Structured Sample Holder for Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical analysis systems, particularly those using mid-infrared spectroscopy, face limitations due to the high cost and lack of optical efficiency of available sample holders, which restrict their application in various fields.
Innovation Solution
A sample holder with a planar surface and projecting features that increase surface area, allowing unimpeded optical access, and optionally a reflective or transmissive design with a geometric anti-reflection layer to mitigate signal reflection, facilitating high-performance optical analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sample holders are used in mid-infrared spectroscopy, then the system structure is simple, but the optical efficiency is poor and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The sample holder surface is segmented into multiple micro-scale features (pyramids, cones, pillars, or grooves) arranged in arrays. This segmentation increases the effective surface area for sample interaction while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The segmented surface provides both mechanical support and optical functionality through the geometric arrangement of features.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a flat two-dimensional surface to a three-dimensional structured surface with vertical components. The micro-features extend in the vertical dimension, creating depth and volume that enhance light interaction paths. This dimensional transition enables increased surface area and improved optical efficiency without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If the sample collection surface area is increased, then the measurement sensitivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface is divided into numerous small geometric features rather than using a single large flat area. This segmentation allows the total surface area to be increased while keeping individual feature sizes small and manageable. The segmented structure enhances measurement sensitivity by providing more interaction area for the light-sample interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical surface generation methods with self-organizing physical or chemical processes. The micro-features can be formed through vapor deposition, chemical etching, or self-assembly processes that naturally create the desired geometric structures without requiring complex mechanical machining or assembly operations.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a reflective sample holder is used, then the optical path length is increased, but the reflection of interrogation signal is caused
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses curved or angled surface features (such as pyramidal or conical structures) instead of flat reflective surfaces. These curved geometries redirect reflected light at multiple angles, causing the light to traverse a longer optical path through the sample while progressively reducing the intensity of any single reflection direction. The curvature distributes and diffuses the reflection rather than concentrating it.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of reflection into a beneficial extended optical path. By using angled or curved surface features, the reflected light is redirected to interact with the sample multiple times, transforming what would be a simple reflection loss into multiple additional measurement opportunities. The reflection that would normally be a loss mechanism becomes an extended measurement path.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, optically efficient sample holder that enhances the measurement of test samples in optical analysis systems, improving the sensitivity and accessibility of mid-infrared spectroscopy and other optical analysis methods.
Implementation Method 1
the features are shaped and/or arranged on the planar surface to collectively define a geometric anti-reflection layer that mitigates reflection of the interrogation signal at the sample-collection surface
Implementation Method 2
The illustrative sample-holder is reflective such that energy of the interrogation signal passes through the sample twice
Implementation Method 3
In spectroscopy, a characteristic pattern of light-absorption peaks is detected, where this pattern is unique to the bonding structure of any chemical
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed toward measurement systems capable of optical analysis of a test sample. Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure include a sample holder having a plurality of projections that extend from a planar surface, where the projections and planar surface collectively define an open sample-collection surface that enables an interrogation signal direct access to the test sample. The projections can be dimensioned and arranged to collectively define a geometric anti-reflection surface that is substantially non-reflective for the interrogation signal even at large angles of incidence. In some embodiments, the sample holder is configured as a reflective element that enables multiple passes of the interrogation signal through the test sample. In some embodiments, the sample holder is configured as a transmissive element. In some embodiments, the projections themselves are reflective.