JP6590793B2 - Spectrometer and method for moving a focused incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a spectroscopic sample - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference with related applications
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 221,899, filed Aug. 31, 2011, by Mark Watson et al., Entitled “Spectrometer”, which is incorporated herein by reference. The entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth in the text.

  [0002] This application also includes US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 378,383, filed by Caron on August 30, 2010, and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 378,383, filed by Caron on December 1, 2010. 61 / 418,540 and US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 450,123, filed March 7, 2011, by Caron et al., Each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. The entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth.

  [0003] The present invention relates to spectrometers. In particular, the present invention relates to a spectrometer configured to move a focused incident beam across a sample.

  [0004] Spectrometers (eg, Raman or emission (eg, fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence) spectrometers) that provide a relatively large spectral region while maintaining reasonable spectral resolution are provided. Although certain types of spectrometers are described below (eg, Raman and fluorescence), these move the focused beam across the sample while maintaining the spectral resolution of the spectrometer, resulting in a larger sampling area. It is just an example of a spectrometer that can be used in a similar manner as provided.

  [0005] In one implementation, an excitation source that provides an excitation signal, a detector that detects the spectral signal, directs an incident beam of the excitation signal toward the sample, receives the spectral signal from the sample, And an optical system for providing a detector to the detector. The optical system includes a focusing lens that focuses the incident beam from the excitation source, a rotating mirror assembly that includes an angled mirror surface, and a rotating mirror assembly for moving the focused incident beam across the surface of the sample. An actuator assembly for controlling a solid body, the actuator assembly including a rotation motor, the rotation motor being coupled to the rotation mirror assembly, and rotating an angled mirror surface for excitation. It is adapted to redirect the incident beam of signals.

  [0006] In another implementation, a method is provided for moving a spectroscopic focused incident beam across a surface of a spectroscopic sample. In this implementation, the method includes generating an incident beam of excitation signals and directing the incident beam toward the sample via an optical system of the spectrometer, the optical system including a movable mirror And focusing the incident beam on the sample of the spectrometer, and rotating the rotating mirror assembly connected to the driving shaft of the rotating motor by rotating the driving shaft to focus the incident beam on the entire surface of the sample. Moving, receiving a spectral signal from the sample, and detecting the spectral signal.

  [0007] In one implementation, a spectrometer is provided that includes a magnetic positioning system. In this implementation, the spectrometer has an excitation source that provides an excitation signal, a detector that detects the spectral signal, directs an incident beam of the excitation signal toward the sample, receives the spectral signal from the sample, Including an optical system for providing a detector to the detector and a magnetic positioning system. The optical system includes a focusing lens that focuses the incident beam from the excitation source, a movable mirror, and an actuator assembly that controls the movable mirror to move the focused incident beam across the surface of the sample. The magnetic positioning system includes a magnet and a second element adapted to be magnetically coupled to the magnet. The magnetic positioning system is configured to position the movable mirror in place by magnetically coupling at least one magnet to the second element. One of the magnet and the second element is physically coupled to the actuator assembly, and the other of the magnet and the second element is secured to the spectrometer adjacent to the actuator assembly. .

  [0008] The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utility, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and claims, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a spectrometer configured to move a focused beam across the surface of a target. [0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0011] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0012] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0012] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0013] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0014] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam across the surface of a sample. [0015] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam across the surface of a sample. [0015] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam across the surface of a sample. [0016] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0017] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0018] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 200 that moves an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. [0019] FIG. 11 illustrates waveforms of exemplary motor drive waveforms that may be used to control the motor of the implementation shown in FIGS. 2-5 and FIG. [0019] FIG. 11 illustrates waveforms of exemplary motor drive waveforms that may be used to control the motor of the implementation shown in FIGS. 2-5 and FIG. [0020] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary focal region for a spectrometer. [0021] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation for detecting a fiber authentication tag. [0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary spectrum for a fiber authentication tag and a first derivative of the spectrum. [0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation for detecting a fiber authentication tag. [0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary spectrum detected by single point focus measurements and raster measurements. [0025] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of averaging using raster measurements. [0026] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of single point and raster measurements for a heterogeneous sample. [0027] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of removing large changes in a measurement signal due to sample inhomogeneities. [0028] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of signals observed in a raster scan of a sample surface as the sample is diluted.

