Raman Sensor Module Using Multi-Wavelength Excitation and Passband Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Raman spectroscopy is typically limited to research-grade instrumentation and benchtop systems, making it difficult to implement in compact, portable devices such as handheld devices for applications like skin hydration measurement and pathogen detection.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized sensor module for Raman spectroscopy, incorporating an ASIC, multiple excitation wavelengths, and a filter arrangement, which eliminates the need for high-resolution spectrometers and complex optics, allowing for compact and cost-effective handheld devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional Raman spectrometers with high-resolution spectrometers and complex optics are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex spectrometer and optical components from the traditional Raman system. Instead of using a full spectrometer with gratings and detectors, the invention uses a simplified approach with LED light sources, basic optical filters, and photodetectors to achieve Raman spectral measurement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the Raman measurement function using alternative components. Instead of copying the complex spectrometer design, it uses LED excitation sources with spectral filters and photodetectors to replicate the essential Raman scattering detection function, achieving measurement precision without the complexity of traditional spectrometers
2Measurement precision
If traditional benchtop Raman systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bulky benchtop spectrometer system and replaces it with compact components including miniaturized LED arrays, small optical filters, and integrated photodetectors. This extraction of essential measurement function from the bulky housing enables portable and handheld device configurations while preserving Raman spectral measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where multiple functional components are integrated into a compact module. The LED excitation sources, optical filters, and photodetectors are nested within a small housing, with each component optimized for minimal space while maintaining measurement precision, enabling portable device form factors
3Measurement precision
If traditional Raman instrumentation is used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex spectrometer components with inexpensive alternatives such as standard LED light sources, commercially available optical filters, and off-the-shelf photodetectors. These cheaper components achieve sufficient measurement precision for the application, dramatically reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the measurement system by using LED excitation sources with specific wavelengths and optical filters with defined bandwidths. This parameter-based approach allows the use of lower-cost components that operate within optimized parameter ranges to achieve the required measurement precision without the expense of high-end spectrometer hardware
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 accurate and sensitive Raman spectroscopy in handheld devices, facilitating point-of-care measurements and wearable sensors, with potential for absolute hydration level measurement and pathogen detection, while reducing component count and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter arrangement, electrically connected to the ASIC and operable to emit light with multiple excitation wavelengths to excite Raman scattering
Implementation Method 2
a light detector arrangement operable to generate sensor signals from incident light emitted back from the external probe due to the Raman scattering
Implementation Method 3
a filter arrangement operable to filter the incident light according to a target passband
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module for Raman spectroscopy includes a sensor package which encloses an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a light emitter arrangement, a light detector arrangement and a filter arrangement. The light emitter arrangement is electrically connected to the ASIC and operable to emit light with multiple excitation wavelengths to excite Raman scattering in an external probe to be placed outside of the sensor module. The light detector arrangement is operable to generate sensor signals from incident light emitted back from the external probe due to the Raman scattering. The filter arrangement is operable to filter the incident light according to a target passband. The ASIC is operable to drive the light emitter arrangement at the excitation wavelengths to shift a Raman spectral band of the external probe into the passband of the filter arrangement.