Raman Microspectrometer Optical Extender for Oversized Panel Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Raman microspectrometers are unable to analyze oversized digital imaging panels, such as digital mammography panels, non-destructively due to size limitations of the sample stage and physical space constraints, requiring destructive sectioning and time-consuming pixel-by-pixel analysis.
Innovation Solution
A Raman microspectrometer system with an optical extender and supplemental stage that extends the optical reach and analysis range, allowing for non-destructive analysis and repair of oversized samples by aligning the microscope lens with a proximal orifice and using a motorized tray to move the sample in x and y directions, matching the dimensions of the oversized sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing Raman microspectrometer with standard stage is used, then device complexity is low, but it cannot analyze oversized digital imaging panels non-destructively
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a standard microspectrometer base unit and a separate extender assembly with additional stage travel capability. The extender includes its own motorized positioning system that can be coupled to the existing stage, allowing the system to handle oversized samples without redesigning the entire instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical extender with mirrors and beam splitters is introduced as an intermediary component between the microscope objective and the sample. This extender redirects the optical path to accommodate larger sample dimensions while maintaining the existing optical alignment and detection capabilities of the microspectrometer.
2Measurement precision
If destructive sectioning is used to analyze panels, then measurement precision can be achieved, but loss of substance occurs and analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the panel to be analyzed in its intact state without requiring physical sectioning or destruction. The extended stage allows the microspectrometer to scan the entire panel surface non-destructively, and the system can even perform repair functions by delivering laser energy to correct defects without removing any material.
3Measurement precision
If pixel-by-pixel analysis is performed manually, then measurement precision is achieved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized stage enables continuous automated scanning across the entire panel surface without manual intervention. The system can move from pixel to pixel automatically, maintaining continuous analysis progress and significantly reducing the time required compared to manual point-by-point examination, while preserving the same spatial resolution through controlled stage positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If stage travel capability is increased to accommodate oversized samples, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and physical space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stage system is segmented into a standard stage for the microspectrometer and a separate extender mechanism that provides additional travel capability. This modular approach allows the system to accommodate oversized samples by adding only the necessary extension components rather than redesigning the entire stage mechanism.
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 non-destructive analysis and repair of oversized samples, reducing manufacturing costs and time, and allowing Raman analysis to be integrated into the production process, thereby improving defect detection and panel quality.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of minors are positioned within the housing to provide an optical channel between the proximal orifice and the distal orifice of the housing
Implementation Method 2
Resulting Raman and Rayleigh scatter from the sample is forwarded back through the microscope lens and optical transfer tube 33 to the spectrometer. The spectrometer filters out the Rayleigh scattered energy and separates the wavelengths of the Raman scattered energy to identify the molecular structure
Implementation Method 3
The stage 22 on which the sample is disposed is motor controlled by the joystick 15 to provide movement (i.e., travel) of the stage along the x, y and z axis
Data Source
AI summary
A Raman microspectrometer system extends the optical reach and analysis range of an existing Raman microspectrometer to allow analysis and/or repair of an oversized sample. The Raman microspectrometer system includes an extender for extending the optical reach of the existing microspectrometer and a supplemental stage which extends the analysis range of the existing microspectrometer by providing travel capabilities for non-destructive analysis of an entire oversized sample. Such an arrangement decreases manufacturing costs associated with testing oversized samples such as mammography panels, enabling analysis and/or repair to be performed without destruction.