  [0029] Spectrometers (eg, Raman or emission (eg, fluorescence, phosphorescence, chemiluminescence) spectrometers) that provide a relatively large spectral region while maintaining reasonable spectral resolution are provided. Although certain types of spectrometers are described below (eg, Raman and fluorescence), these move the focused beam across the sample while maintaining the spectral resolution of the spectrometer, resulting in a larger sampling area. It is just an example of a spectrometer that can be used in a similar manner as provided.

  [0030] In one implementation, for example, a relatively low cost handheld that provides rapid authentication of a SERS active target (eg, fiber) (eg, a point-and-shoot method that requires less than 10 seconds) A Raman (or other) spectrometer is provided. For example, the spectrometer can use a built-in programmable taggant matching capability. In various implementations, the instrument can be used for contact detection and / or standoff detection of SERS active materials (eg, textile substrates from a distance of 0-2 meters).

  [0031] In another implementation, a fluorescence (or other) spectrometer rasters (or moves) the focused beam across the surface of the tagged target. In one variation, for example, the spectrometer averages the signal received from the sample. As explained in the attached document, the averaged signal received from the excitation beam rastered across the sample is the concentration of tags or other detectable elements dispersed in the non-uniform sample. Can be used to detect. Thus, if the concentration of the sample (eg, tagged paint) is known, the averaged spectrometer signal is used to detect whether the sample has been diluted from a known concentration. obtain.

  [0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a spectrometer 20 configured to move a focused beam across the surface of a target. Although a specific example shows a Raman spectrometer, other types of spectrometers, such as an emission spectrometer, can be readily designed based on the description herein. As shown in FIG. 1, the spectrometer 20 includes an excitation source 22. In a Raman spectrometer, for example, the excitation source 22 typically includes a laser light source. In one embodiment, for example, the excitation source 22 includes a diode laser. The diode laser can provide multiple wavelengths from the excitation source 22, for example. The spectroscope 20 further includes a filter 24. Filter 24 filters the output of excitation source 22, such as removing spurious emissions from excitation source 22.

  The spectroscope 20 further includes an optical system 25. The optical system 25 directs the incident beam 26 towards the sample 28 and accepts a spectral signal from the sample 28. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, for example, the optical system 25 includes a dichroic beam splitter mirror 30. However, the incident beam 26 may be directed to the sample 28 without any intervening instrument components positioned in the path of the incident beam 26. The incident beam 26 may also be a mirror, a holographic transmission element, a mirror formed with a hole in the mirror, or any other known for directing an incident beam known in the art. It may be directed by means.

  [0034] The optical system 25 further includes means for moving the incident beam across the surface of the sample 28. In one embodiment, for example, the actuator assembly 31 moves (eg, vibrates) one or more elements (eg, movable mirror 32) of the optical system 25 and directs a focused beam across the surface of the sample 28. Move. Actuator assembly 31 can, for example, control movable mirror 32 and move focused incident beam 26 across the surface of sample 28. The actuator assembly 31 can, for example, control the movable mirror 32 to move the incident beam across the surface of the sample 28 in any path or pattern. In one implementation, for example, the actuator assembly 31 controls the movable mirror 32 in a manner that traces one or more lines, circles, ellipses, or other paths across the surface of the sample. Is possible. 2-10, described below, illustrate a number of exemplary actuator assemblies 31 for use in the spectrometer 20.

  [0035] Incident beam 26 may be further directed through lens 34. In one embodiment, lens 34 includes a focusing lens in the path of incident beam 26. A focusing lens couples the incident beam 26 to the sample 28 and collects a spectral signal (eg, Raman scattered light) from the sample. In another embodiment, two or more lenses 34 may be positioned in the path of the incident beam 26 before the incident beam 26 strikes the sample 28. In various embodiments, the spectrometer 20 can include other optical elements for directing the incident beam 26 toward the sample and collecting spectral signals from the sample. The optical system of the spectrometer 20 can include elements such as collimated beam tubes or fiber optic waveguides, for example. See, for example, US Pat. No. 7,403,281 for examples of collimated beam tubes or fiber optic waveguides that can be used in various spectroscopic optical systems.

