Optical Measurement Device with Switchable Top-Down and Bottom-Up Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining optical properties of samples are not flexible enough to operate in both 'measurement from above' and 'measurement from below' modes, requiring significant installation space and often necessitating the movement of light sources and detectors.
Innovation Solution
A compact device design that includes multiple excitation and emission paths, a selective beam deflection device, and a switchable emission filter support device, allowing for operation in both modes without moving the detector and utilizing a stationary light source, which enables fluorescence, luminescence, and absorption measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated fluorometers are used for fluorescence measurements, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but device versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple measurement capabilities (fluorescence, luminescence, absorption) into a single instrument. The light source can operate in different modes, the detector can detect various types of optical signals, and the optical paths can be configured for different measurement geometries (top-down, bottom-up), enabling one device to perform functions that previously required multiple dedicated instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs switchable optical configurations including movable mirrors and switchable optical paths that can be dynamically reconfigured between different measurement modes. The optical paths include movable components that allow the system to adapt its geometry and configuration based on the measurement requirements, transitioning between fluorescence, luminescence, and absorption measurement modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-technology instruments are used, then device versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the optical system are optimized for specific measurement functions. The light source has dedicated output paths for different measurement types, the optical system includes specialized components for each measurement mode (such as specific filters, monochromators, or optical geometries), and the detector can be configured with different spectral sensitivities, ensuring that each measurement function maintains high precision while the overall system remains versatile
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices support multiple operating modes, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple measurement functions into shared optical paths and components. The light source serves multiple measurement modes, the detector is used for different types of optical signals, and optical components such as filters and monochromators are shared across different measurement geometries. This merging reduces the total number of separate systems needed while maintaining multi-mode capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is divided into modular segments including separate light source paths, detector paths, and optical component modules that can be independently configured. The device includes separate top-down and bottom-up measurement paths that can be selectively activated, allowing complex multi-mode functionality to be achieved through modular assembly rather than monolithic design
4Area of stationary object
If devices are designed for compact structure, then installation space is reduced, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses folded optical paths and three-dimensional optical routing to achieve compact physical dimensions while maintaining long optical path lengths. Mirrors and beam directors are used to fold the optical paths in multiple dimensions, allowing the light to travel extended distances through the sample and optical components within a compact footprint, thus preserving measurement capability while reducing installation space
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 flexible operation in different modes with a compact structure, reducing the need for extensive laboratory space and minimizing operational complexities, while maintaining high sensitivity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the sample is exposed to light (excitation light) of a specific excitation wavelength via an excitation path, thereby generating fluorescence light
Implementation Method 2
after passing through spectral filtration, e.g., via optical filters or monochromators
Implementation Method 3
A selective beam deflection device is arranged above the first measurement position, which serves to separate the first excitation path from the first emission path
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) for determining optical properties of samples in different operating modes comprises a light source (LQ), a photosensitive detector (DET), a first excitation path (AP1) for transmitting light from the light source as excitation light from above into a first measurement position (MP1) in which a sample container (PB1) with a sample (P1) is or can be arranged, a first emission path (EP1) for transmitting emission light emitted by the sample from a top side of the sample to the detector (DET), a selective beam deflection device (SU) arranged above the first measurement position (MP1) for separating the first excitation path (AP1) from the first emission path (EP1), and a second excitation path (AP2) for transmitting light from the light source as excitation light from below into a second measurement position (MP) in which a sample container (PB2) with a sample (P2) is or can be arranged.A second emission path (EP2) for transmitting emission light emitted by the sample from a bottom side of the sample to the detector (DET), as well as means for switching between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode the first excitation path (AP1) and the first emission path (EP1) are usable, and in the second operating mode the second excitation path (AP2) and the second emission path (EP2) are usable. The second emission path (EP2) has a first sub-path (TP1) that leads from an inlet head for emission light emitted from the bottom side of the sample, located below the second measurement position (MP2), bypassing the first measurement position (MP1), to a coupling device for coupling emission light into the first emission path.