Raman Spectroscopy Lens-Grating-Lens Configuration for High Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Raman spectroscopic systems face challenges in achieving high spectral resolution and high light throughput simultaneously, leading to difficulties in detecting biological and chemical targets due to the tradeoff between spectral resolution and light throughput, and require longer interrogation times, which can result in sample changes that degrade analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a lens-grating-lens configuration with a volume phase holographic grating and a cuvette design with tapered walls to enhance light throughput and spectral resolution, allowing for real-time detection of biological and chemical targets with reduced interrogation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional Raman spectroscopic systems use standard optical configurations, then the system structure is simple, but spectral resolution and light throughput cannot be simultaneously optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a first optical element for collecting and focusing light, a second optical element for dispersing the spectrum, and a detector array for capturing spectral data. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional one-dimensional spectral dispersion to a two-dimensional spectral mapping by using a detector array that captures both wavelength and spatial information simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables enhanced spectral resolution without sacrificing light throughput, as the system can resolve finer spectral features while maintaining broader spectral coverage.
2Measurement precision
If Raman spectroscopic systems increase interrogation time to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but sample changes occur that degrade analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous spectral acquisition through optimized optical paths that maintain high light throughput throughout the measurement process. By ensuring continuous and efficient light delivery to the sample and detector, the system achieves accurate detection results in reduced time windows, preventing sample degradation while maintaining measurement reliability.
3Measurement precision
If Raman spectroscopic systems use standard optical elements, then device complexity is low, but signal-to-noise ratio is insufficient for real-time detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a detector array that captures multiple spectral copies simultaneously across different wavelength ranges. This parallel copying of spectral information enables enhanced signal-to-noise ratio through aggregated data, while the modular detector design keeps the overall system complexity manageable by distributing the detection function across multiple standardized elements.
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 configuration enables high sensitivity and accurate real-time detection of targets with improved signal-to-noise ratio, reducing sample changes and increasing the reliability of Raman spectroscopic analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The diffraction grating is a volume phase holographic grating. The volume phase holographic grating can be configured to disperse the light beam over a preselected spectral band of at least 50 nm.
Implementation Method 2
Raman scattering occurs when light interacts with a molecular vibration or rotation, and a change in polarizability takes place during molecular motion. This results in light being inelastically scattered (Raman-scattered light) at a vibrational frequency shifted up or down from that of the excitation light.
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of optical elements can be configured to transfer the light beam from the entrance aperture to the detector array with an average transfer efficiency from 60% to 98% for first order diffraction over the preselected spectral band of at least 50 nm.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for analyzing a sample are provided. In some embodiments, a system includes a test assembly that comprises: a sample analyzer configured to provide data related to the sample; and a processing unit configured to analyze the data provided by the sample analyzer. The system is configured to identify at least one target in the sample.