Optical Probe Waveguide for In-Situ Soil Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional soil testing methods require laboratory analysis of extracted samples, which can alter soil characteristics during transport and storage, leading to inaccurate representations of in-situ conditions and poor field characterization due to the need for single, time-consuming, and expensive analyses.
Innovation Solution
An optical probe with a multiwavelength interrogating beam is inserted into the soil to interact with the soil properties, using a waveguide with an interaction zone where the beam is attenuated, and the attenuated signal is detected to determine spectral content representative of soil characteristics such as nutrients, moisture, and pH, allowing for real-time, in-situ measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory analysis of extracted soil samples is performed, then soil characteristics can be characterized, but the soil characteristics are altered during transport and storage, leading to inaccurate representations of in-situ conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical extraction and laboratory analysis system with an optical measurement system. An optical probe inserted into the ground uses light sources and detectors to measure soil characteristics directly in-situ, eliminating the need to extract and transport physical soil samples that would alter their properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about soil properties without physical contact that would alter the soil. The optical probe uses light interaction with soil particles to characterize properties such as organic matter content, moisture, and texture without extracting or disturbing the soil structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple laboratory analyses are performed to improve field characterization, then measurement precision improves, but time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe enables continuous or repeated measurements at the same location without disturbing the soil. The probe can be inserted and removed multiple times, allowing temporal dynamics of soil properties to be monitored continuously, replacing the discrete and time-consuming laboratory sampling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system is self-contained and portable, allowing field personnel to perform soil characterization directly in the field without requiring external laboratory facilities. The probe integrates light sources, detectors, and processing capabilities to autonomously characterize soil properties in real-time.
3Quantity of substance
If single laboratory analysis is performed per field, then cost is reduced, but spatial representation of soil properties becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables segmentation of the field into multiple measurement locations, with the optical probe capable of being inserted at different depths and positions. This allows spatially distributed soil characterization without requiring multiple expensive laboratory analyses, as the portable probe can be deployed throughout the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical probe adds the dimension of depth measurement capability, allowing characterization of soil properties at multiple depths from the surface. This vertical dimension complemented by horizontal positioning enables three-dimensional soil property mapping, providing comprehensive spatial representation without additional laboratory costs.
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 dynamic, high-precision characterization of soil conditions without sample extraction, facilitating field maintenance, fertilization planning, and disease prevention by providing a global representation of soil properties with improved spatial accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the attenuated multiwavelength interrogation beam propagates from the first end towards the second end by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
an evanescent portion of the multiwavelength interrogating beam propagating outside from the waveguide and interacting with the soil
Implementation Method 3
providing a wavelength-dependent attenuation of the multiwavelength interrogation beam through interaction with the soil
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an optical probe and method for analysing a soil located in an underground area. The optical probe includes a probe head insertable into the underground area to contact the soil, the probe head including a waveguide having opposite first and second ends both optically shielded from the soil; a light source configured to generate a multiwavelength interrogating beam and optically coupled to the first end of the waveguide so that the multiwavelength interrogation beam is inputted in the waveguide to propagate towards the second end; and a detector optically coupled to the second end of the waveguide to detect said multiwavelength interrogation beam. The waveguide includes an unshielded interaction zone extending between the first and second ends providing a wavelength-dependent attenuation of the multiwavelength interrogation beam through interaction with the soil.