  [0036] When the incident beam 26 strikes the sample 28, it induces or generates a spectroscopic signal that will be detected by the spectrometer 20. In Raman spectroscopy, for example, when the incident beam 26 impinges on the sample 28, it induces or generates scattered radiation that differs from the incident beam 26 by an energy difference and one or different from the incident beam 26. Multiple wavelengths, or for convenience, have a Raman shift described herein as a Raman beam. As described above, and as shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the spectrometer 20 includes a beam splitter such as a dichroic beam splitter mirror 30 or the like. The spectroscopic signal 36 (eg, a Raman beam) is directed back through the lens 34 and dichroic beam splitter mirror 30 with a 180 degree backscatter geometry. Neither the incident beam 26 nor the spectroscopic signal 36 need to be co-linear. However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the spectral signal 36 passes through the dichroic beam splitter mirror 30 and then back through the filter element 38. In one embodiment, filter element 38 includes a long pass filter that removes external radiation (eg, from light source 22 or another source) prior to dispersing spectral signal 36 into the spectrum. To do. Alternatively, the filter element 38 can include a notch filter or any other filter that can reject elastically scattered radiation.

  [0037] The spectral signal 36 can further pass through the input focusing lens 40, which focuses the spectral signal 36 to a point in the spatial filter 41. In one embodiment, for example, the spatial filter 41 includes an aperture, slit, or notch and is positioned at the focal point of the input focusing lens 40. Spatial filter 41 spatially filters the beam at the focus of the input focusing lens.

  [0038] The spectrometer 20 shown in FIG. 1 further includes a collimating lens 42, where the diverging spectral signal 36 is an aperture (eg, aperture, slit, or After passing through the notch), the diverging spectral signal 36 is collimated. The collimating lens 42 further directs the recollimated Raman beam toward the diffraction grating 44. The diffraction grating 44 includes optical elements that split the Raman beam into spatially separated wavelengths. The diffraction grating 44 further directs the split Raman beam 46 toward the detector 48. The split Raman beam 46 passes through the detector focusing lens 50, and the detector focusing lens 50 focuses the spatially separated wavelengths of the split Raman beam 46 onto the detector 48.

  [0039] The detector 48 includes a transducer that converts optical energy into an electrical signal. In one embodiment, for example, detector 48 includes an array of individual transducers that generate an electrical pattern that represents spatially separated wavelengths of the Raman spectrum. A charge-coupled device (CCD) array may be used as detector 48, for example, in one embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment, an indium-gallium-arsenide (InGaAs) detector 48. Other detectors known in the art can also be used in the spectrometer of the present invention.

  [0040] The spectrometer 20 further includes control electronics 52 for controlling the operation of the spectrometer 20. Control electronics 52 may include, for example, light source 22, actuator assembly 31, detector 48, temperature control elements (eg, for the light source or detector), and to and / or from the spectrometer. It is possible to control the data transfer operation. In one embodiment, the control electronics 52 may be integrated on a single PC board in the spectrometer housing. The control electronics 52 can also include one or more independent components and / or one or more integrated circuit components.

  [0041] In one embodiment, the control electronics 52 can include means for communicating with an external device. The means for communicating may include, for example, a wired or wireless communication port for communicating with an external computer, a personal data assistant (PDA), or a network. Wired communication ports can be, for example, parallel, serial, USB (universal serial bus), Firewire (registered trademark), IEEE 1394, Ethernet (registered trademark), modem, cable modem, or others known in the art Other wired communication ports. Wireless communication ports can be connected to external devices such as via and infrared, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11a / b / g, IrDA, wireless modems, or other wireless communication ports known in the art. An antenna for wireless communication can be included. The control electronics 52 can be powered from a battery for the portable device or can include a power input for receiving power from an external supply as is known in the art. A battery or power circuit (eg, rectifier) may be placed in the housing of the spectrometer 20.

