Handheld Raman Probe Confocal Depth Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld fiber-based Raman probes are limited in their ability to capture signal depth profiles, as they only provide integrated signal capture over the entire illuminated area, lacking the capability to measure depth resolution effectively.
Innovation Solution
A handheld optical probe for Raman spectroscopy systems, featuring confocal arrangement with excitation and detection optics optically coupled via a beam splitter, allowing for precise measurement of Raman signal depth profiles by focusing the signal onto a detection optical fiber, and utilizing a positioning device to control the sample focal plane for depth sectioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handheld fiber-based Raman probes are used, then portability and ease of operation are improved, but depth resolution measurement capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe divides the detection function into separate confocal optical paths for excitation and detection, with the detection optics focusing Raman signals from specific depth planes onto the detection fiber tip. This segmentation enables depth-resolved measurement while maintaining handheld portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection optics act as an intermediary between the sample and the detection fiber, using optical coupling to transfer Raman signals from specific depth planes to the fiber tip. This intermediary mechanism enables depth resolution in a handheld probe configuration.
2Device complexity
If integrated signal capture over the whole illuminated area is used, then device simplicity is improved, but depth resolution capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection optics focus Raman signals from different depth planes onto different regions of the detection fiber tip, segmenting the integrated signal capture into depth-resolved components. This allows depth resolution while maintaining the simplicity of fiber-based signal collection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detection fiber tip receive Raman signals from different depth planes of the sample. This local quality differentiation enables depth resolution without requiring complex spectral separation or multiple fibers.
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 high sensitivity and depth resolution comparable to free-space confocal Raman systems, allowing for accurate measurement of biological tissues and in vivo skin samples, with the added advantage of being portable and operable by hand.
Implementation Method 1
The excitation optics and the detection optics may be optically coupled to the sampling optics via a beam splitter
Implementation Method 2
The excitation optics and the detection optics may be in confocal arrangement with a sample focal plane of the sampling optics. The sampling optics and the detection optics may be arranged to receive a Raman signal from the sample focal plane and direct it onto a tip of a detection optical fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an optical probe, and a Raman spectroscopy system using such, including excitation and detection optics coupled to a sampling optics via a beam splitter, in confocal arrangement with a sample focal plane of the sampling optics. The detection optics is arranged to receive Raman signal from the sample focal plane and direct it onto a tip of a detection optical fiber. The optical probe may further include a positioning device mechanically coupled to the sampling optics and configured to control a position of the sample focal plane. In the Raman spectroscopy system a light source is coupled to the excitation optics via an excitation optical fiber, and a spectrometer is coupled to a detection optics via a detection optical fiber. Provided is further a method for measuring Raman signal depth profile in a sample, wherein sample's Raman spectra is measured and stored at different focal plane positions.