one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror, a cylindrical lens and a second mirror. The first mirror receives the light and directs the light into the first one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror. The first one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror directs the light into the cylindrical lens and the cylindrical lens directs the light into the second one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror.
Implementation Method 2
an optical detection system that can utilize Surface Plasmon Waves and Localized Surface Plasmon Waves
Implementation Method 3
The basic framework of a surface plasmon wave sensor is a sensing device that detects a change of the resonance condition between an incident light beam and surface plasmon wave on the interface of metal and dielectrics
Implementation Method 4
the change of the resonance is caused by the refractive index change of the dielectrics
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical detection system in which a first mirror of the control unit is used to receive light beam and redirect it into a first one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror. The first one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror then directs the light beam to a cylindrical lens. Through the mechanism of reflection, the cylindrical lens further directs the light beam to a second one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror. The second one-dimensional off-axis parabolic mirror then directs the light beam into a second mirror. The detection unit of the system is used to detect the light beam coming from the control unit, so as to convert the light signals into electric signals for the analysis in the process unit afterwards.