  [0042] In Raman spectroscopy, the spectrometer 20 operates to detect the Raman spectrum of the sample 28. In order to detect the Raman spectrum, the light source 22 is activated to generate an incident beam 26 of excitation radiation, such as generating a laser incident beam in the laser light source. In one embodiment, for example, the temperature of the light source 22 is controlled to control the output frequency of the incident beam 26 generated by the light source 22. The incident beam 26 of excitation radiation passes through the filter 24, which removes spurious emissions from the incident beam. The incident beam 26 is reflected from the beam splitter mirror 30 toward the sample 28. The incident beam 26 is focused on the sample 28 by the output focusing lens 34.

  [0043] The incident beam 26 generates Raman scattered light from the sample 28. The Raman scattered light is received by the output focusing lens 34, transmitted through the beam splitter mirror 30, and returned. In this embodiment, the beam splitter mirror 30 passes the Raman scattered light through the mirror 30 to the filter 38. From the filter 38, the Raman scattered light passes through the input focusing lens 40 and is focused on a spatial filter 41 such as an aperture, slit, or notch. The Raman scattered light is spatially filtered and diverges toward the collimating lens 42. The collimating lens 42 collimates the divergent Raman scattered light and transmits the light to the diffraction grating 44. The diffraction grating 44 divides the Raman scattered light into spatially separated wavelengths and detects the wavelength. Orient towards the vessel element 48. The spatially separated wavelength of the Raman scattered light passes through the detector focusing lens 50 and is focused into a focused band of radiation that represents the spatially separated wavelength of the Raman scattered light. The focused band of radiation is further directed to detector 48 by detector focusing lens 50.

  [0044] In this particular implementation, detector 48 includes an array of individual transducers, each of which has an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of radiation received at each of the individual transducers. Generate each. The electrical signals generated at the individual transducers of the detector represent the spatially separated wavelengths of the Raman spectrum of sample 28. The electrical signal is read from the detector by the control electronics 52. In one embodiment, for example, the spectrometer 20 can then present the detected Raman spectrum to the user, such as via its own display or indicator. In another embodiment, the control electronics of spectrometer 20 can include a look-up table stored in a data storage element (eg, memory, tape, or disk drive, or memory stick, etc.). In this embodiment, the control electronics 52 compares the signal from the detector with the value stored in the lookup table and determines the result of the Raman scan. The spectrometer 20 then presents the results to the user, such as through a spectrometer display or indicator. The result can, for example, indicate the presence or absence of one or more chemicals or substances in the sample and can further indicate the amount or concentration of the chemicals or substances detected by the spectrometer. Is possible.

  [0045] In other implementations, the detector 48 may include one or more individual transducers that rapidly scan one or more expected spectral features (eg, Raman features). It is. An example of such a system is disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 13 / 161,485, filed Jun. 15, 2011, by Carron et al., Which teaches and suggests All of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

  [0046] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 60 for moving the incident beam of the spectrometer across the surface of the sample. The actuator assembly 60 can, for example, move, scan, raster, or move the incident beam across the surface of the sample, one or more elements of the spectrometer optical system.

  In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 2, a mirror 62 (or other optical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 64. The mirror 62 may correspond to, for example, the movable mirror 32 shown in FIG. The first proximal end 66 of the flexible beam 64 is anchored and the second distal end 68 of the flexible beam 64 is connected to the mirror 62. While the flexible beam is shown anchored at the first proximal end 66 and coupled to the mirror 62 at the second distal end 68, the flexible beam 64 is shown as Can be anchored at any point along the length L of the flexible beam 64 and / or coupled to the mirror 62. Because beam 64 bends (eg, due to bending and / or torsional forces), mirror 62 is relative to one or more other optical elements of the spectrometer, such as a focusing lens. Moved. Movement of the beam 64 can, for example, change the angle of the mirror 62 and redirect the incident beam from the localization path. The collimated incident beam strikes the mirror 62 and is then focused through the fixed output lens 76 onto the spot of the sample 78. The size and shape of the illuminated region can be varied by motor speed, beam shape, beam stiffness, and the like. In addition, the speed of the motor 70 may be changed (eg, increased or decreased abruptly, in other words, a ramp) in a manner that maximizes the illuminated area.

  [0048] The flexible beam 64 can comprise any relatively flexible material. In one implementation, for example, the flexible beam can include polystyrene 1/8 "or 3/32" tubes. Other relatively high modulus materials (eg, brass or helical steel springs) that can vibrate without extremely absorbing energy can also be used.

