Variable-Path Absorption Spectrometer with Automated Slope Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometers face challenges in accurately determining the concentration of highly concentrated samples, such as proteins or nucleic acids, often requiring multiple dilutions that introduce errors and are not suitable for in-line measurements due to large and heavy instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A variable path length spectrophotometer system with a light source, optical probe, and detector that dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on the slope parameter derived from the rate of change in intensity with path length variation, allowing for real-time concentration determination without dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a standard cuvette with fixed path length is used, then the instrument structure is simple, but accurate concentration measurement of highly concentrated samples cannot be achieved without multiple dilutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motorized stage that dynamically adjusts the path length between the light source and detector during measurement. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different sample concentrations by optimizing the path length, thereby achieving accurate measurements without requiring manual dilutions or complex sample preparation protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter (path length) automatically based on the sample characteristics. By varying the path length parameter, the instrument can measure both highly concentrated and dilute samples accurately, eliminating the need for multiple dilutions and associated errors
2Measurement precision
If multiple dilutions are performed to measure highly concentrated samples, then the concentration can be brought within the linear range, but dilution errors are introduced and sample is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized stage dynamically adjusts the path length during measurement, allowing the system to find the optimal path length that brings the absorbance reading within the linear range of the detector. This eliminates the need for manual dilutions and prevents the introduction of dilution errors, thereby maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the path length based on the sample's absorption characteristics. This self-service capability allows the instrument to handle highly concentrated samples directly without external intervention for dilution, preventing both sample consumption and reliability loss
3Measurement precision
If a UV/visible spectrophotometer system is used for in-line measurements, then concentration can be determined, but the instrument occupies large space and has significant weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from a traditional UV/visible spectrophotometer by using a simplified optical path with a motorized stage. This extraction allows the system to achieve concentration determination capability while significantly reducing the instrument's size and weight, making it suitable for in-line measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the complex mechanical and optical components of a traditional spectrophotometer with a simpler motorized stage mechanism. This substitution maintains the concentration determination capability while reducing the overall instrument footprint and weight
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 accurate concentration measurement of highly concentrated samples without dilution, reducing errors and enabling in-line measurements with compact, efficient instrumentation.
Implementation Method 1
Absorption spectroscopy is used to measure composition and/or properties of a material in any phase, gas, liquid, solid
Implementation Method 2
For a sample consisting of a single homogeneous substance having a concentration c, the light transmitted through the sample will follow a relationship know as Beer's Law: A=εCL
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a light source, to generate a probe signal, comprising incident radiation; an optical probe, to direct the incident radiation through a fluid sample; a motor, to move the optical probe along a probe axis, to change a path length of the incident radiation through the fluid sample; and a detector, to receive the incident radiation as attenuated radiation after passing through the fluid sample. The system may include a control system, arranged to: initiate an absorbance measurement by directing movement of the optical probe along the probe axis; direct the light source to emit the incident radiation; and automatically adjust at least one measurement parameter of a set of measurement parameters for the sample measurement, based upon a slope parameter m, wherein m is derived from a rate of change in an intensity of the attenuated radiation with a change in the path length.