Broad-Range Spectrometer Angular Resolution via Segmented Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle characterization instruments face challenges in simultaneously detecting highly resolved forward angles and large forward and backward angles without using impractically small detector elements or a long optical track, while also providing high-quality measurements over a broad wavelength range.
Innovation Solution
The instrument employs a spatially coherent light source with a converging beam, followed by a diverging optic and multiple detectors positioned outside the optical axis to capture scattered light across a range of angles, utilizing dual light sources of different wavelengths to enhance dynamic range and allow continuous angle measurement from small to large angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Fourier configuration with segmented photodetector arrays is used to resolve different scattering angles, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and the ability to simultaneously detect both small and large angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple photodetector arrays positioned at different locations, each detecting specific angular ranges. The first array detects small forward angles while the second array detects large forward and backward angles, allowing simultaneous multi-range detection without requiring a single complex detector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane detection approach to a multi-dimensional detection architecture by placing detectors in different spatial positions around the optical axis. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture scattered light across multiple angular ranges simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Measurement precision
If detector elements are placed close to the focused beam to detect small angles, then small angle detection precision is improved, but detector element size must be impractically small or focal length must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple photodetector arrays positioned at different locations, each detecting specific angular ranges. The first array detects small forward angles while the second array detects large forward and backward angles, allowing simultaneous multi-range detection without requiring a single complex detector
Solution Approach 2:
A beam expander is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the sample. This expands the incident beam diameter, which effectively increases the angular separation of scattered light, allowing standard-sized detectors to resolve small angles without requiring impractically long optical paths
3Length of stationary object
If a telephoto lens arrangement is used to shorten physical distance while achieving the same effective focal length, then device compactness is improved, but the ability to collect larger scattering angles is severely distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple photodetector arrays positioned at different locations, each detecting specific angular ranges. The first array detects small forward angles while the second array detects large forward and backward angles, allowing simultaneous multi-range detection without requiring a single complex detector
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a beam expander and multiple detector arrays that can handle different angular ranges. This universal design allows the compact telephoto arrangement to maintain its space-saving benefits while simultaneously achieving broad angular detection capability through the coordinated work of multiple optical components
4Measurement precision
If dual light sources of different wavelengths are used to excite the material, then dynamic range and measurement quality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a beam expander and multiple detector arrays that can handle different angular ranges. This universal design allows the compact telephoto arrangement to maintain its space-saving benefits while simultaneously achieving broad angular detection capability through the coordinated work of multiple optical components
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 enables the detection of highly resolved angles and large angles on the same hardware setup, providing high-quality measurements over a broad wavelength range without the need for impractically small detectors or a long optical track, and allows for the use of dual sources to enhance dynamic range.
Implementation Method 1
Light of a particular wavelength falling on particles will be scattered over a range of angles, determined by the size of the particle. The size of particles can thus be inferred by measuring the scattered light over a range of angles.
Implementation Method 2
a diverging optic positioned along the optical axis after the sample cell to spread the converging beam
Data Source
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AI summary
In one general aspect, a particle characterization instrument is disclosed that includes a first spatially coherent light source with a beam output aligned with an optical axis. A focusing optic is positioned along the optical axis after the coherent light source, and a sample cell is positioned along the optical axis after the focusing optic. The instrument also includes a diverging optic positioned along the optical axis after the sample cell, and a detector positioned outside of the optical axis to receive scattered light within a first range of scattering angles from the diverging optic. In another general aspect, an instrument can direct at least a portion of a first beam and at least a portion of a second beam along a same optical axis and can receive scattered light from the sample cell resulting from interaction between the sample and either the first beam or the second beam.