Optical Particle Detector Reticle for Separated Scattering Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical particle detectors struggle with overlapping scattering patterns from multiple particles, leading to a loss of individual particle information and reduced sensitivity, especially for small particles, and require complex solutions to maintain detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical particle detector with a reticle that separates scattered light from multiple particles using optical passage and blocking zones, allowing distinct scattering patterns to be formed on a retina without lenses, enhancing detection sensitivity and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple particles are detected simultaneously in the useful detection volume, then the detection efficiency and productivity are improved, but the scattering patterns of individual particles overlap leading to loss of information and reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into distinct functional zones using a reticle with optical passage zones and blocking zones. This segmentation allows scattered light from multiple particles to be spatially separated and directed to different photodetectors, enabling simultaneous detection while preserving individual particle information. The reticle acts as a spatial filter that segments the overlapping scattering patterns into resolvable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional scattering pattern detection to three-dimensional spatial resolution by introducing the reticle structure with multiple optical passage zones at different positions and angles. This adds a dimensional aspect to the detection, allowing the system to resolve overlapping patterns by separating them in space rather than relying solely on angular resolution.
2Measurement precision
If the detection volume is reduced to avoid overlapping scattering patterns, then the measurement precision for individual particles is improved, but the sensitivity and productivity of the detector are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the detection volume, the patent segments the scattered light paths using the reticle structure. This allows the full detection volume to be utilized while maintaining pattern resolution by directing light from different spatial regions to separate photodetectors through the optical passage zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The reticle acts as an intermediary optical element between the scattering particles and the photodetectors. It mediates the overlapping scattering patterns by selectively passing or blocking light paths, enabling the system to maintain both a large detection volume and high pattern resolution simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If complex optical systems with lenses are used to resolve overlapping scattering patterns, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical resolution function from complex lens systems and implements it through a simpler reticle structure with optical passage zones. This removes the need for sophisticated lens assemblies while achieving the same pattern separation goal, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The reticle structure can be implemented as a simple, potentially disposable component that achieves complex optical resolution functionality. This replaces expensive, precision-aligned lens systems with a more economical solution that can be manufactured using standard microlithography techniques.
4Device complexity
If traditional optical particle detectors are used without reticle separation, then the device complexity is minimized, but the loss of information from overlapping scattering patterns increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle introduces minimal structural complexity while providing significant information preservation by segmenting overlapping scattering patterns. The optical passage zones create distinct detection channels that prevent information loss from pattern overlap, achieving a favorable balance between complexity and information retention.
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 detector effectively distinguishes and analyzes scattering patterns from multiple particles, maintaining high sensitivity and short response times while minimizing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
particles to be detected pass through an area illuminated by a light source... they will absorb some of the light coming from the source and deflect another part of this light away from the main direction of propagation, according to the phenomenon of scattering
Implementation Method 2
A retina in the form of a matrix of photodetectors capable of detecting scattered light rays
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention provides an optical detector (1) of particles that is intended to simultaneously detect at least two particles (101, 102) within a useful detection volume (100). This detector comprises a sensory area (20) able to receive light rays scattered by said particles. It is characterised in that it furthermore comprises a dark reticle (30) interposed between the useful detection volume (100) and the sensory area (20). This dark reticle (30) comprises: - at least one optical aperture (301, 302) that permits passage, to the sensory area (20), of one portion (31) of first scattered light rays (kd1) and one portion (32) of second scattered light rays (kd2), - an opaque surface (300) on the periphery of the at least one aperture (301, 302), preventing passage, to the sensory area (20), of another portion (30) of the first and second scattered light rays (kd1, kd2), so as to project, onto the sensory area (20), first and second scattering patterns S1, S2 that are separate from each other.