  [0049] The flexible beam 64 may be moved by any number of actuators. In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 2, for example, a motor 70 (eg, a mobile phone vibrator motor) that includes an offset weight 72 is used as the anchor point (eg, first proximal end) of the flexible beam. Offset from the portion 66) and connected to the flexible beam 64. When the motor 70 is energized, the offset weight 72 vibrates the flexible beam 64 and moves the optical element connected to the flexible beam 64. In this implementation, the optical element includes a movable mirror 62 that reflects the incident excitation beam 74 from the spectroscope toward the output focusing lens 76, which outputs the incident beam to the sample 78. Focus on. By moving the mirror 62, the actuator assembly 60 moves the incident beam 74 across the surface of the sample 78. Spectral signals induced in the sample by the incident beam 76 are received through the output focusing lens 76, reflected from the movable mirror 74, and see the spectroscope dichroic beam splitter mirror (see, eg, beam splitter mirror 30 in FIG. 1). ).

  [0050] Movement of the one or more optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 64 may be controlled by applying one or more control signals to the motor 70. FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, illustrate exemplary control waveforms that include movement of one or more optical elements (such as mirror 62) and a sample 78. Can be used to control the motion of the incident beam 74 across the surface of the surface.

  [0051] The actuator assembly 60 may be used to move the incident beam 74 across the surface of the sample 78 in any number of patterns or paths. The actuator assembly 60 moves the mirror 62 in a linear, elliptical, circular manner, or in other controlled or uncontrolled manner, for example, in any number of patterns or paths, to the surface of the sample. It is possible to move the incident beam over the whole. Thus, movement of the incident beam 74 across the surface of the sample 78 allows the spectrometer to sample a larger sample area without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

  [0052] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 80 for moving the incident beam of the spectrometer across the surface of the sample. Similar to the actuator assembly 60 shown in FIG. 2, the actuator assembly 80 shown in FIG. 3 moves, scans, rasters, or rasters one or more optical elements of the spectrometer. Move the incident beam across the surface of the sample.

  [0053] In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 3, a mirror 82 (or other optical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 84, eg, as described above with respect to FIG. Has been. Similar to FIG. 2, the mirror 82 may correspond to the movable mirror 32 shown in FIG. The first proximal end 86 of the flexible beam 84 is anchored and the second distal end 88 of the flexible beam 84 is connected to the mirror 82. Again, the flexible beam 84 is shown anchored at the first proximal end 86 and coupled to the mirror 82 at the second distal end 88. The flexible beam 84 may be anchored and / or coupled to the mirror 82 at any point along the length L of the flexible beam 84. Since beam 84 bends (eg, due to bending and / or torsional forces), mirror 82 may be coupled to one or more other optical elements of the spectrometer, such as focusing lens 96. It is moved against. The movement of the beam 84 can, for example, change the angle of the mirror 82 and redirect the incident beam from the localization path. The converging incident beam (accepted via focusing lens 96) strikes mirror 82 and is redirected to form a focused spot or region on sample 98. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, the size and shape of the region irradiated on the sample 98 can be varied by motor speed, beam shape, beam stiffness, and the like. In addition, the speed of the motor 90 may be varied (eg, abruptly or increased or decreased at a constant rate) in a manner that maximizes the illuminated area.

  [0054] The flexible beam 84 may be moved by any number of actuators. In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 3, for example, a motor 90 (eg, a mobile phone vibrator motor) that includes an offset weight 92 is used to anchor the flexible beam 84 (eg, a first proximal end). Offset from the portion 86) and connected to the flexible beam 84. When the motor is excited, the offset weight 92 vibrates the flexible beam 84 and moves the optical element connected to the flexible beam 84. In this implementation, the optical element includes a mirror 82 that reflects the incident excitation beam 94 from the output lens 96 of the spectrometer toward the sample 98. By moving the mirror 82, the actuator assembly 80 moves the incident beam 94 across the surface of the sample. The spectroscopic signal induced in the sample by the incident beam 94 is received through the mirror 82 and reflected by the output lens 96 of the spectrograph or mirror (eg, dichroic beam splitter mirror or spectroscopic). A mirror with an aperture for receiving the signal.

