Optical Plate Laser-Induced Diffusion for Uniform Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing light irradiation apparatuses face difficulties in uniformly irradiating measurement targets in micro-plates due to the need for complex processing of convex portions on light guide members, especially when made of materials like quartz, which requires advanced processing technologies.

Innovation Solution

An optical plate with a light diffusion portion formed by converging laser light, allowing for the diffusion and uniform output of light, eliminating the need for complex convex or concave shapes, and enabling irradiation according to desired conditions by guiding and diffusing light between input and output surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If convex portions are formed on the light guide member to match the well arrangement, then uniform light irradiation is achieved, but processing complexity and difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of light irradiationVSAvoidprocessing difficulty of convex portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light diffusion function from the mechanical structure (convex portions) and implements it through optical processing (laser-induced internal reflection structures). This separates the functional requirement from the complex mechanical manufacturing, allowing uniform light distribution without difficult convex portion processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of forming convex portions with laser processing to create internal reflection structures within the light guide member. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical shaping while achieving the same light diffusion effect through optical field manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If convex portions are precisely processed to match well shapes, then desired irradiation conditions are achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of convex portion shapesVSAvoidprocessing time for convex portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical precision processing with laser processing to create internal reflection structures. This substitution maintains manufacturing precision for light distribution while significantly reducing processing time by eliminating complex convex portion fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Illumination intensity

If light is input from the side surface of the light guide member, then uniform irradiation is achieved through internal reflection, but light loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of light distributionVSAvoidlight loss in light guide member
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical parameters within the light guide member by creating internal reflection structures through laser processing. This modification alters the light propagation characteristics to reduce losses while maintaining uniform distribution, optimizing both energy efficiency and illumination uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 optical plate ensures uniform light irradiation of measurement targets, improving the ability to control light distribution and intensity, reducing processing complexities and enhancing the precision of light irradiation conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a light diffusion portion formed at least inside the optical plate by converging laser light, and for diffusing the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The light guide member is disposed so that an upper surface of the convex portion is in contact with a back surface of the micro-plate. The light input to the light guide member from the side surface of the light guide member is reflected by a main surface and a back surface of the light guide member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3150989B1A light irradiation appartus and light irradiation method
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3150989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150989B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP3150989B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

An optical plate is an optical plate for irradiating a target with light, and includes a light input surface for inputting the light, a light output surface for outputting the light, a back surface opposite to the light output surface, and a light diffusion portion formed at least inside the optical plate by converging laser light, for diffusing the light. The light input surface is a surface between the light output surface and the back surface, and the light input from the light input surface is diffused in the light diffusion portion and output from the light output surface.