Abstract:
The present invention relates. to instruments used to analyze materials with light-absorbing properties. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of adjustable optical filters whereby light-absorption can be measured in more detail and with greater variables than what is currently known.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application is a U.S. National Stage application claiming the benefit of prior filed International Application, Serial Number PCT/US2003/040877, filed Dec. 22, 2003 which International Application claims a priority date of Dec. 20, 2002 based on prior filed U.S. Application Ser. No. 60/319,806. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to instruments used to analyze materials with light absorbing properties. More specifically, the invention relates to systems that use sensors to measure the properties of components of subject systems.  
       BACKGROUND ART  
       [0003]     Spectrometers are well-known in the art of analytical instruments. For many years they have been used as detector systems, concentration measurers and combinations of both. Over the years sophisticated and highly-sensitive instruments have become the norm, especially in laboratory environments, but because of desire to perform more field analyses, portable units have been developed. Because of their size and portability, most of these units are not suitable for the high-caliber studies that the lab versions are capable of performing, thus making a need for high-quality and reliable portable systems paramount in the field. In addition, there is also a desire for less bulky but highly accurate instruments for laboratory use. Plus, it is desired that the instrument be adaptable for a wide variety of analyses, and not just limited to certain types of compounds or analytes.  
         [0004]     Absorption spectroscopy is based on the principle of colorimetry, which involves the determination of a substance from its ability to absorb light. Light is passed through the test sample (which is a solution or a transparent substance) and the amount of light absorbed by the sample is recorded. The wavelength at which the absorbance took place is also recorded. This absorption spectrum not only provides quantitative data on the light absorbance characteristics of the sample, but can also serve as a “fingerprint” for qualitatively identifying the absorbing substance.  
         [0005]     Spectrometric measurements of light are performed in basically two ways, 
        dispersion-based techniques and filter-based techniques. In the dispersion-based approach, a radiation dispersion device such as a prism or diffraction grating is used to separate the incident polychromatic light into its spectral contents. The spectrally separated light is then projected onto a photo detector to measure the relative intensity in each spectral range.        
 
         [0007]     The present invention provides a spectrometer that is easily adapted for analysis of materials over a wide range of wavelengths, irrespective of the intensity of the strength of the light fields. By use of a rotating filter wheel mechanism, it is possible to electronically or optically vary the sensitivity and exposure of the instrument according to the intensity of the measured light field.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention provides a multi-spectral sensor capable of sensitive light measurements at different wavelengths. The spectrometer comprises a light source and an optical detector in optical communication with the light source, the light source and the optical detector defining an optical pathway. An optical disc filter is positioned within the optical pathway between the light source and the optical detector. The optical filter comprises at least one filter element adapted to filter a particular wavelength of light. The spectrometer also includes a motor coupled to the optical disc filter. The motor serves to rotate the optical disc filter at selective rates.  
         [0009]     In a preferred embodiment, the optical disc filter comprises a plurality of 
        filter elements distributed circumferentially about a common radius of the optical disc filter. Each of the plurality of filter elements is adapted to filter a different wavelength of light emitted from the light source. It is within the scope of the invention to have a plurality of filter elements that are equal in size or differing in size.        
 
         [0011]     In another embodiment, a control circuit is coupled to the optical detector. The control circuit varies the speed of the motor. It is within the scope of the invention to adjust the speed of the motor both manually and through the use of a feedback loop.  
         [0012]     In another embodiment, a control circuit is coupled to the optical detector. The control circuit varies the speed of the motor. It is within the scope of the invention to adjust the speed of the motor both manually and through the use of a feedback loop.  
         [0013]     In yet another embodiment, an exposure time control circuit controls the exposure time of the optical detector to the emitted light source. The exposure control circuit can be controlled both manually and through the use of a feedback loop.  
         [0014]     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention can be seen upon review of the figures, the detailed description, and the claims, which follow. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is an overall view of a spectrometer utilizing the filter wheel of the instant invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a depiction of one type of filter wheel configuration as described by the instant invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is another configuration of the filter wheel of the instant invention employing varying size filter elements to filter various wavelengths of light.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  shows a further configuration of the filter wheel assembly.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  shows a further configuration of the filter wheel assembly.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the spectrometer  10  of the instant invention comprises a source means  21  in optical communication with a sample  22  and a detection means  25 . Interposed in the optical path of the system is a wheel means  23 , which is depicted here as a generally circular wheel having a plurality of filters  31  around its circumference.  
         [0021]     The wheel means  23  is mechanically attached to drive a motor  24 , which has variable speed capabilities. The optical path shown in  FIG. 1  is linear, but any other non-linear configuration known to those of ordinary skill in the art is also within the scope of the invention.  
         [0022]     The source means  21  may comprise a lamp, a fiber-optic device, a laser device, or any other light supplying means known to those of skill in the art. In addition, a supplemental focusing means  27  may be included depending on the choice of the source means  21  and detection means  25 . The focusing means  27  may comprise a mirror array, a lens, or other similar device known for its optical focusing capabilities.  
