UV Absorbance Measurement with Beam Splitter Optical Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current analytical instruments for measuring UV absorbance, particularly in the deep UV region, face issues with lamp instability, environmental concerns, high voltage requirements, heat generation, and unsuitability for miniaturization due to the use of mercury, deuterium, and xenon lamps, which complicates the detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and peptides.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a light source with at least two beam splitters, such as semi-transparent mirrors, to divide light rays for simultaneous measurement in multiple flow cells, allowing for consistent absorbance measurement across different path lengths and enabling the use of a single light source and reference detector for improved consistency and compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple UV detectors are used to measure absorbance at different locations in the liquid flow path, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical beam is segmented into multiple separate beams using beam splitters, allowing each beam to be directed to different flow cells for simultaneous measurement at multiple locations in the liquid flow path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single UV light source performs multiple functions by generating one beam that is subsequently divided into multiple beams for simultaneous measurements at different locations, replacing the need for multiple separate detectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If conventional UV lamps (mercury, deuterium, xenon) are used as light sources, then sufficient UV light intensity is achieved, but environmental harm and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV light intensityVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, environmentally harmful conventional UV lamps with UV LEDs that have no mercury content, eliminating disposal concerns and environmental harm while maintaining sufficient UV light intensity for absorbance measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The light source technology is changed from conventional lamps to UV LEDs, altering the physical parameters of light generation to eliminate harmful substances while maintaining the required UV intensity for deep UV absorbance measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If conventional UV lamps are used, then adequate UV light is produced, but device miniaturization becomes difficult due to large size and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveUV light outputVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

UV LEDs replace bulky conventional lamps, enabling miniaturization of the analytical instrument while maintaining adequate UV light output for absorbance measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical and thermal systems of conventional lamps (requiring high voltage, generating heat) are replaced with solid-state UV LED technology, reducing device size and eliminating heat generation issues that prevent miniaturization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for consistent and efficient measurement of UV absorbance across a wide dynamic range, reduces the need for multiple detectors, and enables miniaturization by using a single light source and reference detector, improving instrument performance and reducing environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

providing at least two beam splitters, for example semi-transparent mirrors with specific transmission properties in the optical arrangement, said optical arrangement being arranged for dividing the first light ray coming into the optical arrangement from the light source into separate light parts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection and transmission: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

Many substances absorb ultra violet or visible light due to their chemical composition. The absorption of light by substances has been used as the basis for detecting the presence of, and measuring the concentration of, such substances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV light absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11499913B2Method and device for measuring absorbance of a substance in solution with multiple light rays

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 CYTIVA SWEDEN AB

AI summary

A measuring device for measuring the absorbance of a substance in at least one solution provided in at least two flow cells of the measuring device, wherein said measuring device comprises: —a light source transmitting a first light ray; —said at least two flow cells; —an optical arrangement comprising at least two semi-transparent mirrors with different transmission properties, said optical arrangement being arranged for dividing the first light ray coming from the light source into separate light parts, one for passing each flow cell and one for entering directly after the optical arrangement a reference detector; and —one detector provided after each flow cell for detecting light having passed through the flow cells.