  [0055] The movement of one or more optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 84 applies one or more control signals to the motor 90, as described above with respect to FIG. Can be controlled. FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, illustrate exemplary control waveforms that control the movement of the optical element and the movement of the incident beam 94 across the surface of the sample 98. FIG. Can be used for.

  [0056] The actuator assembly 80 may be used to move the incident beam across the surface of the sample 98 in any number of patterns or paths. The actuator assembly 80 moves the mirror 82 in a linear, elliptical, circular manner, or in other controlled or uncontrolled manner, for example, in any number of patterns or paths in the surface of the sample. It is possible to move the incident beam over the whole. Thus, movement of the incident beam across the surface of the sample allows the spectrometer to sample a larger area of the sample 98 without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

  [0057] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 100 for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. 4 shows a top view of the actuator assembly 100, and FIG. 5 shows a side view of the actuator assembly 100. Similar to the actuator assemblies 60 and 80 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the actuator assembly 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 includes one or more optical elements (eg, movable) of the spectrometer. The mirror) is moved, scanned, rastered, or the incident beam is moved across the surface of the sample.

  [0058] In the implementation shown in FIG. 4, an optical element, such as, for example, a mirror 102, is coupled to the flexible sheet stock 104. The flexible sheet stock 104 includes a plurality of support members 106 that are coupled to an anchored peripheral edge 108. The support member 106 can move (eg, swing) in response to an actuator, such as a motor, a magnet / coil pair, or a piezoelectric actuator. Support member 106 also supports one or more optical elements (eg, mirror 102) of the spectrometer. The flexible sheet stock 104 can include any relatively flexible material. In one embodiment, for example, 0.040 or 0.060 sheets of polystyrene may be used. Other relatively high modulus materials (eg, brass) that can vibrate without excessive energy absorption may also be used. The cutout in the flexible sheet stock 104 can form, for example, a support member 106 of the actuator assembly. The notch may be formed to produce a specific bending or twisting profile when the motor 110 is activated.

  [0059] Similar to FIGS. 2 and 3, the mirror 102 may correspond to the movable mirror 32 shown in FIG. 1, or another mirror of the spectrometer. The peripheral edge 108 of the flexible sheet stock 104 is anchored to allow the support member 106 to move (eg, swing within the flexible sheet stock). In various embodiments, any number of peripheral edges 108 (eg, one, two, three, or all four edges of a flexible sheet) may be anchored in whole or in part. Can be fixed. While flexible sheet stock 104 is shown anchored along peripheral edge 108 and coupled to mirror 102 at internal support member 106, flexible sheet stock 104 is flexible. Can be anchored and / or coupled to the mirror 102 anywhere in the sheet stock 104. As the support member 106 of the flexible sheet stock 104 bends, the mirror 102 is moved relative to one or more other optical elements of the spectrometer, such as a focusing lens 116.

  [0060] The flexible sheet stock 104 may be moved by any number of actuators. In the particular implementation shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, a motor 110 (eg, a mobile phone vibrator motor) that includes an offset weight 112 is coupled to the flexible seat stock 104. Two or more motors with offset weights can also be used. Multiple motors can be used, for example, to induce higher order swings in the support member of the flexible sheet stock 104. In the particular implementation shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example, the motor 110 is disposed opposite the mirror 102 with respect to the flexible sheet stock 104. The motor 110 can be offset from the mirror 102, for example, as shown in FIG. However, in other implementations, the motor 102 can be disposed in virtually any location on the flexible sheet stock 104. For example, the motor may be disposed on the same side of the flexible sheet stock 104 as the optical element (eg, mirror 102). When the motor 110 is energized, the offset weight 112 vibrates the flexible sheet stock 104 and moves an optical element (eg, mirror 102) coupled to the flexible sheet stock 104.

  [0061] In this implementation, the optical element includes a mirror 102 that reflects the incident excitation beam 114 of the spectrometer. As shown in FIG. 5, the mirror 102 is disposed between the output focusing lens 116 and the sample 118, similar to the arrangement shown in the implementation of FIG. The incident beam from is reflected towards the sample 118. However, in another implementation, the mirror 102 is disposed between the spectrometer excitation source and the output focusing lens 116, similar to the implementation arrangement shown in FIG. Through which the incident beam is reflected back towards the sample 118.

