Optical Interrogation System Using Movable Screen Apertures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical interrogation techniques for IR spectroscopy, such as ATR-IR, are cumbersome and costly when switching between samples or measuring sub-domains, particularly due to the need for precise scanning or complex detector systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical interrogation system using an optical prism with a screen having apertures that allows selective illumination and signal collection from multiple interrogation areas, enabling movement of the screen or prism to target different sample regions without changing samples, utilizing a standard detector and simpler mechanical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise scanning or complex detector systems are used to measure multiple sample regions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical prism is divided into multiple interrogation areas, each capable of independently measuring a specific sample region. This segmentation allows the system to target different sample domains without requiring complex scanning mechanisms or detector arrays, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable screen with apertures as an intermediary component between the light source and the optical prism. This simple mechanical element enables selective illumination of different interrogation areas, achieving precise measurement of multiple sample regions without requiring complex detector systems or scanning mechanisms
2Productivity
If complex detector systems or scanning mechanisms are implemented to interrogate multiple samples, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable screen that can be dynamically repositioned to align different apertures with the light source, thereby enabling sequential interrogation of multiple samples. This simple dynamic mechanism improves productivity by allowing rapid switching between samples while maintaining ease of operation through straightforward mechanical movement
Solution Approach 2:
Each interrogation area on the optical prism is designed to be universally applicable for measuring different sample types and configurations. The movable screen with multiple apertures provides multi-functionality by enabling the same optical prism to sequentially measure multiple samples, eliminating the need for complex sample switching mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If multiple detectors or complex scanning systems are used to measure sub-domains, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical prism is segmented into multiple interrogation areas that can independently measure different sample sub-domains. This segmentation provides measurement precision comparable to multiple detectors while using a single optical prism and simple movable screen, significantly reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple movable screen with apertures as a low-cost mechanism to achieve selective illumination of multiple interrogation areas. This inexpensive mechanical component replaces the need for expensive detector arrays or complex scanning systems, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically reducing overall system cost
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 simplifies the process of switching between sample regions, reduces costs, and maintains measurement efficiency by allowing multiple samples to be interrogated sequentially with precise alignment and broadened or narrowed aperture control.
Implementation Method 1
the light can be coupled into the ATR crystal at a beveled edge with the bevel angle controlling the incident angle of excitation light against the ATR/sample interface. In the multi-bounce case, the radiation can be propagated into one end of the crystal in a manner to take a zig-zag path between opposite sides of the crystal due to total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
an optical prism having two opposite sides including a sample side and a refraction side... incident light directed transversally (e.g. normal) to the sample side which is subdivided by the multitude of sloped surfaces to create a series of single-bounce total internal reflections at the sample side. After the resulting evanescent field interacts with the sample at the total internal reflection region(s), the radiation is then directed back at roughly the incident angle to the refraction side, where it leaves the ATR crystal
Data Source
AI summary
The optical interrogation technique can use an optical prism having two opposite sides including a sample side and a refraction side, the sample side having a plurality of interrogation areas; a source assembly generating a collimated field of illumination directed towards the refraction side; a screen disposed in a screen plane intersecting the field of illumination and shielding the refraction side from the field of illumination, the screen having an aperture allowing a portion of the field of illumination to reach and be refracted by the refraction side, be totally internally reflected at one of said interrogation areas of the sample side, thereby generating a signal, the signal refracted back through the aperture, the screen being movable within the screen plane to shift the aperture and expose different portions of the field of illumination to corresponding ones of the interrogation areas.