Parallel Optical Thin Film Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical computing devices for analyzing sample substances require sequential measurement and computational processing of optical responses from multiple integrated computational elements (ICE cores), which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optical computing devices that apply weighting factors directly to the optical responses using an array of thin film interference filters or a dynamic array of weighting devices, allowing for real-time modification and parallel measurement of multiple analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential measurement and computational processing is used for multiple ICE cores, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function across multiple ICE cores that operate simultaneously in parallel, rather than using a single ICE core sequentially. Each ICE core processes a portion of the spectral range independently, enabling concurrent measurements that dramatically improve productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential time-based processing to parallel spatial processing by distributing measurements across multiple ICE cores operating simultaneously. This dimensional shift from temporal to spatial parallelism resolves the contradiction by improving measurement speed without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Loss of time
If digital computational processing is used to combine ICE responses, then measurement precision can be optimized, but loss of time occurs due to sequential processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces digital computational processing with optical processing using a detector array that directly captures and processes optical signals from multiple ICE cores simultaneously. This substitution eliminates sequential digital computation, dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining measurement precision through the inherent parallelism of optical detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic spectral modulation through multiple ICE cores that operate at different spectral frequencies simultaneously. This periodic action across multiple cores enables parallel data acquisition that reduces overall processing time while maintaining the precision needed for accurate analyte measurement through spectral diversity
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ICE cores are used to detect different analytes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple processing channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detector array that can simultaneously detect multiple analytes across different spectral ranges using multiple ICE cores. This multi-functional detector design provides adaptability for various analyte detection applications while reducing device complexity by using a single integrated detection platform rather than separate specialized detectors for each analyte
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic spectral filtering capabilities where ICE cores can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the specific analyte being measured. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different measurement requirements without permanently configuring all possible processing channels, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity
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
This approach enables faster sampling times by applying weighting factors optically, eliminating the need for sequential digital processing, and allows for simultaneous measurement of multiple characteristics, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of substance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The weighting device may comprise an array of thin film interference filters configured to optically apply the weighting factors to the optical responses from the ICE cores
Implementation Method 2
The optical responses from the ICE cores may be received by a detector and converted to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
Optical computing devices including a light source that emits electromagnetic radiation into an optical train extending from the light source to a detector, a substance arranged in the optical train and configured to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation and produce sample interacted radiation, a processor array arranged in the optical train and including a plurality of ICE arranged on a substrate and configured to optically interact with the electromagnetic radiation. The detector receives modified electromagnetic radiation generated through optical interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with the substance and the processor array. A weighting device is coupled to one or more of the ICE to optically apply a weighting factor to the modified electromagnetic radiation prior to being received by the detector, wherein the detector generates an output signal indicative of a characteristic of the substance based on beams of modified electromagnetic radiation.