Microscopic Raman Device Shutter Mechanism for Laser Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microscopic Raman devices require turning off the pumping laser to prevent exposure during operations on the sample set unit, resulting in significant downtime for stabilization and reduced analysis efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shutter mechanism controlled by a sensor and drive unit that blocks the laser light path when the sample set unit cover is opened, allowing operations without shutting off the laser source, and optionally using a second laser and illumination light for observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pumping laser is turned off when the cover is opened to perform operations, then safety is improved, but analysis efficiency deteriorates due to stabilization time required
Solution Approach 1:
The light path is segmented into multiple paths (first light path for laser light, second light path for observation light), allowing independent control of each path. This enables the laser light to be blocked while observation light continues to pass, resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary component that separates the laser light path from the observation light path. The beam splitter allows observation light to pass through while reflecting laser light, enabling safe operations without shutting off the laser source
2Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to perform operations on the sample set unit, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful laser exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary that allows observation light to pass through to the camera while blocking laser light from reaching the external environment. This enables the cover to remain open for operations without exposing operators to harmful laser radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful laser light is extracted from the common light path by the beam splitter, directing it away from the observation path and external environment. This separates the useful observation function from the harmful laser exposure
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 operations within the sample set unit without laser exposure, eliminating waiting times for stabilization and enhancing analysis efficiency while reducing the number of components and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The shutter blocks the first laser light when closed
Implementation Method 2
The beam splitter may cause the first laser light to pass therethrough, and reflect the illumination light reflected in the sample and cause the reflected illumination light to enter the camera
Implementation Method 3
The shutter drive unit is configured to close the shutter when the sensor senses that the cover starts to be opened
Data Source
AI summary
A microscopic Raman device includes: a sample set unit that has a cover which is openable and closable, and that stores a sample therein; a first laser light source that generates first laser light to be projected onto the sample; a shutter disposed on a first light path which is a light path of the first laser light from the first laser light source to the sample; a shutter drive unit that opens and closes the shutter; and a sensor. The shutter drive unit is configured to close the shutter when the sensor senses that the cover starts to be opened. The shutter blocks the first laser light when closed.