Transmission Spectrometer Calibration Without Measurement Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission spectroscopy methods face challenges in calibrating spectrometers without interrupting the measurement process, particularly due to thermal effects, which require frequent recalibration but are impractical in long-duration measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method using internal and external light sources within the spectrometer to determine and update calibration values without mechanical components, allowing frequent recalibration to maintain spectral performance by activating and deactivating these sources based on thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent recalibration is performed to mitigate thermal effects, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the measurement process is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into separate calibration and measurement modes. The spectrometer alternates between these modes, allowing calibration to occur without interfering with continuous measurement operations. This segmentation enables independent optimization of both calibration accuracy and measurement continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary switching mechanism is introduced to seamlessly transition between calibration and measurement modes. This switching system allows the spectrometer to alternate between receiving calibration light from the first source and measurement light from the second source without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between frequent recalibration and continuous measurement.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed using external light source during measurement, then calibration accuracy is improved, but measurement continuity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by alternating between calibration cycles using the external first light source and measurement cycles using the internal second light source. This periodic switching allows the spectrometer to maintain calibration accuracy through regular external calibration while preserving measurement continuity through frequent, brief calibration intervals that do not significantly interrupt the overall measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
Preliminary calibration is performed using the external light source before measurement sequences begin, and calibration is updated periodically based on threshold criteria. This preliminary and periodic calibration approach ensures accurate calibration is established before measurements start, while allowing measurements to proceed continuously without frequent interruptions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If internal light source is used for calibration, then measurement continuity is maintained, but calibration frequency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the advantages of both internal and external light sources by combining them in a unified calibration and measurement system. The internal second light source enables continuous measurement capability, while the external first light source provides periodic calibration updates. This merging allows the system to achieve both measurement continuity and adequate calibration frequency by coordinating the operation of both light sources according to threshold-based criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by switching between calibration mode (using external light source) and measurement mode (using internal light source) based on threshold criteria. This parameter change approach allows the spectrometer to adjust its calibration frequency and measurement continuity based on actual performance needs, optimizing both aspects rather than being limited by fixed operational constraints.
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 frequent calibration to mitigate thermal effects on the sensor, improving measurement accuracy and enabling use in variable temperature conditions without interrupting the measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
determining a calibration value for a transmission spectrometer using light from a first light source, wherein the light is reflected from a diffuser of the spectrometer to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
performing measurement of a sample based on the calibration value and after deactivating the first light source, wherein the measurement of the sample is performed using light from a second light source that is received via the diffuser
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A device may determine a calibration value for a spectrometer using light from a first light source; deactivate the first light source after determining the calibration value; perform measurement with regard to a sample based on the calibration value, wherein the measurement of the sample is performed using light from a second light source; determine that the calibration value is to be updated; and update the calibration value using the light from the first light source.