Sapphire Lens Optical Cell for High-Pressure Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microfluidic systems face challenges in integrating optical sensors effectively, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, where existing solutions suffer from significant light loss due to lack of collimation and large fluid dead volumes, and are not suitable for small-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A high-pressure and high-temperature microfluidic optical cell design that incorporates collimated light paths using sapphire or quartz lenses as pressure windows, integrated with optical fibers and photodiodes, allowing for efficient optical signal transmission and minimal fluid dead volumes, capable of operating up to 20 kpsi at 175°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional optical windows with elastomeric O-rings or brazed seals are used to transmit optical signals through pressure barriers, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but significant light loss occurs due to lack of collimation and the design is not suitable for small-scale microfluidic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical window and collimating lens into a single integrated component. The spherical lens is directly formed from the sapphire pressure window material, eliminating separate sealing elements like O-rings and brazed joints. This integration reduces the number of optical interfaces, minimizing light loss while maintaining pressure containment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spherical lenses formed from sapphire to provide collimation. The spherical geometry naturally focuses and collimates light passing through the pressure window, improving optical signal transmission efficiency without requiring complex additional optical elements. This curved surface design optimizes light paths while maintaining structural integrity under pressure.
2Stress or pressure
If conventional sealing methods like O-rings are used in high-pressure optical cells, then pressure containment is achieved, but large fluid dead volumes are created which are unsuitable for microfluidic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates traditional sealing elements like elastomeric O-rings and brazed joints from the optical window assembly. By forming the spherical lens directly from the sapphire pressure window material, the design removes the fluid-containing spaces that would otherwise exist between separate components, thereby minimizing fluid dead volume while maintaining pressure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical window and sealing function are merged into a single monolithic sapphire component. The spherical lens is formed integrally from the pressure window material, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and the associated fluid dead volumes between components. This integration achieves both pressure containment and minimal fluid volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional machining techniques are used to create microfluidic channels and optical pathways, then manufacturing is achieved, but intricate details at micron level resolution cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining techniques with laser-based fabrication methods. Laser processing enables precise creation of microfluidic channels, optical pathways, and spherical lens geometries with micron-level resolution that cannot be achieved through conventional machining. This substitution maintains manufacturing feasibility while dramatically improving dimensional precision and surface quality.
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 design provides improved optical signal throughput and maintains small fluid dead volumes, enabling robust and efficient spectroscopic measurements in demanding environments, including oilfield downhole conditions, with enhanced durability and chemical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
incorporates collimated light paths using sapphire or quartz lenses as pressure windows
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, methods and systems for making optical measurements of a fluid at elevated pressures and temperatures are disclosed. A cell is designed for the optical spectroscopic measurements of fluids or gas using light from ultra violet (UV) to far infrared wavelengths, among other wavelengths. A cell is described that is well suited for applications using very small fluid volumes, on the order of micro liters, such as microfluidic systems. Some described embodiments are suited for very high pressure and temperature environments (for example, 20 kpsi or greater at 175 degree C. or greater). Such conditions, for example, may be found in oilfield downhole environments. Some embodiments provide are inexpensive, and make use of replaceable lenses that are used as a pressure barrier and for collimation of the optical beam path for spectroscopic measurements.