Total Internal Reflection Prism for Small Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multiple reflection methods require large contact areas with samples, making it difficult to measure small samples effectively due to insufficient peak intensity and noise interference.
Innovation Solution
A total reflection optical member with plane parts perpendicular to its surfaces, allowing measurement light to be multiply reflected in different directions, enabling a high number of reflections on a small contact surface, and incorporating metal films on non-contact surfaces for enhanced infrared light reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional multiple reflection method is used, then the peak intensity increases and sensitivity improves, but the contact surface area becomes large making it unsuitable for small samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plane parts that reflect light in different directions (multiple dimensions) rather than relying on a large contact surface area. By creating a three-dimensional light path with plane parts at different positions and orientations, the system achieves multiple reflections within a compact contact area, resolving the contradiction between sensitivity improvement and contact surface size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the light reflection function into multiple plane parts distributed at different positions within the optical member. Each plane part contributes to the multiple reflection process, allowing the system to achieve high sensitivity through cumulative reflections from multiple segmented surfaces rather than requiring a single large contact surface.
2Area of stationary object
If the contact surface is made small for microscopic sample analysis, then the device becomes suitable for small samples, but the peak intensity becomes insufficient and peaks are buried in noises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous multiple reflections of the measurement light through the plane parts, allowing the light to interact repeatedly with the sample within the small contact area. This continuous multiplication of light-sample interactions compensates for the limited contact surface area, generating sufficient peak intensity even with microscopic samples.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing plane parts that create three-dimensional light paths, the system extends the effective interaction length in the depth dimension rather than relying on surface area expansion. This allows multiple reflections to occur within a compact contact footprint, maintaining high peak intensity while preserving compatibility with small samples.
3Measurement precision
If a large contact area is used to ensure sufficient reflections, then the sensitivity improves, but the device cannot be miniaturized and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plane parts to create three-dimensional light paths that achieve multiple reflections within a compact volume. This dimensional approach allows the system to maintain high sensitivity through multiple bounces without requiring a large contact surface, enabling device miniaturization while preserving measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
By distributing multiple plane parts throughout the optical member, the system achieves cumulative multiple reflections from segmented surfaces rather than requiring a single large interaction area. This segmentation allows the device to be compact while still providing sufficient reflection events for sensitive measurements.
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 allows for high sensitivity surface analysis of small samples, improving durability and mechanical strength, while enabling miniaturization of the measuring device and easier handling.
Implementation Method 1
When the angle of incidence from the prism to the sample is made greater than the critical angle, an incident light is totally reflected at a boundary surface between the sample and the prism
Implementation Method 2
incorporating metal films on non-contact surfaces for enhanced infrared light reflection
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention provides a total internal reflection prism which can be used in a multiple reflection method, and which enables a reduction in a contact surface area with a specimen. A total internal reflection prism 2 comprises a plate-shaped optical member, and includes a measuring light introducing portion 2A and a measuring light leading-out portion 2D provided in positions away from the center of either a front or a back surface, wherein a plurality of planar surface portions 2B, 2C and 2E are each formed perpendicular to the front and back surfaces on an outer periphery of the total internal reflection prism 2 excluding the front and back surfaces thereof. The introducing portion 2A is provided in such a way that measuring light that has been introduced into the interior is incident with a total internal reflection angle of incidence toward either the front surface or the back surface. The front and back surfaces are provided in such a way as to cause the measuring light to progress while being total internally reflected alternately thereby, and the plurality of planar surface portions 2B, 2C and 2E are provided in such a way as to reflect sequentially, in different directions, the measuring light that is progressing through the interior. The leading-out portion 2D is provided in such a way as to cause the measuring light that has been reflected by the plurality of planar surface portions 2B, 2C and 2E to be led out to the outside.