Parabolic Prism for SPR Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface plasmon resonance instruments face limitations in adjusting incident angles, leading to restricted dynamic range and sensitivity, especially when trying to integrate multiple measurement modes like resonance angle, amplitude, and phase modes, and are not suitable for long-term stability and integration with microscopy systems due to complex mechanical systems and the need for refractive index matching oil.
Innovation Solution
A prism with one-dimensional parabolic side surfaces for total internal reflection, allowing for adjustable incident angles without the need for mirror coatings, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple measurement modes with high sensitivity and dynamic range, and integration into microscopy systems without refractive index matching oil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-arm rotating stage is used to adjust the incident angle, then the capability of adjusting incident angle is achieved, but the system size, weight, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the angle adjustment function from a complex rotating stage mechanism and implements it through a simpler linear translation stage that moves the prism horizontally. This separates the translation function from rotation, achieving angle adjustment without the complexity of rotary mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating stage system with a linear translation mechanism combined with fixed optical elements. The angle adjustment is achieved through linear motion of the prism rather than rotational motion, simplifying the mechanical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a two-arm rotating stage is used to adjust the incident angle, then the capability of adjusting incident angle is achieved, but the resolution, accuracy, and stability are not as good as a linear motorized stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotating stage mechanism with a linear translation stage system. Linear stages generally offer better resolution, accuracy, and stability compared to rotary stages, as evidenced by the patent's choice to use linear motorized stages for prism translation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the prism coupling face is oriented vertically, then the coupling structure is simplified, but the matching oil evaporates over time causing stability and measurement consistency issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of the prism coupling face from vertical to horizontal. This dimensional reorientation allows gravity to prevent matching oil evaporation and leakage, improving long-term stability while maintaining coupling effectiveness.
4Ease of manufacture
If the prism coupling face is oriented vertically, then the coupling structure is simplified, but it is not suitable for micro-fluidics chip design and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the prism coupling face to horizontal orientation, which provides better accessibility for micro-fluidics chip integration. The horizontal configuration allows for easier fluidic channel alignment and operation compared to vertical orientation.
5Ease of manufacture
If the prism coupling face is oriented vertically, then the coupling structure is simplified, but it cannot be incorporated into microscopy systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the prism coupling face orientation to horizontal, which aligns with the standard vertical light path configuration of microscopy systems. This reorientation enables integration with microscopy systems while maintaining coupling effectiveness.
6Adaptability or versatility
If galvo mirror scanning system is used to adjust incident angle, then the light path can be deflected, but phase detection becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the angle adjustment function from the galvo mirror system and implements it through linear translation of the prism. This separation allows the optical system to maintain fixed alignment for phase detection while achieving angle adjustment through prism position changes rather than beam deflection.
7Adaptability or versatility
If two rotation stages are used instead of a linear stage, then the incident angle can be adjusted, but the cost effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the angle adjustment function from expensive rotary stages and implements it through a more cost-effective linear translation stage. This separation of translation and rotation functions allows for simpler, cheaper mechanical components while maintaining adjustment capability.
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 detection system achieves high sensitivity and large dynamic range with simplified light path adjustments, reduced system complexity, and extended operational stability without the need for refractive index matching oil, making it suitable for long-term use and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The first side surface and the second side surface of the prism are used to reflect the light from the lower surface to the upper surface and from the upper surface to the lower surface, respectively. The angle formed by the light being reflected from the first side surface to the upper surface is larger than the critical angle of the total internal reflection. The angle formed by the light being reflected from the upper surface to the second side surface is also larger than the critical angle of the total internal reflection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)
Figure 2(b)
AI summary
The present invention provides a prism. The prism includes a lower surface, an upper surface, a first side surface and a second side surface. The first side surface and the second side surface are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side surface and the second side surface of the prism are one-dimensional parabolic surfaces. The lower surface is used to receive light. The first side surface is used to reflect the light from the lower surface to the upper surface. The second side surface is used to reflect the light from the upper surface to the lower surface for further analysis in the process unit afterwards.