Differential Refractometer Multi-Element Detector High Concentration Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional differential refractometers struggle to measure samples with high concentrations as the slit image displacement exceeds the boundary between light-receiving elements, leading to inaccurate refractive index measurements.
Innovation Solution
The differential refractometer features two rows of light-receiving elements with wider widths than the slit image, allowing the slit image to extend across both rows, and a measurement light-receiving element pair selector to automatically adjust the detection pair based on signal differences, ensuring accurate displacement measurement regardless of slit image position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional photoelectric conversion element with a single boundary between two light-receiving elements is used, then the device structure is simple, but the slit image displacement cannot be detected when the displacement exceeds the boundary position, making it impossible to measure high concentration samples
Solution Approach 1:
The photoelectric conversion element is divided into multiple light-receiving elements (first, second, third, and fourth elements) arranged in sequence, creating multiple boundaries instead of a single boundary. This segmentation allows the slit image to be detected at different positions along the array, extending the measurable displacement range while maintaining a relatively simple linear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-element dual-boundary system to a four-element multi-boundary system, effectively adding spatial dimensionality to the detection capability. By arranging light-receiving elements in a linear sequence with multiple boundaries, the system can detect slit image displacements that occur at different positions, thereby expanding the measurement range without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the slit image is formed on the boundary between two light-receiving elements, then the displacement amount can be detected, but when the slit image moves away from the boundary towards one element, the displacement amount cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the photoelectric conversion element into multiple light-receiving elements with multiple boundaries, the system can detect slit images at various positions along the array. This allows accurate displacement measurement whether the slit image is at a boundary or displaced toward one element, as long as it remains within the detection range of the element array.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-element configuration makes the detection system universal for measuring both low concentration samples (small displacement) and high concentration samples (large displacement). The same detector structure handles the full range of displacement scenarios, from slit images centered at boundaries to those significantly displaced toward either end.
3Productivity
If a differential refractometer optimized for analysis of low concentration samples is used for separation of high concentration samples, then the refractive index change increases, but the slit image displaces beyond the boundary between light-receiving elements making measurement impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented multi-element photoelectric conversion element provides multiple detection zones along the array. When high concentration samples cause large refractive index changes and significant slit image displacement, the system can still accurately measure the displacement by detecting which elements receive light and calculating the position relative to multiple reference boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
By extending the detection array from two elements to four elements in sequence, the invention adds spatial coverage along the displacement direction. This dimensional extension ensures that even large displacements caused by high concentration samples remain within the detectable range, enabling the differential refractometer to handle both analysis and separation applications.
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
This configuration enables precise measurement of both low and high concentration samples without reducing detection sensitivity, as the slit image displacement can be accurately tracked across the light-receiving element rows, improving measurement accuracy and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement light with which the flow cell is irradiated is refracted in the flow cell in a case where the refractive index of the sample solution flowing through the sample cell is different from the refractive index of the reference solution for the reference cell
Implementation Method 2
The light that has been transmitted through the flow cell is led onto a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode provided as a detector
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of light-receiving elements that are arranged in two rows are provided on a light-receiving surface of a detector. A slit image formed on this detector. One group of a plurality of the light-receiving elements are arranged consecutively in a displacement direction of the slit image to form a row (one light-receiving elements row), and another group of a plurality of the light-receiving elements are also arranged consecutively in the displacement direction of the slit image to form a row (another light-receiving elements row). The one light-receiving elements row and the other light-receiving elements row are in contact with each other.