Spectroscopy Detector Light Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopy detectors are sensitive to inhomogeneities on the surface of the target, leading to inaccurate measurement results due to their small aperture size, which limits the angle of incidence and reduces the signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
The detector arrangement incorporates a housing with a larger aperture and a light path that is folded multiple times using reflector elements, allowing for improved angle limitation and reduced sensitivity to inhomogeneities while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the aperture size is increased to reduce sensitivity to surface inhomogeneities, then the measurement accuracy improves, but the signal-to-noise ratio degrades and measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light folding mechanism using reflectors that adds a spatial dimension to the light path. By folding the light path multiple times between the aperture and detector, the system achieves both a large effective aperture area and sufficient angle limitation, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 2:
The light path is nested within the housing by folding it back and forth using multiple reflector elements. This nesting approach allows the light to traverse a long effective path within a compact volume, enabling both large aperture and proper angle control simultaneously
2Use of energy by moving object
If the aperture size is increased to collect more light, then the light collection efficiency improves, but the angle limitation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a light folding mechanism that extends the light path in the depth dimension rather than requiring a larger lateral aperture. Multiple reflectors fold the light back and forth, achieving both high light collection efficiency from a large aperture and strict angle limitation through the folded path geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The light path is segmented into multiple reflection segments between the aperture and detector. Each reflection segment contributes to both light collection and angle control, allowing the system to achieve both high light collection efficiency and proper angle limitation simultaneously
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 reduces the impact of surface inhomogeneities on measurement accuracy, enhances the signal-to-noise ratio, and allows for more efficient light collection, resulting in improved spectroscopy measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflector element and a second reflector element opposite the detector surface are arranged in the housing. The first reflector element is thereby placed such that a light beam incident through the at least one aperture is directed onto the second reflector element
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a detector for spectroscopy includes a housing comprises at least one aperture configured for supplying a light beam reflected or emitted from a target, the housing having at least one cross-sectional plane in which the at least one aperture comprises first and second non-contiguous intersecting surfaces, a detector arrangement with a detector surface configured for wavelength- and angle-dependent detection of light, the detector arrangement being arranged in the housing laterally spaced from the at least one aperture, a first reflector element arranged in the housing and a second reflector element opposite the detector surface, wherein the first reflector element is arranged in a beam path of the at least one aperture and is configured to direct a light beam incident through the at least one aperture onto the second reflector element, and wherein the second reflector element is configured to direct an incident light beam onto the detector surface.