Spectral Measurement Apparatus Minimizing Self-Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spectral measurement apparatuses inaccurately determine quantum yield due to self-absorption of light by the sample, as the calculated yield is underestimated when the sample absorbs its own emitted light.

Innovation Solution

The spectral measurement apparatus reduces self-absorption by adjusting the excitation light to include the sample more comprehensively, using an inclined sample container and incidence optical system to minimize the boundary area between irradiated and non-irradiated regions, thereby reducing self-absorption and accurately determining quantum yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the excitation light is applied to a part of the sample, then the measurement can be performed, but the self-absorption amount increases due to wide boundary area between irradiated and non-irradiated regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum yield measurement accuracyVSAvoidself-absorption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from partial irradiation (2D surface contact) to full irradiation (3D volume coverage) by adjusting the excitation light to include the entire sample. This dimensional change eliminates the boundary area problem and reduces self-absorption by ensuring uniform excitation throughout the sample volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the irradiation parameter from partial coverage to full coverage by adjusting the excitation light distribution. This parameter change ensures that the entire sample is uniformly irradiated, eliminating the boundary effects that cause self-absorption and improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the excitation light includes the sample, then the self-absorption amount is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to inclined sample container and incidence optical system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantum yield measurement accuracyVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional components: the excitation light source, the incidence optical system, and the inclined sample container. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve uniform irradiation and minimize self-absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined sample container acts as an intermediary element that transforms the excitation light distribution. By inclining the container, the patent creates a geometric configuration that ensures uniform light coverage across the sample, reducing self-absorption without requiring complex optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If the boundary area between irradiated and non-irradiated regions is minimized, then self-absorption is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveself-absorptionVSAvoidmeasurement configuration difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary configuration of the sample container at an inclined angle before introducing the excitation light. This preliminary action pre-establishes the geometric relationship between the light source and sample, ensuring uniform irradiation and minimizing self-absorption without requiring complex real-time adjustment or measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for precise measurement of quantum yield by minimizing self-absorption, enabling accurate calculation of the ratio of absorbed excitation light to emitted light, thus improving the accuracy of quantum yield determination.

Implementation Method 1

integrate reflection components from a fluorescent substance of single-wavelength radiation and all radiation components of excited fluorescence emission by an integrating sphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

irradiate a sample as a measurement object with excitation light and detect light to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

the number of photons absorbed by the fluorescent substance and the number of photons of the fluorescence emission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 4

the number of photons absorbed by the fluorescent substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2952881B1Spectrum measuring device, spectrum measuring method, and specimen container
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP2952881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2952881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2952881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A spectral measurement apparatus for irradiating a sample as a measurement object with excitation light and detecting light to be measured includes a light source generating the excitation light; an integrator having an input opening portion through which the excitation light is input, and an output opening portion from which the light to be measured is output; a housing portion arranged in the integrator and housing the sample; an incidence optical system making the excitation light incident to the sample; a photodetector detecting the light to be measured output from the output opening portion; and an analysis means calculating a quantum yield of the sample, based on a detection value detected by the photodetector, and the excitation light is applied to the sample so as to include the sample.