Adjustable Extended Focus Raman System with Aspheric Diffuse Ring Optic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raman spectroscopy systems face challenges in distinguishing the chemical composition of materials within packaging due to excessive fluorescence signals from diffusely scattering packaging materials, which can obscure the Raman signal from the material under test, especially in field applications where removing the material from its container is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing an aspheric diffuse ring producing optic (ADRPO) to generate an illumination spot with a variable radial intensity, allowing for a distributed spot with lower intensity near the center and the ability to focus tightly, enabling the collection of Raman scattering spectra of materials inside packages while allowing for the subtraction of packaging material spectra from combined sample and packaging spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Raman spectroscopy is used to analyze packaged materials, then the Raman signal from the material can be detected, but the fluorescence signal from packaging materials obscures the Raman signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform radial intensity distribution across the illumination spot, with reduced intensity specifically at the center region where packaging material fluorescence originates. This allows the Raman signal from the packaged material to be detected while suppressing the harmful fluorescence signal from the packaging layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling adjustable spot diameter through movement of the ADRPO optic along the optical axis. The system can dynamically transition between compact (50 micron) and large (5 mm) spot sizes, allowing optimization of the illumination pattern to minimize packaging interference while maintaining adequate signal collection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the illumination spot diameter is reduced to improve spatial resolution, then the field of view is limited, but the signal-to-noise ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the spot diameter from 50 microns to 5 mm through ADRPO optic positioning. This continuous parameter adjustment allows optimization of both spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio depending on the specific analysis requirements and packaging configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic adjustment of the illumination spot diameter, enabling real-time optimization between spatial resolution and signal collection efficiency. The movable ADRPO optic along the optical axis provides continuous control over the spot size parameter.
3Loss of information
If a tight focus is used to measure the package's Raman spectrum directly, then the spectral information is obtained, but the background signal removal becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the non-uniform radial intensity illumination pattern to pre-suppress packaging fluorescence before Raman signal collection. This preliminary suppression of harmful signals simplifies subsequent spectral processing and background removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination pattern applies local quality by creating regions of different intensity across the spot, with reduced intensity at the center where packaging interference is most problematic. This spatially-selective illumination simplifies the spectral analysis by reducing the complexity of background signal removal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ADRPO optic is moved to change spot size, then the illumination pattern is adjusted, but mechanical precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the ADRPO optic movable along the optical axis to dynamically adjust the spot diameter. This mechanical degree of freedom provides continuous control over the illumination pattern, enabling adaptation to different packaging configurations and analysis requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through parameter changes in the illumination spot diameter, controlled by the position of the ADRPO optic. The ability to vary the spot size from 50 microns to 5 mm provides versatile control over the measurement conditions.
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 reduces background interference, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for non-destructive, non-uniform radial intensity illumination that can be adjusted in diameter, facilitating accurate chemical composition analysis of packaged materials in field environments with minimal expertise and mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
An aspheric diffuse ring producing optic, or ADRPO, to generate an illumination spot with a variable radial intensity
Implementation Method 2
aspheric diffuse ring producing optic
Implementation Method 3
Raman spectroscopy can provide useful information about unknown materials
Implementation Method 4
the packaging materials cause excessive fluorescence signal potentially obscuring the Raman signal
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a system is described that comprises a light source configured to produce a light beam; a collimating lens disposed on a movable mount, wherein the collimating lens is configured to capture the light beam and produce a substantially collimated beam; and an aspheric diffuse ring optic configured to receive the collimated beam and produce a spot on a surface that comprises a non-uniform radial intensity distribution.