Portable Raman Detection Using Filters Instead of a Spectrometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Raman detection methods rely on bulky spectrometers, limiting portability and increasing costs, and struggle with detecting analytes in low concentrations without damaging the sample or requiring complex assays.
Innovation Solution
A portable Raman device that uses a laser source, dichroic mirror, objective lens, and detector without a spectrometer, employing rotatable filters to isolate and detect Raman signals based on wavelength differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional spectrometer-based Raman system is used, then measurement precision and sensitivity are improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the spectrometer component from the traditional Raman system, retaining only the essential elements (laser source, sample holder, filter, detector) to achieve portable Raman detection while maintaining measurement capability through alternative signal isolation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a filter-based approach to copy the spectral selection function traditionally performed by a spectrometer, achieving wavelength discrimination through filter transmission characteristics rather than through dispersive elements and detectors
2Measurement precision
If a spectrometer is used for Raman detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive spectrometer with inexpensive optical filters and a simple detector, achieving cost-effective Raman detection through the use of affordable optical components that can be easily manufactured and replaced
3Measurement precision
If high laser power is used to detect low concentration analytes, then detection sensitivity is improved, but sample damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary spectral filtering before detection to isolate the Raman signal from background noise and fluorescence, enabling the use of lower laser powers while maintaining detection sensitivity through pre-processing of the optical signal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical filters as intermediaries between the laser and detector to selectively transmit Raman-shifted light while blocking other wavelengths, enabling sensitive detection of low concentration analytes without requiring high laser power that would damage the sample
4Measurement precision
If SERS enhancing substrate is used to detect low concentration analytes, then detection sensitivity is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to signal variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the SERS enhancing substrate from the detection system, eliminating the source of signal variability while maintaining detection capability through direct Raman scattering measurement of the analyte without nanoparticle intermediaries
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
Enables portable and cost-effective Raman detection with high accuracy and reproducibility, capable of identifying analytes in various concentrations without sample damage.
Implementation Method 1
The laser light may interact with molecular vibrations, phonons or other excitations in the system, resulting in the energy of the laser photons being shifted. The shift in energy gives information about the vibrational modes in the system.
Implementation Method 2
a dichroic mirror that directs the laser from the laser source to the sample through the objective lens and transmits any Raman signal from the sample toward the detector; wherein the dichroic mirror is optically pervious to any Raman signal having a wavelength longer than the wavelength of the laser from the laser source
Implementation Method 3
A magnifying objective lens was used to focus the laser light on the sample and to collected backscattered photons.
Implementation Method 4
a detector optically positioned to receive and detect a Raman signal produced from the laser incident on the analyte of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device which detects a Raman signal from an analyte of interest contained in or suspected to contain in a sample. The portable device includes a laser source in optical communication with a dichroic mirror, an objective lens optically positioned to consolidate the laser from the laser source to the sample, (i) a pair of rotatable filters in optical communication with the dichroic mirror and an optical transmission module or (ii) a first band-pass filter in optical communication with the dichroic mirror and an optical transmission module, and a detector optically positioned to receive and detect a Raman signal produced from the laser incident on the analyte of interest. The dichroic mirror directs the laser from the laser source to the sample through the objective lens and transmits any Raman signal from the sample toward the detector. The detector is absent of a spectrometer and detects the Raman signal.