Miniaturized Optical Computing Device with Planar Array Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical computing devices with multiple integrated computational elements have an operational profile that is too bulky to fit within confined locales and are susceptible to extreme downhole conditions, necessitating power supply challenges.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of integrated computational elements in a small, planar array coupled with a planar array detector, along with the use of a planar, thermal blackbody emitter and tiered sampling windows, to minimize the operational profile and enhance robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple integrated computational elements are used to analyze for multiple characteristics, then analytical capability is improved, but device size and operational profile become too bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple integrated computational elements onto a single planar detector array, where each element corresponds to a specific detection region. This combining approach allows multiple analytical capabilities to coexist in a compact planar configuration rather than requiring separate bulky components for each analytical function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a linear or three-dimensional arrangement of computational elements to a two-dimensional planar array configuration. By organizing multiple integrated computational elements on a flat detector surface with different optical paths folded onto the same plane, the system achieves high analytical versatility without increasing volumetric footprint.
2Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic equipment is used in uncontrolled environments, then substance detection capability is maintained, but operational reliability deteriorates due to damage and accuracy limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical spectroscopic systems with an optical computing system that uses integrated computational elements and detector arrays. This substitution eliminates vulnerable mechanical moving parts while maintaining precise substance detection through computational optical processing, thereby improving reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using multiple integrated computational elements with different spectral responses simultaneously. This allows the system to maintain accurate substance detection across varying environmental conditions by computationally processing signals from multiple elements, making the measurement precision robust against environmental disturbances.
3Measurement precision
If multiple integrated computational elements are deployed to increase analytical sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple integrated computational elements and their corresponding detection regions into a single planar array detector unit. This merging reduces device complexity by integrating what would otherwise be separate components into one unified structure, while still achieving enhanced analytical sensitivity through the collective output of multiple elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar array detector serves multiple functions simultaneously by housing multiple integrated computational elements that can analyze for different characteristics. This multi-functionality approach increases analytical sensitivity without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the shared planar structure and optical path infrastructure serve all analytical functions.
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
Facilitates miniaturization and ruggedness of optical computing devices, enabling accurate analysis in harsh environments with reduced space requirements and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated computational element (ICE), also referred to as an 'ICE core,' which is a processing element that is specifically designed to analyze for a given component or characteristic of interest in a sample upon optical interaction of electromagnetic radiation therewith. The layer compositions, thicknesses, and ordering may be chosen, based upon calculations, to selectively transmit or reflect predetermined fractions of electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
Following receipt of the electromagnetic radiation by a detector, an output from the detector can be correlated to the characteristic of interest
Implementation Method 3
the use of a planar, thermal blackbody emitter
Data Source
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AI summary
Conventional optical analysis tools containing an integrated computational element may have an operational profile that is too large for convenient use within confined locales. Optical analysis tools having a miniaturized operational profile can comprise: an electromagnetic radiation source that provides electromagnetic radiation to an optical train; and an optical computing device positioned within the optical train. The optical computing device comprises a planar array detector having at least two optical detection regions. At least one of the at least two optical detection regions has an integrated computational element disposed thereon. The planar array detector and the integrated computational element are in a fixed configuration with respect to one another.