Optical Flow Channel Instrument with Broad Spectrum LED Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measuring instruments using flow channels face challenges with wavelength calibration, particularly when using light sources with bright line spectra, as they often require large condenser lenses, are difficult to miniaturize, and struggle with detecting spectrum shifts due to low resolution detectors.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring instrument employing a light emitting diode (LED) as a first light source for optical adjustment and image confirmation, which emits light with a spectrum width of 100 nm or more, allowing for wavelength calibration of a light detector using spectrum intensity distribution comparison, and incorporating a second light source for specimen illumination, along with light synthesis and separation means like dichroic mirrors or ring-shaped mirrors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light source with bright line spectrum is used for wavelength calibration, then wavelength calibration can be performed, but the instrument size increases due to requirement for large condenser lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the light source from a bright line spectrum to a continuous spectrum with broad bandwidth (100 nm or more). This parameter change allows the use of compact optical components while maintaining wavelength calibration capability, thereby reducing instrument size without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a light source with bright line spectrum is used, then wavelength calibration is possible, but heat radiation management becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using bright line spectrum light sources (which generate significant heat) to LED light sources with continuous spectra. This parameter change in the light source characteristics reduces heat radiation while preserving the ability to perform wavelength calibration through spectrum intensity distribution comparison.
3Measurement precision
If a light source with bright line spectrum is used, then wavelength calibration can be performed, but chromatic aberration correction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral characteristics from narrow-band bright line spectrum to broad-band continuous spectrum. This parameter change eliminates chromatic aberration issues because the broad spectrum naturally accommodates wavelength variations without requiring complex correction optics, thereby simplifying the device structure.
4Device complexity
If a detector with low resolution is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spectrum shift detection becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the light source spectrum from bright line spectrum to continuous spectrum with broad bandwidth (100 nm or more). This parameter change enables spectrum shift detection even with low-resolution detectors because the broad spectral features provide sufficient discrimination capability without requiring high-resolution detection hardware.
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 miniaturization of the instrument, facilitates easy wavelength calibration, and improves detection accuracy by allowing spectrum shifts to be detected even with low-resolution detectors, while reducing the need for heat radiation management and chromatic aberration correction.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source including a light emitting diode for emitting light to be used for optical adjustment and/or image confirmation in the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a light detector for detecting the spectrum intensity of the light emitted from the first and second light sources
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a second light source for specimen illumination, along with light synthesis and separation means like dichroic mirrors or ring-shaped mirrors
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measuring instrument includes: a flow channel for allowing a specimen to be circulated therein; a first light source including a light emitting diode for emitting light to be used for optical adjustment and/or image confirmation in the flow channel; a second light source for irradiating light upon the specimen circulated in the flow channel; and a light detector for detecting the spectrum intensity of the light emitted from the first and second light sources.