Reactant Array Spectral Measurement with Integrating-Sphere Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensing and analysis devices for chemical substances lack the ability to accurately measure and record reflectivity spectra of color sensing arrays independent of illumination intensity variations, and they often provide limited spectral data points, making it difficult to detect small changes in light quantity versus wavelength.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a spectrometer, fiber optic cables, and a light source configured to capture and measure photon count versus wavelength across a continuous light spectrum, combined with a color sensing array and a controller to identify fluid components based on wavelength data, including broadband white LEDs and adjustable stages for precise light collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensing devices are used to measure reflectivity spectra, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to compensate for illumination intensity variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an integrating sphere that collects and redistributes reflected light back onto the sample, creating a feedback mechanism that enhances the measurement signal. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for illumination variations by repeatedly sampling the same light field, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex external calibration systems
Solution Approach 2:
An integrating sphere acts as an intermediary component between the light source and the detector. It homogenizes the reflected light by multiple internal reflections before directing it to the spectrometer, effectively decoupling the measurement from direct illumination intensity variations and improving measurement accuracy
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If limited spectral data points are used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection capability deteriorates due to inability to detect small changes in light quantity versus wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrum is divided into multiple discrete wavelength bins or channels, with each bin capturing light at a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows the system to detect small changes at individual wavelength points while maintaining overall spectral information, effectively resolving the contradiction between detection capability and data processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from measuring only intensity to measuring intensity across the wavelength dimension. By adding spectral resolution as an additional dimension, the system can detect subtle changes in material properties that would be invisible in simple intensity measurements, thereby improving detection capability
3Ease of operation
If illumination intensity varies, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to spectral data dependency on illumination levels
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating sphere continuously feeds reflected light back through the sample multiple times, creating a self-regulating measurement process. This feedback mechanism naturally compensates for illumination variations by normalizing the measurement based on the actual light field present, allowing flexible operation without sacrificing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures reflectivity as a ratio or normalized parameter rather than absolute intensity. By changing the measurement parameter from raw intensity to normalized reflectivity, the system becomes insensitive to illumination intensity variations while maintaining operational flexibility
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
Enhances the detection and classification of chemical substances by providing high-resolution spectral data independent of illumination intensity, allowing for accurate identification of fluid components and early detection of hazardous substances.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, and one or more fiber optic cables in communication with the spectrometer and configured to capture light reflected off a surface in response to illumination of the surface by the light source
Implementation Method 2
one or more fiber optic cables in communication with the spectrometer and configured to capture light reflected off a surface
Implementation Method 3
the spectrometer may be configured to measure a photon count versus wavelength for each wavelength bin of an array of wavelength bins covering a light spectrum of interest from the light captured
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods include a system comprising a light source directed at a surface, a spectrometer configured to measure, over time, levels of light collected from the surface, a controller in communication with the spectrometer. The controller may be configured to identify a component of fluid in contact with the surface based on the levels of the wavelengths of light collected from the surface.