Swappable Raman Probe Optical Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noninvasive blood analyte detection methods using Raman spectroscopy face challenges in capturing both transmission and reflectance Raman signals effectively, often resulting in bulky and expensive systems with high background noise and reduced sensitivity due to the need for multiple optical components.
Innovation Solution
A simplified optical signal detection device that can switch between transmission and reflectance modes using a single excitation light source and detector, employing a rotatable stage and optical components like notch filters or dichroic mirrors to reflect the excitation light, minimizing the need for additional optical components and allowing for efficient signal capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two detectors or two lasers are used to capture both transmission and reflectance Raman signals, then the detection capability is improved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single detector that can detect both transmission and reflectance Raman signals by switching the optical path using a mirror. This makes the detector universal, capable of performing multiple detection functions without requiring separate detectors for each mode, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable mirror that can dynamically switch the optical path between transmission and reflectance modes. This dynamic element allows a single static detector to access both detection modes, avoiding the need for multiple fixed detection systems and reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional optical components such as fiber couplers or dichroic mirrors are added to combine transmission and reflectance paths, then both detection modes are achieved, but background noise increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating optical components (fiber couplers, dichroic mirrors) from the system by using a simpler alternative: a single movable mirror to switch between transmission and reflectance modes. This removal of unnecessary components eliminates the additional background noise they would introduce while maintaining the capability to detect both modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are assembled to achieve both transmission and reflectance detection, then detection versatility is improved, but the numerical aperture decreases and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single objective lens that serves dual purposes for both transmission and reflectance modes, rather than requiring separate optical systems. This universal approach maintains a large numerical aperture for high sensitivity while enabling both detection modes through optical path switching with a movable mirror.
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
The device enables quick and accurate switching between modes with reduced signal loss and noise, facilitating compact and cost-effective construction while maintaining high sensitivity for noninvasive blood analyte detection.
Implementation Method 1
an optical component coupled to the frame and positioned between the sample space and the detector for reflecting the excitation light and transmitting the transmission optical signal and the reflectance optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission-reflectance swappable Raman device and a method thereof are disclosed. The excitation light is selectively directed to the sample in one direction for generating the transmission Raman signal in transmission mode or in another direction for generating the reflectance Raman signal in reflectance mode. The content of an analyte in a sample can be determined by analyzing transmission and reflectance Raman signal.