Sequential Integrated Computational Elements for Optical Detection Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical computing devices face limitations in detection sensitivity, particularly when analyzing complex mixtures in environments like the oilfield, where conventional spectroscopic techniques are inadequate due to low sensitivity and difficulty in transitioning to less controlled settings.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple identical integrated computational elements, configured to sequentially interact with electromagnetic radiation, enhances detection sensitivity by increasing the predictive capacity for characterizing substances in samples, even in complex mixtures, through transmissive or reflective configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic techniques are used for analytical measurements, then versatility for detecting a wide variety of substances is achieved, but detection sensitivity is insufficient for low abundance analytes and complex mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the spectral analysis function into multiple discrete integrated computational elements (ICEs), each tuned to specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high sensitivity for specific analytes while maintaining the ability to detect multiple different substances by switching between or combining results from different ICEs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each integrated computational element is designed with local quality - specific optical properties and wavelength selectivity tailored to detect particular substance classes or analytes. This allows the system to optimize detection sensitivity for specific substances while the overall device maintains versatility through the collection of specialized elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spectroscopic instruments are configured for general purpose detection, then ability to detect a wide variety of substances is improved, but detection sensitivity for specific substances decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical computing device achieves universality by integrating multiple specialized computational elements into a single platform. Each ICE is optimized for specific substance detection, yet the system as a whole can detect a wide variety of substances by utilizing the appropriate ICEs, making the device both versatile and highly sensitive for specific analytes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple integrated computational elements are used in sequence, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple integrated computational elements are merged into a single integrated device structure with shared optical components such as the light source and detector. This combining approach allows the system to achieve enhanced detection sensitivity through sequential analysis by multiple ICEs while avoiding the complexity of completely separate instruments, as the elements share common infrastructure.
4Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic analysis is performed in laboratory conditions, then analytical accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation in field settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated computational elements perform self-service by automatically processing the optical signals without requiring manual spectral interpretation. The ICEs are pre-configured with the computational logic needed to analyze specific analytes, allowing the device to maintain laboratory-level analytical accuracy while being simple enough to operate in field settings without specialized expertise.
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 approach significantly improves detection sensitivity, allowing for real-time analysis with minimal sample preparation, making optical computing devices more suitable for proactive or reactive process control in various applications, including oilfield operations and environmental monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
upon optical interaction of electromagnetic radiation therewith
Implementation Method 2
the transmission or reflection function of the integrated computational element may represent the regression vector
Implementation Method 3
the transmission or reflection function of the integrated computational element may represent the regression vector
Data Source
AI summary
Detection sensitivity of optical computing devices may be improved by utilizing multiple integrated computational elements in combination with one another. Optical computing devices containing multiple integrated computational elements may comprise: two or more integrated computational elements that are identical to one another and optically interact sequentially with incident electromagnetic radiation, such that at least a portion of the photons from the incident electromagnetic radiation optically interacts with each integrated computational element; wherein the sequential optical interaction of the incident electromagnetic radiation with the two or more integrated computational elements increases a detection sensitivity of the optical computing device relative to that obtained when only one of the integrated computational elements is present; and a detector that receives the photons that have optically interacted with each integrated computational element.