  [0062] By moving the mirror 102, the actuator assembly 100 moves the incident beam 114 across the surface of the sample 118. Spectral signals induced in the sample by the incident beam 114 are received through the mirror 102 and reflected by the output lens 116 of the spectrometer or mirror (eg, dichroic beam splitter mirror or spectroscopic). A mirror with an aperture for receiving the signal.

  [0063] As described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, movement of one or more optical elements coupled to the flexible sheet stock 104 causes one or more control signals to be motorized. 110 can be controlled by applying. FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, illustrate exemplary control waveforms that control the movement of the optical elements and the movement of the incident beam 114 across the surface of the sample 118. FIG. Can be used for.

  [0064] The actuator assembly 100 may be used to move the incident beam across the surface of the sample in any number of patterns or paths. The actuator assembly 100 moves the mirror 102 in a linear, elliptical, circular manner, or in other controlled or uncontrolled manner, for example, in any number of patterns or paths, to the surface of the sample. It is possible to move the incident beam over the whole. Thus, movement of the incident beam across the surface of the sample allows the spectrometer to sample a larger area of the sample without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

  [0065] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 120 for moving the incident beam of the spectrometer across the surface of the sample. In this implementation, a multi-angled, multi-angled mirror assembly 122 is attached to a motor 124, which is configured to rotate the assembly, with different mirror assemblies 122 being different. A surface 126 is provided to the spectroscopic optical system to move the incident beam across the surface of the sample. Similar to the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 2-5, the actuator assembly 120 shown in FIG. 6 moves and scans one or more optical elements (eg, mirrors) of the spectrometer. Or rasterize or move the incident beam across the surface of the sample.

  [0066] The actuator assembly 120 shown in FIG. 6 is disposed between the focusing lens 128 and the sample 130 of the spectrometer. Actuator assembly 120 receives incident beam 132 from focusing lens 128 and reflects the beam toward sample 130. The actuator assembly 120 also accepts the spectroscopic signal from the sample 130, reflects it back to the spectroscope optical system via the focusing lens 128.

  [0067] Since the facets 126 of the multi-faceted, multi-angle mirror are rotated by the motor 124, the incident beam 132 (and the corresponding returning spectral signal) can be virtually any number of patterns. Or it can be directed to the entire surface of the sample 130 in a path. In one implementation, for example, the facets 126 of the actuator assembly 120 allow the incident beam 132 to trace multiple lines in a raster pattern similar to a CRT (cathode ray tube) raster pattern. . As the mirror assembly 122 rotates, for example, each mirror 126 is capable of directing the incident beam in a row across the sample 130, and then a differently angled mirror is incident. When rotated toward the beam 132, mirrors of different angles can direct the incident beam 132 in a continuous row across the surface of the sample 130. Other mirror angles and facets can also be used to direct the incident beam across the surface of the sample in different patterns or paths.

  [0068] FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 140 for moving the incident beam across the surface of the sample. Similar to the implementation shown in FIG. 6, the implementation of FIG. 7 includes a multi-faceted and multi-angle mirror assembly 142 that is attached to a motor 144. The motor 144 is configured to rotate the assembly 142, providing different surfaces 146 of the mirror assembly 142 to the spectroscopic optical system and moving the incident beam 152 across the surface of the sample 150. Let Similar to the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 2-6, the actuator assembly 140 shown in FIG. 7 moves one or more optical elements (eg, mirror 146) of the spectrometer, Scan, raster, or move the incident beam 152 across the surface of the sample 150.

  [0069] The actuator assembly 140 shown in FIG. 7 is disposed between the excitation source of the spectrometer and the focusing lens 148 of the spectrometer. Actuator assembly 140 receives incident beam 152 directly or indirectly (eg, with a collimated beam) via an excitation source, reflects beam 152 toward focusing lens 148, and focusing lens 148. Focuses the incident beam 152 onto the sample 150. The actuator assembly 140 also accepts the spectroscopic signal via the focusing lens 148 and redirects it to the spectroscopic optical system.

