Optical Reference Switching for Compact Multi-Path Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorption spectroscopy systems struggle to accurately discern differences in path lengths, depths of penetration, angles of incidence, and exit locations within a sample due to complex components and detection schemes, limiting accuracy and system size.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical system with simplified optics and a detector array capable of reimaging and resolving multiple optical paths, using a reference for comparison, and incorporating an optical spacer window to account for path changes, allowing for simultaneous or non-simultaneous measurements at various locations within the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems use complicated components or detection schemes to measure multiple locations within the sample, then measurement capability at multiple depths/locations is improved, but device complexity increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths and measurement locations into a single integrated detection scheme. The optical system is configured to simultaneously capture light from multiple depths and locations within the sample, merging what would traditionally require separate detection systems into one unified apparatus, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-location measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functional capability to handle various measurement locations and path lengths using the same detection scheme. The system can selectively measure at different depths and locations within the sample without requiring specialized components for each measurement type, achieving versatility through a universal detection approach
2Measurement precision
If conventional systems use complicated detection schemes to resolve multiple optical paths, then ability to discern path lengths and angles is improved, but device complexity increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves multiple optical paths by introducing spatial dimensionality into the detection scheme. The optical system is configured to spatially separate and resolve light from different path lengths and angles through geometric arrangement of optical components, transforming the problem of distinguishing multiple paths into a spatial separation problem that maintains measurement precision without complicating the detection scheme
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an optical spacer window as an intermediary element that accounts for path changes within the system. This intermediary component allows the system to accurately measure and compensate for optical path differences without requiring complex detection schemes, maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the overall system
3Volume of moving object
If the optical system is made compact, then device size is reduced, but ability to accurately reimage and resolve multiple optical paths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical configuration where optical components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner. The optical spacer window and detection elements are nested within the optical path in a way that maximizes the use of available space while maintaining the ability to accurately reimage and resolve multiple optical paths, achieving compactness without sacrificing measurement precision
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 system achieves accurate measurement of sample properties with reduced complexity, size, and interference errors, enhancing robustness and reducing heterogeneity effects, while maintaining high signal quality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Absorption spectroscopy is an analytical technique that can be used to determine one or more properties of a sample. Conventional systems and methods for absorption spectroscopy can include emitting light into the sample. As light transmits through the sample, a portion of the light energy can be absorbed at one or more wavelengths.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more first optics collect at least a portion of a reflection of the first light and change the first light from a first angle to a second angle
Implementation Method 3
The one or more second optics receive the first light from the one or more first optics and focus the first light to a detector array
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for determining one or more properties of a sample are disclosed. The systems and methods disclosed can be capable of measuring along multiple locations and can reimage and resolve multiple optical paths within the sample. The system can be configured with one-layer or two-layers of optics suitable for a compact system. The optics can be simplified to reduce the number and complexity of the coated optical surfaces, etalon effects, manufacturing tolerance stack-up problems, and interference-based spectroscopic errors. The size, number, and placement of the optics can enable multiple simultaneous or non- simultaneous measurements at various locations across and within the sample. Moreover, the systems can be configured with an optical spacer window located between the sample and the optics, and methods to account for changes in optical paths due to inclusion of the optical spacer window are disclosed.