         [0023]     The sample  22  is removably inserted into the optical pathway and is contained by any suitable containing means. These include optical waveguides, cuvettes, transmissive containers, reflective containers, or any other containment means known in the art. The sample may be of any physical form and the optical path may proceed through the sample as in the case of liquids or gases, or be deflected off the surface of the sample for solids or opaque substances. Again, the optical pathway may be linear or non-linear depending on the analysis to be performed.  
         [0024]     The detection means  25  is any suitable light sensing means and is selected according to the wavelength desired to be detected from all the systems available to one of ordinary skill in the art. It is understood that detectors may be chosen in combination with the source  21  and the supplemental focusing means  27  depending on the intended application of the spectrometer  10 .  
         [0025]     The use of variable exposure times facilitates accurate measurements when the intensity of light reaching the detector varies as a function of wavelength. This invention provides the ability to vary the exposure, or integration, time for each wavelength to be detected. This function is not found on other spectrometers. Without this function, a single exposure time is used which is based on the most intense part of the spectrum. Measurements of current spectrometers usually involve recoding the intensity at wavelengths other than the most intense region. It is not uncommon that these intensities are so low that the signal is barely detectable. By providing a variable, and programmable, exposure this invention permits virtually simultaneous and accurate measurements of both intense and weak. signals. This invention allows for a weak signal to receive a longer exposure, or integration, time increasing the range of readable spectrum. Likewise, highly intensive regions can receive correspondingly lower exposure, or integration, times to facilitate accurate readings.  
         [0026]     The motor means  24  serves to drive the filter wheel  23  and is selected to be either a constant or variable speed motor. Sensitivity may be modulated by means of varying the integration time, the motor speed, or a combination of both. This enables one of skill in the art to regulate the rotational speed of the wheel  23  to optimize sensitivity of the spectrometer  10  to fit a number of measurement conditions, including those where the sensitivity heretofore has been so low as to prevent accurate results. This motor means  24  again may be any suitable motor as available to one of skill in the art.  
         [0027]     The motor means  24  is operated by way of a variety of selectivity means. These include manual dials or rheostats which enable the selection to be made by the equipment operator and include pre-selected and variable selection while the instrument is in operation. Electronically programmable means may also be employed. In an additional embodiment, a control circuit may be used, and this may be optimized by means of a feedback circuit responsive to the optical feedback needs of the detector.  
         [0028]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the filter wheel  23  comprises a generally circular plate  20  onto which is affixed a plurality of filter elements  31 . These elements may be identical or may comprise any number of dissimilar elements. The elements  31  define with the motor  24  the amount and frequency of light transmitted to the detector  25  at any given time. In the case of multiple detecting means, this enables several wavelengths to be analyzed at a single time since the light beam is filtered sequentially by the elements  31  for each desired wavelength.  
         [0029]     For example, a single sample could be analyzed without reconfiguration of the spectrometer for a plurality of wavelengths. By aid of the motorized filter wheel  23 , the need for manual filter change or sample realignment is obviated. The  30  spectrometer of the present invention is ideal for portable usage, or simplified laboratory usage because of this advantage over known spectrometers. Furthering this example, a solution sample could be placed into the spectrometer and analyzed at, for example, seven different wavelengths. Because of the motorized filter wheel  23 , each analysis, that is each exposure of the sample to the proper filtered wavelength, can be optimized for best results.  
         [0030]     Moreover, the combination of the motorized filter wheel  23  and the infinite combinations of filters and filter shapes which the wheel contains, enables an operator immense adjustability of the spectrometer. This freedom creates additional advantage for use in the field as the cumbersome nature of possessing many different filters and then manually having to adjust and account for the exposure time which decreases the accuracy and increases the overall time is removed by the present invention.  
         [0031]     The filter elements  31  may also be irregular in shape as shown in  FIG. 3 . When it is desired to filter a wavelength over a longer period of time, a larger filter  32  may be used alone or in combination with other filter elements  33  and  34 . In this way, optical responses may be maximized, especially in situations where it is desired to block a certain wavelength longer or shorter than another wavelength. In addition, the speed of the motor  24  is also variable so that fine adjustments may be made using the rotational speed ability to further refine the sensitivity.  
         [0032]     The filter wheel  23  may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, with the filters inserted therein. In addition, the wheel  23  and the filtering material may be of the same material with optical coatings defining the filtering portions and the spacing portions of the wheel. In addition, it is contemplated that the filter portion of the wheel may be any portion of the light spectrum, up to and including the total spectrum. Since the filtering of light is a function of both filter material and the rotation of the element, a wide variety of parameters may be used to effect the desired sensitivity.  
         [0033]     As depicted, the filter wheel  23  is generally circular, but other shapes such as ellipsoidal and even square may be used. Again, the shape is selected to be compatible with the other components of the spectrometer  10 .  
