Spectrophotometer with Photodetector Array for Simultaneous Spatial Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard spectrophotometry lacks spatial resolution and requires mechanical scanning, which is slow and labor-intensive, making it unsuitable for applications needing high spatial resolution and efficient optical characterization of surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A spectrophotometer design that uses a light beam emitter with a monochromator to selectively control wavelengths and an array of photodetectors for simultaneous analysis at multiple points on a sample, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning and optical fibers, allowing for parallel spectral analysis across a sample without spatial resolution limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical scanning systems are used for spatial mapping, then spatial resolution can be achieved, but the analysis speed becomes very slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection function into multiple photodetectors arranged in an array, where each photodetector corresponds to a specific spatial point on the sample. This allows simultaneous measurement at multiple points rather than sequential scanning, resolving the contradiction between spatial resolution and analysis speed by performing parallel measurements across the entire sample area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning to two-dimensional parallel detection by arranging photodetectors in an array that corresponds to the spatial distribution of the sample. This dimensional change enables simultaneous capture of spectral information across multiple spatial points, eliminating the time penalty of mechanical scanning while maintaining spatial resolution.
2Measurement precision
If optical fibers are used for light transmission, then spectral analysis can be performed, but the spatial resolution is limited by the fiber diameter and alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the light transmission function from optical fibers and replaces it with direct optical paths from the sample to the photodetector array. This elimination of optical fibers removes the spatial resolution limitation imposed by fiber diameter and eliminates the complex alignment requirements associated with fiber positioning, while preserving spectral analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes the mechanical alignment system required for optical fiber positioning with a fixed optical geometry where the photodetector array is directly positioned to receive light from corresponding spatial points on the sample. This replacement eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment while maintaining spectral measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If reference measurements are taken for each measurement to eliminate spectral dependency, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the total measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the sample measurement and reference measurement into a single simultaneous operation by using a beam splitter to divide the light path. One path directs light to the photodetector array for sample analysis while the other path directs light to a reference detector. This allows both measurements to be performed at the same time for each wavelength, eliminating the need for sequential reference measurements and reducing total measurement time while maintaining spectral accuracy.
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 spatial resolution and efficient optical characterization of samples with simultaneous analysis at multiple points, reducing analysis time and eliminating the need for mechanical scanning, while maintaining accurate spectral measurements without the limitations of optical fiber diameter or alignment.
Implementation Method 1
A spectrophotometer design that uses a light beam emitter with a monochromator to selectively control wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
an array of photodetectors arranged on a second optical path defined as the path of the light beam after coming in contact with the sample
Implementation Method 3
The collimated beam of a light source is focused by means of a lens on the sample
Implementation Method 4
an array of photodetectors arranged on a second optical path defined as the path of the light beam after coming in contact with the sample
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a spectrophotometer, especially a spectrophotometer that can carry out simultaneous analysis at different points on the same sample (4), with a high spatial resolution and without requiring a mechanical system for physical scanning along the sample. This is obtained by the provision of means for processing the light received by the photodetectors (5), said processing means having a correlation wherein each of the photodetectors (5) corresponds to a spatial point on the sample (4). In the case of dark field applications, the present invention ensures the standardization of the data using the same measure.