Time-Differentiated Spectrum Detection Using Conversion Dyes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile spectroscopy applications face challenges in space requirements and signal-to-noise ratio due to limited phosphor mixtures for infrared spectrum coverage and the need for multiple optoelectronic components, which degrades performance and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing conversion dyes with different luminescence lifetimes to time-differentiate the detection of light spectra, allowing a single light pulse to excite multiple dyes, with distinct time periods for registering unconverted and converted light fractions, thereby reducing the need for multiple components and filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single broadband light source with conversion dye is used, then space requirement is reduced, but the detector receives mixed spectral components (converted and unconverted light) simultaneously, degrading measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed illumination to excite the conversion dye, creating a time-resolved measurement system. By illuminating periodically and detecting at different time intervals, the system separates converted light (emitting after lifetime delay) from unconverted light (present during illumination), enabling spectral discrimination without additional spatial components
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by measuring the total signal during the illumination period (containing both converted and unconverted light components), then uses the time-resolved detection after illumination to isolate the converted light component. This preliminary measurement allows subsequent separation of spectral components through time differentiation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optoelectronic components with different spectral ranges are used to emulate broadband spectrum, then spectral coverage is improved, but device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the temporal characteristics (illumination timing and detection timing) rather than changing the physical spectral properties of multiple light sources. By controlling when light is emitted and when detection occurs, a single light source achieves broadband spectral coverage through time-resolved measurement, eliminating the need for multiple optoelectronic components
3Measurement precision
If attenuation filter with high operating currents is used to reduce unconverted light, then spectral purity is improved, but optical power in required spectral range is reduced, degrading signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the converted light component from the mixed signal by utilizing the time delay introduced by the conversion dye's luminescence lifetime. Instead of filtering out unconverted light spatially or spectrally, the system separates the components temporally - detecting converted light after the illumination period when only converted light remains, thereby extracting the desired spectral information without energy loss
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 broadband spectroscopy with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced space requirements by effectively separating and measuring different spectral fractions using a single light pulse and photodiode, without the need for elaborate filters, allowing for efficient detection of both visible and infrared spectra.
Implementation Method 1
This conversion may be carried out at least and particularly by means of fluorescence
Implementation Method 2
at most phosphorescence
Implementation Method 3
the charge carriers remain in the excited state and only after some time thus return to the ground state while emitting light in the infrared or converted spectral range
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the time-differentiated detection of a spectrum of a test object comprises providing a first conversion dye, which is configured to convert light with a first spectral distribution in the visible range into light with a second spectral distribution in the infrared range. The first conversion dye is excited with a light pulse in the range of the first spectral distribution during a first time period, and a light fraction, reflected or transmitted by the test object, in the range of the first spectral distribution is registered during a first time interval. During a subsequent second time period, a fraction of converted light reflected or transmitted by the test object is registered. According to the invention, the first time interval is selected so that it lies substantially inside a luminescence lifetime for the first conversion dye in the first time period.