Spectroscopy Optical Device for Independent Beam Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Raman instruments lack the ability to independently manipulate and separate excitation light and Raman scattered radiation, limiting flexibility and precision in optical measurements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spectroscopic system with optical elements that separate and manipulate excitation light and Raman scattered radiation along a common optical pathway, allowing for individual control of each beam through the use of beam combiners, splitters, and other optical components, enabling independent manipulation and recombination of the light paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common optical pathway is used for both excitation light and Raman scattered radiation, then the optical system is simpler, but independent manipulation of the light beams is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common optical pathway into separate optical paths using beam splitting elements. The excitation light path and the Raman scattered radiation path are segmented into distinct channels, allowing independent manipulation of each beam while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical paths are used for excitation light and Raman scattered radiation, then independent manipulation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into integrated optical elements. Beam combiners and splitters are used to merge the excitation light path and Raman scattered radiation path at specific points, allowing independent manipulation while reducing the number of separate components needed.
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical elements are added to separate and manipulate light beams, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs optical elements that perform multiple functions. For example, beam combiners and splitters simultaneously serve to separate and recombine light paths, while also enabling independent manipulation and filtering. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of optical elements needed while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 approach enhances the flexibility and precision of Raman measurements by allowing for independent manipulation of excitation light and Raman scattered radiation, improving the capability to perform various analyses and assays with increased accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element optically coupled to the excitation source and operative as a beam combiner
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element optically coupled to the first optical element to receive light from the first optical element along a first region of a common optical pathway, the second optical element configured to separate the light from the excitation source from the common optical pathway
Implementation Method 3
the fifth optical element configured to manipulate the Raman scattered radiation. In certain examples, the manipulation may be one or more of expanding, contracting, shaping, attenuating, polarizing, depolarizing, redirecting, filtering, displacing, temporally stretching or temporally compressing the Raman scattered radiation
Implementation Method 4
In Raman scattering, the wavelength of the scattered light is shifted from the wavelength of the incident light. The exact shifts in wavelength depend on the chemical structure of the medium or sample scattering the light.
Data Source
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AI summary
Certain examples described herein are directed to optical devices and systems for use in spectroscopy. In particular, certain embodiments described herein are directed to devices and methods that may separate excitation light and Raman optical pathways, prior to sample irradiation, so that, if desired, the excitation light and the Raman scattered radiation may be independently manipulated.