Integrated UV Analyzer Monolithic Cell Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultraviolet analyzers are less specific and more sensitive than infrared or visible range analyzers, requiring high voltage and bulky equipment, and are limited by the need for large sample volumes for analysis.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ultraviolet analyzer with monolithically integrated ultraviolet photodetectors and solid-state light sources, allowing for the emission of ultraviolet light that passes through an analyzer active gap to irradiate a light sensing surface, enabling evaluation of media with high sensitivity and accuracy in a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vacuum UV lamps are used for ultraviolet analysis, then sensitivity for trace analyses is improved, but equipment size and voltage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the UV light source and photodetector into a single integrated analyzer cell structure. The solid state UV light source and UV photodetector are positioned adjacent to each other within the same cell, eliminating the need for separate vacuum UV lamp and detector systems, thereby reducing equipment size while maintaining sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional vacuum UV lamps with solid state UV light sources that can operate at lower voltages. The solid state sources (such as LEDs or laser diodes) provide the necessary UV radiation without requiring the high voltage and vacuum systems associated with conventional UV lamps
2Measurement precision
If vacuum UV lamps are used for ultraviolet analysis, then sensitivity for trace analyses is improved, but voltage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high voltage vacuum UV lamps with solid state UV light sources that operate at lower voltages. The solid state sources (such as LEDs or laser diodes) provide the necessary UV radiation without requiring the high voltage systems associated with conventional UV lamps
3Measurement precision
If traditional UV analyzers are used, then sensitivity is improved, but the volume of material needed for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flow cell configuration where the analyzer active gap is positioned perpendicular to the flow direction. This allows the UV light to pass through a thin path length (e.g., 100 micrometers) while the fluid flows through the cell, enabling sensitive trace analysis without requiring large volumes of material to be static in the analysis path
4Device complexity
If integrated solid state light sources and photodetectors are used, then equipment size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the UV light source and photodetector into a single analyzer cell structure, which simplifies the overall system and reduces the number of separate components that need to be precisely aligned. The integrated design allows for compact packaging while maintaining optical performance
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
The integrated ultraviolet analyzer achieves high sensitivity and accuracy in analyzing media, including fast-flowing fluids, with a small footprint, enabling precise measurements and efficient evaluation of materials and concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state light source configured to emit ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
an ultraviolet photodetector... irradiates a light sensing surface of the ultraviolet photodetector
Implementation Method 3
measuring absorption or transmission in which radiation of different wavelengths is passed through to determine material identity and concentration
Implementation Method 4
A medium to be evaluated can be present in the analyzer active gap and affect the ultraviolet light as it passes there through
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated ultraviolet analyzer is described. The integrated ultraviolet analyzer can include one or more ultraviolet analyzer cells, each of which includes one or more ultraviolet photodetectors and one or more solid state light sources, which are monolithically integrated. The solid state light source can be operated to emit ultraviolet light, at least some of which passes through an analyzer active gap and irradiates a light sensing surface of the ultraviolet photodetector. A medium to be evaluated can be present in the analyzer active gap and affect the ultraviolet light as it passes there through, thereby altering an effect of the ultraviolet light on a ultraviolet photodetector.