Optical Sensing Arrays for Spatial Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive optical sensors face challenges in detecting low concentrations of species of interest in complex matrices with significant specular and diffuse reflection, requiring efficient rejection of background signals and high optical signal collection efficiency without mechanical or optical scanning, while being invariant to environmental changes and suitable for mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
The described optical architectures feature an array of optical detectors in contact with the sample surface, using Fourier Transform interferometry and stationary illumination beams to collect five-dimensional data simultaneously, rejecting background signals and achieving high optical signal collection efficiency through the use of black body radiation light sources, InGaAs detector arrays, and tunable light sources, without the need for spatial scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical scanning is used to collect spatial data, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to sequential data acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into multiple stationary detector elements arranged in arrays (e.g., 1D or 2D detector arrays). Each detector element captures spatial information from a specific region simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential scanning while maintaining spatial resolution. This segmentation of the detection function across multiple parallel channels enables both high precision spatial profiling and fast data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 1D linear detector arrays to 2D detector arrays, adding a spatial dimension to the detection capability. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous capture of spatial information in two dimensions without scanning, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision through the enhanced spatial sampling capability.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning systems are used to achieve spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with stationary optical-mechanical systems. Instead of moving mirrors, galvanometers, or physical scanners to achieve spatial resolution, the invention uses fixed detector arrays that directly capture spatial information optically. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reduces moving parts, and simplifies the overall system while maintaining high spatial resolution through the spatial arrangement of stationary detector elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If broadband light sources are used to improve spectral coverage, then adaptability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to lower intensity at specific wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectral detection function by assigning different detector elements or detector regions to different spectral bands. Instead of using a single broadband detector that receives all wavelengths with equal sensitivity, the system divides the spectral range into multiple bands and uses specialized detectors for each band. This segmentation allows each detector to operate at peak efficiency for its assigned wavelength range, reducing energy loss while maintaining broad spectral coverage through the combined response of multiple specialized detectors.
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
These architectures enable sensitive and quantitative detection of species in complex matrices with high interference, achieving maximum signal collection efficiency, fast data acquisition, and insensitivity to environmental factors, suitable for mobile and non-invasive monitoring applications.
Implementation Method 1
using Fourier Transform interferometry and stationary illumination beams to collect five-dimensional data simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
achieving high optical signal collection efficiency through the use of black body radiation light sources
Implementation Method 3
InGaAs detector arrays
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple optical architectures based on photosensitive arrays are disclosed. The optical engines collect five dimensional data from the samples with three dimensional spatial information and temporal and spectral information simultaneously, in parallel from all channels, without optical scanning. The photosensitive arrays and/or last component of illumination system are in contact or close proximity of the sample surface. The application of optical engines to sensitive detection of species of interest in the complex reflecting and scattering matrix with the high concentration of interfering species is described. The optical engines are applicable to noninvasive, mobile monitoring of various species of interest in vivo and in vitro.