Low-cost on-line and in-line spectral sensors based on solid-state source and detectors combinations for monitoring lubricants and functional fluids
First Claim
1. An optical spectral sensing device, for determining properties of a sample, said device comprising:
- an integrated solid-state source and solid-state detector package,an optical structure with a substantially conical cross-section, for contacting said sample material;
coupling apparatus for coupling said integrated solid-state source and solid-state detector to said optical structure; and
integrated electronics for providing energy for said source and for receiving a signal generated by said detector in response to energy coupled to said detector by said coupling apparatus, said integrated electronics providing direct output of sample properties of said sample.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A series of optical spectral sensors is based on a combination of solid-state sources (illumination) and detectors housed within an integrated package that includes the interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The focus is on low cost and the fabrication of the sensor is based on techniques that favor mass production. Materials and components are selected to support low-cost, high volume manufacturing of the sensors. Spectral selectivity is provided by the solid-state source(s) thereby eliminating the need for expensive spectral selection components. The spectral response covers the range from the visible (400 nm) to the mid-infrared (25,000 nm/25.0 μm), as defined by the availability of suitable low-cost solid-state source devices. A refractive optical system is employed, primarily in an internal reflection mode, allowing a selection of sample handling tools, including, but not restricted to internal reflectance and transmittance. A secondary channel allowing for light scattering or fluorescence methods is an option. The targeted applications of the sensing devices are for lubricants and functional fluids in the heavy equipment, automotive and transportation industries. A source reference channel is included to provide measurement stability and temperature compensation.
117 Citations
36 Claims
-
1. An optical spectral sensing device, for determining properties of a sample, said device comprising:
-
an integrated solid-state source and solid-state detector package, an optical structure with a substantially conical cross-section, for contacting said sample material; coupling apparatus for coupling said integrated solid-state source and solid-state detector to said optical structure; and integrated electronics for providing energy for said source and for receiving a signal generated by said detector in response to energy coupled to said detector by said coupling apparatus, said integrated electronics providing direct output of sample properties of said sample. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. An integrated sensing module having a source and a principal detector comprising a solid-state device either matched directly in spectral response to said source, or capable of responding to wavelengths over a broad spectral range from one or more sources, sensitive in spectral regions of mid-to long wavelength near infrared (1100 nm to 2500 nm) and mid-infrared (2.5 μ
- m to 25 μ
m, 2.500 nm to 25000 nm), wherein said detector is located in either a primary location in the module for the detection of source radiation from internal reflection or transmission measurements, or a secondary location at the center or close to the center of the module, for the detection of radiation from fluorescence or from energy scattered from a fluid from under study. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
- m to 25 μ
Specification