Thermochromic Liquid Crystal Temperature Measurement via Angular Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC)-based temperature detection methods only utilize the reflectance spectrum and do not leverage the scattering angle of monochromatic light to determine temperature, which can lead to hysteresis issues and inefficiencies, especially when measuring transparent samples.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a monochromatic illumination source and detectors positioned at multiple angles to measure the scattering angle of light from thermochromic liquid crystals, converting these signals into temperature readings through a data analysis pipeline, thereby overcoming previous limitations by using the angular scattering profile for temperature determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional reflectance spectrum methods are used to measure TLC temperature, then the measurement approach is simple, but hysteresis issues occur and measurement precision deteriorates for transparent samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from reflectance spectrum to scattering angle of monochromatic light. By measuring the angular distribution of scattered light at a fixed wavelength rather than the reflectance across a spectrum, the method achieves higher temperature precision while avoiding hysteresis effects in transparent samples
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the broadband optical measurement system with a monochromatic light scattering system. By using a single wavelength source and detecting angular distribution, it substitutes the complex spectral analysis approach with a simpler angular measurement approach that provides better precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadband optics are used in the temperature measurement system, then the system can handle various wavelengths, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary wavelength component by using monochromatic light instead of broadband light. By selecting a single wavelength that provides sufficient temperature sensitivity, it eliminates the need for complex broadband optics and spectral filtering systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using broadband light and filtering to specific wavelengths, the patent inverts the approach by using monochromatic light from the beginning and measuring angular distribution. This inversion simplifies the optical system while maintaining measurement capability
3Reliability
If conventional TLC temperature detection is used, then the method is well-established, but it cannot accurately measure transparent samples due to hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from reflectance to scattering angle to eliminate hysteresis effects. By measuring how monochromatic light scatters at different angles from TLC particles, it obtains reliable temperature measurements for transparent samples without the hysteresis problems that plague conventional reflectance methods
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 temperature sensitivity and reduces system complexity and cost by eliminating the need for broadband optics and minimizing noise, offering a more accurate and efficient method for temperature measurement in transparent samples.
Implementation Method 1
TLC particles may change color in response to a change in temperature
Implementation Method 2
use scattering angle of monochromatic light scattered from TLCs to read out their temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for measuring the temperature of a sample can include the use of one or more illumination sources and a sample containing thermochromic material. One or more detectors are operable to detect two or more signals indicative of a component of an illumination facilitated by the illumination source(s) and scattered at two or more angles with respect to the sample containing the thermochromic material, wherein the signals are converted to a temperature.