Optical Spectrometer Assembly Segmentation for Compact OES
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical spectrometer assemblies for elemental composition analysis via optical emission spectroscopy are often large and complex, making them unsuitable for mobile or compact applications while maintaining adequate spectral resolution for trace analysis.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical spectrometer assembly that splits the input beam into non-overlapping wavelength sub-ranges, using separate grating assemblies and detector arrays for each sub-range, allowing for spatial isolation and operation in different atmospheres, thereby reducing the overall size and complexity while maintaining high spectral resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single large optical spectrometer is used to cover the full wavelength range, then adequate spectral resolution for trace analysis is achieved, but the device size and structural complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrometer assembly is divided into multiple independent optical sub-assemblies, each handling a specific wavelength sub-range. Each sub-assembly includes its own grating and detector, allowing parallel processing of different wavelength ranges. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high spectral resolution across the full range while keeping each individual sub-assembly compact and manageable in size.
2Measurement precision
If a single large optical spectrometer is used to cover the full wavelength range, then adequate spectral resolution for trace analysis is achieved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrometer assembly is divided into multiple independent optical sub-assemblies, each handling a specific wavelength sub-range. Each sub-assembly includes its own grating and detector, allowing parallel processing of different wavelength ranges. This segmentation enables the system to achieve high spectral resolution across the full range while keeping each individual sub-assembly compact and manageable in size.
3Reliability
If spatial isolation of optical sub-assemblies is implemented to operate in different atmospheres, then analysis robustness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different optical sub-assemblies are provided with different atmospheric environments optimized for their specific wavelength ranges. The first optical sub-assembly operates in a first atmosphere while the second optical sub-assembly operates in a second atmosphere, with each atmosphere selected to optimize performance for its respective wavelength sub-range. This local optimization improves overall system robustness while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
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
Enables high-quality, robust elemental composition analysis in a compact and simplified structure, reducing the volume of controlled atmosphere required and minimizing inert gas consumption, while ensuring sufficient spectral resolution across the desired wavelength ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter arranged to receive the input beam and split the input beam into a first beam portion that conveys at least wavelengths within a first wavelength sub-range and a second beam portion that conveys at least wavelengths within a second wavelength sub-range
Implementation Method 2
a first grating assembly arranged to diffract the first beam portion and a first detector assembly arranged to detect one or more spectral lines of interest within the first wavelength sub-range based on the diffracted first beam portion
Implementation Method 3
a second grating assembly arranged to diffract the second beam portion and a second detector assembly arranged to detect one or more spectral lines of interest within the second wavelength sub-range based on the second beam portion
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example embodiment, an optical spectrometer assembly (110) for an optical emission spectroscopy, OES, instrument is provided, the optical spectrometer assembly (110) comprising: an entrance aperture (112) arranged for entry of an input beam to the optical spectrometer assembly (110); and an optical system comprising a beam splitter (114) arranged to receive the input beam and split the input beam into a first beam portion that conveys at least wavelengths within a first wavelength sub-range and a second beam portion that conveys at least wavelengths within a second wavelength sub-range, where the first and second wavelength sub-ranges are substantially non-overlapping, a first optical sub-assembly (116) comprising a first grating assembly (116a) arranged to diffract the first beam portion and a first detector assembly (116c) arranged to detect one or more spectral lines of interest within the first wavelength sub-range based on the diffracted first beam portion, and a second optical sub-assembly (118) comprising a second grating assembly (118a) arranged to diffract the second beam portion and a second detector assembly (118c) arranged to detect one or more spectral lines of interest within the second wavelength sub-range based on the second beam portion, wherein the first optical sub-assembly (116) is spatially isolated from other parts of the optical assembly so as to enable providing the first and second optical sub-assemblies (116, 118) in different atmospheres.