         [0034]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , this embodiment of the present invention shows the filter wheel  23  having seven equally sized and spaced filter elements  31 . As described herein, each filter element  31  may be able to filter out the same wavelengths as the other filter elements. It is also possible, to have each filter element  31  be able to filter out a different wavelength than at least one other filter element. The use of such different filters enables the spectrometer  10  of the present invention to generate diverse data for a single sample without having to reconfigure, or at least minimally reconfigure, the spectrometer.  
         [0035]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , this embodiment of the present invention shows the filter wheel  23  having five filter elements  31 . In this embodiment the filter elements  31  are not the same size nor are they uniformly distributed around the circumference of the filter wheel  23 . The present configuration allows for light to be filtered at a certain wavelength longer, or shorter, which enables a plurality of different data to be obtained from one sample analysis.  
         [0036]     In operation, the rotation of the filter wheel  23  enables generation of a multiplicity of data readouts in a very short period of time. Due to the beam chopping function of the spinning wheel, discrete measurements occur in a small finite period of time, enabling the instrument to perform the analysis task without a need for manipulation to achieve multiple readouts of the sample. In addition, a variety of different readouts is possible. This is due to the filter wheel construction wherein a plurality of differing filter elements may be housed. In addition, due to the ability to selectively filter, the ability to make small changes in filtering the light is possible because the appropriate filters can be available on the same wheel as are complete changes to the configuration without a great deal of effort. Because of the filter wheel assembly of the instant invention, it is possible by simply varying the integration time to control the sensitivity of the system, and indeed, this is a preferred embodiment of the invention. Control of the detector sensitivity is easily made by changing the times the detector is active. Nevertheless, alternate embodiments, such as varying the speed of the motor means and combinations of varying both the motor speed and integration time are considered to be within the scope of the invention, as are use of control circuits to regulate speed and time intervals via feedback circuits.  
         [0037]     Since the sensitivity of the system is no longer dependent on the detector alone, by using the filter system, it is possible to use less sensitive and costly detectors, thus making the instrument more attractive for a wide variety of applications where costly apparatus is. a deterrent. Given the aspect of a control circuit, it is easy to optimize the parameters to detect or quantify samples by using secondary wavelengths that have not been within the scope of practicality without the use of sophisticated equipment. Indeed, since sensitivity is now a time dependent variable by using the filter system, secondary emission or absorption lines may be used for spectral studies.  
         [0038]     Because the system is modulated by the filter wheel  23 , it is also possible to change the analysis parameters easily by substitution of filter wheels. In this manner it is possible to change sensitivity in difficult analyses; or even to switch to another complete analysis mode altogether, by changing the wheel to insert filter elements for another application. This gives a great amount of flexibility to the instrument for a wide variety of studies or, because of its low-cost nature, it can also be used to detect trace amounts in a dedicated system with varied rotation times and filtering elements making difficult analyses easily performed.  
         [0039]     The filter wheel  23  as heretofore described is generally circular in shape, with continuous rotation giving the variability. It is considered within the scope of the instant invention that other geometries may be employed, including but not limited to, ellipsoidal, square, and even linear. The driving motors may also be modified to accommodate these geometries. For example, oscillating motors could be used for moving the filter wheel arrangement in a reciprocating movement in the optical pathway. Because of the simplicity of the rotating embodiment with respect to the mechanics involved, this is considered a preferred configuration.  
         [0040]     In addition, a plurality of filter wheels  23 , each comprising filtering elements, may be used as an alternate embodiment to the single filter wheel assembly. In this case, each filter wheel may separately rotate, or some of the filter wheels in this embodiment may be stationary with other wheels rotating at the same time. Again, these may be connected to a feedback circuit, and the rotating parameters may be controlled for maximizing sensitivity for any given application.  
         [0041]     It is also within the scope of this invention that the spectrometer be configured using a linear optical filter. Here, instead of the filter elements being positioned about a wheel, the filter elements are linearly arranged. Instead of the filter elements being rotated, the elements are moved via sliding or equivalent motion. As was seen with the optical filter wheel described above, the linear arrangement can be fixed to a motor means allowing for similar control and results as detailed in that discussion.  
         [0042]     Likewise, by varying the size and shape of the filter elements in the linear filter arrangement, similar control over length of exposure to the light source for a given wavelength would be seen. Because the spectrometer of the present invention seeks to minimize the configuration, or reconfiguration, time associated with multiple readings of a single sample, the spectrometer must be able to vary the time which a sample is exposed to the source light through the desired filter. For example, certain wavelengths of light may require longer periods of exposure to enable a proper analysis. The present invention enables the operator to adjust the length of time each filter element is in the position for conducting a reading.  
         [0043]     It is also within the scope of this invention to adapt the spectrometer construction using microelectronic and mechanical systems (MEMS) techniques. MEMS processes will allow the construction of the device on the microscopic scale.  
         [0044]     Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular preferred embodiment with its constituent parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible arrangements, mechanical and electrical equivalents, or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art.