Miniaturized Raman Spectrometer Optical Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Raman spectrometers with diffraction gratings are limited in miniaturization due to space requirements for sufficient resolution, making them unsuitable for portable or wearable devices, and existing hydration level monitoring methods are subjective or inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
An optical module for Raman spectroscopy that eliminates the need for a diffraction grating by using filters to isolate specific wavelength bands of interest, allowing for a miniaturized design that can be integrated onto a single substrate, including a laser source, sensors, and an integrated circuit for enhanced sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a diffraction grating is used to divide the observed signal into multiple optical paths by wavelength, then the Raman scattering signal can be isolated from the Rayleigh scattering signal, but the space requirements increase and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the specific wavelength bands of interest using optical filters instead of using a diffraction grating to separate the entire spectrum. This selective extraction approach eliminates the need for large optical paths while maintaining the ability to isolate Raman scattering signals from Rayleigh scattering signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical path parameters by using filters with specific transmission characteristics rather than relying on the geometric arrangement of a diffraction grating. This parameter change allows for compact integration on a single substrate while maintaining spectral separation capability.
2Measurement precision
If a diffraction grating based optical setup is used to achieve sufficient resolution, then wavelength separation is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser source, optical filters, and sensors onto a single substrate, creating an integrated optical module. This consolidation simplifies the optical setup by eliminating the need for separate diffraction grating assemblies and complex optical benches, while maintaining wavelength resolution through the use of targeted optical filters.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional Raman spectrometers are miniaturized, then portability is improved, but the resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using optical filters to capture only the specific wavelength bands of interest rather than attempting to resolve the entire Raman spectrum. This approach maintains sufficient measurement precision for detecting hydration levels while enabling significant miniaturization, as the filters require minimal optical path length compared to diffraction gratings.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module for Raman spectroscopy includes a laser source mounted on a substrate and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation at a target. The optical module also includes a plurality of sensors mounted on the substrate and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation scattered from the target. The optical module further includes a first filter disposed over one or more of the plurality of sensors. The first filter is substantially transparent to a first wavelength band corresponding to a Raman scattering wavelength of a first molecule of the target and opaque to wavelengths outside the first wavelength band.