Polychromator Substrate Transparent Zones Spectral Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectral analysis systems, particularly in near-infrared and infrared ranges, are expensive, sensitive, and unreliable for field and production use, with miniaturized spectrometers being too costly and prone to vibration issues, and existing polychromators are limited in miniaturization due to adjustment complexities.
Innovation Solution
A polychromator system comprising a substrate with transparent zones and a functional element for spectral decomposition, allowing for precise detection of multiple spectral components using semiconductor production technologies, enabling low-cost, reliable, and accurate spectral analysis with adaptable spectral band selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometers are used for spectral analysis, then measurement accuracy is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spectrum into specific bands using a diffraction grating and positions detectors at predetermined locations to detect only selected spectral components. This segmentation approach allows accurate measurement of relevant spectral bands without requiring a full-spectrum spectrometer, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining measurement accuracy for the bands of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by placing detectors at specific predetermined positions on the substrate to detect only the spectral bands relevant to the measurement task. This localized detection approach concentrates resources on measuring only the necessary spectral information, reducing overall system complexity and cost while preserving measurement accuracy for the target bands.
2Volume of moving object
If spectrometers are miniaturized for field use, then portability is improved, but system cost remains high and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a segmented approach with a diffraction grating and spatially separated detectors on a substrate, eliminating the need for moving parts found in conventional miniaturized spectrometers. This fixed, segmented design improves reliability for field use while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning mechanisms with a fixed optical system using a diffraction grating and stationary detectors at predetermined positions. This substitution of mechanical components with a static optical arrangement eliminates vibration issues and mechanical failures, thereby improving reliability while maintaining miniaturization for field deployment.
3Volume of moving object
If polychromators are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning detectors at predetermined locations on the substrate during manufacturing, so that the optimal spectral bands are automatically selected without requiring field adjustment. This preliminary configuration eliminates complex adjustment procedures while maintaining miniaturization, solving the contradiction between device size and adjustment complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the fixed geometric relationship between the diffraction grating and detectors on the substrate, which automatically selects and measures the appropriate spectral bands without requiring user intervention or adjustment. This self-configuring system reduces device complexity and eliminates adjustment expenditure while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 system achieves low-cost, reliable, and precise spectral analysis with adjustable spectral band selection, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by using a substrate with accurately positioned transparent zones and a functional element for efficient electromagnetic radiation decomposition.
Implementation Method 1
a functional element having an optical spectral decomposition action and being configured to spectrally decompose electromagnetic radiation originating from an entry opening
Implementation Method 2
the substrate includes at least two transparent zones at different positions within the spatial area, so that two different spectral components of the spectrum are detectable at the two transparent zones
Data Source
AI summary
A polychromator includes a substrate and a functional element having an optical spectral decomposition action. The functional element having an optical spectral decomposition action is configured to spectrally decompose electromagnetic radiation originating from an entry opening, e.g. light which originates from an optional radiation source and is reflected at a sample, so that a spectrally decomposed spectrum is obtained, and to image the spectrally decomposed spectrum onto a spatial area of the substrate. The substrate includes at least two transparent zones at different positions within the spatial area, so that two different spectral components of the spectrums are detectable at the two transparent zones.