Turbidity Determination Using Elastic and Inelastic Scattered Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring suspended matter in algal biofuel production are invasive and lack non-invasive techniques to determine turbidity in in vitro samples effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving irradiation with a single incident wavelength and simultaneous measurement of wavelength-shifted and unshifted light to differentiate between Rayleigh and Mie scattering, and fluorescent phases associated with suspended particles and the supporting solution, using algorithms to calculate turbidity and volume fractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional invasive methods are used to measure suspended matter, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but sample contamination and culture disruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive sampling methods with optical measurement techniques. By using light scattering and fluorescence detection through the culture medium, the system achieves turbidity measurement without physical contact or removal of sample material, thereby eliminating contamination risks while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical properties (light scattering and fluorescence) as intermediaries to indirectly measure turbidity. Instead of directly contacting or removing samples, the system uses light interaction with suspended particles as a mediator to obtain measurement data, preserving sample integrity while achieving accurate turbidity determination
2Device complexity
If single wavelength light measurement is used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but differentiation between scattering mechanisms is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement into two distinct components: elastic scattering (Rayleigh and Mie) and inelastic scattering (fluorescence). By measuring both components simultaneously using a single incident wavelength, the system differentiates between scattering mechanisms and particle properties without requiring multiple wavelengths, thus maintaining simplicity while gaining information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimension of scattering type differentiation (elastic vs. inelastic) to the measurement. By detecting both wavelength-shifted (fluorescence) and unshifted (elastic scattering) light from a single incident wavelength, the system extracts multiple parameters including particle size, concentration, and optical properties without increasing wavelength complexity
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 non-invasive measurement of turbidity in in vitro samples, providing accurate determination of suspended particles and fluid medium volumes, applicable to algal biofuel production and other biological samples.
Implementation Method 1
simultaneously measuring wavelength shifted (IE) and unshifted (EE) light emitted from the sample
Implementation Method 2
simultaneously measuring wavelength shifted (IE) and unshifted (EE) light emitted from the sample
Implementation Method 3
the two phases comprise a first Rayleigh and Mie scattering and fluorescent phase associated with suspended particles
Implementation Method 4
the two phases comprise a first Rayleigh and Mie scattering and fluorescent phase associated with suspended particles, and a second, non-scattering phase associated with the supporting solution
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of determining turbidity and concentration simultaneously a sample by irradiating the sample with a single incident wavelength and simultaneously measuring wavelength shifted (IE) and unshifted (EE) light emitted. A relative volume of light emitted from two phases may be determined, wherein the two phases comprise a first Rayleigh and Mie scattering and fluorescent phase associated with suspended particles, and a second, non-scattering but fluorescent phase associated with suspending solution. Volumes of the phases and/or concentrations of specific fluorophores or Raman active species are calculated from the volume of light emitted by the first phase relative to the total volume of light emitted from the first and second phases.