  [0070] Similar to the actuator assembly of FIG. 6, the actuator assembly 140 of FIG. 7 is a spectroscope over the entire surface of the sample in any number of patterns, such as a raster pattern similar to the CRT raster pattern. Can be designed to direct the incident beam.

  [0071] FIG. 7A illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 120A for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. In this implementation, the angled mirror assembly 122A is attached to the drive shaft 125A of the motor 124A. The motor 124A may be configured, for example, to rotate the rotational drive shaft and rotate the angled mirror assembly 122A. Rotating the angled mirror assembly 122A moves the surface 126A of the angled mirror assembly 122A relative to the incident beam (eg, a laser or other light beam). As the face 126A of the mirror assembly 122A is rotated, the incident beam is redirected to the sample surface and moved across the sample surface. In the implementation shown in FIG. 7A, for example, the incident beam can be directed across the surface of the sample in a generally circular, generally elliptical, circular, elliptical, or other shaped pattern. . Similar to the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 2-7, the actuator assembly 120A shown in FIG. 7A moves and scans one or more optical elements (eg, mirrors) of the spectrometer. Or rasterize or move the incident beam across the surface of the sample.

  [0072] In the particular example shown in FIG. 7A, for example, an angled mirror assembly 122A is disposed at an angle 127A that is not perpendicular to the drive shaft 125A of the motor 124A. In this example, the incident beam is directed off-center relative to the surface 126A of the mirror assembly 122A, and the mirror assembly 122A is rotated by the drive shaft 125A of the motor 124A so that the incident beam is Moved across the surface. If the mirror assembly 122A is generally rigid and fixedly attached to the drive shaft 125A, for example, the incident beam will be moved across the surface of the sample in a generally circular pattern. However (for example, one or more springs or other flexible substrates such as the flexible substrate or sheet stock shown and described herein with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5) By flexibly mounting the mirror assembly 122A to the drive shaft 125A (by mounting), the mirror assembly 122A is driven so that the mirror assembly 122A can be wobbled or moved relative to the drive shaft 125A. By mounting on the shaft 125A, the pattern may be changed by changing the angle 127A. And / or the motor 124A may be flexibly mounted in or on the spectrometer, such as via one or more springs or other flexible mounts. If mirror assembly 122A and / or motor 124A are flexibly mounted, mirror assembly 122A may be mounted on the drive shaft such that mirror surface 126A is generally perpendicular to the drive shaft, and still mirror surface 126A. Can be moved (eg, oscillated) relative to the incident beam so that it can be moved relative to the surface of the sample.

  [0073] The mirror assembly 122A is also automatically reset to a fixed position, and the incident beam is reliably directed to a single predetermined location to take a spectrum of the sample at the fixed location. It can be attached. In one implementation, for example, a pair of magnets 127A, 129A may be attached to mirror assembly 122A and / or drive shaft 125A of motor 124A. The magnets 127A, 129A can include, for example, permanent magnets and / or electromagnets, which move the mirror assembly 122A relative to the incident beam to a predetermined set position. It is possible. Thus, when the spectrum is taken at the stereotaxic position set in the sample, the pair of magnets 127A, 129A can attract each other and lock the mirror assembly in place. However, when the drive shaft 125A is rotated, the incident beam can also be moved relative to the surface of the sample. In one implementation, for example, when the drive shaft 125A is not rotated by the motor 124A, the pair of magnets 127A, 129A is strong enough to move the mirror assembly 122A to a predetermined set location. However, the motor 124A is powerful enough to overcome the strength of the pair of magnets 127A, 129A, allowing the motor 124A to rotate the drive shaft and mirror assembly 122A. In another embodiment, one or both of the magnets 127A, 129A can be an electromagnet, which will be locked in place where the mirror assembly 122A is set. It is sometimes activated and deactivated when the mirror assembly 122A is to be moved relative to the incident beam.

  [0074] In another implementation, a pair of magnets can instead include a single magnet and other components that can be magnetically coupled using a single magnet. For example, a material that can be coupled to the magnet (eg, iron) can be used in place of one of the magnets described above. In one implementation, for example, a magnet may be coupled to an actuator drive shaft and / or rotating mirror assembly and a fixed element configured to be magnetically coupled to the magnet. In this implementation, the magnet physically coupled to the drive shaft and / or rotating mirror assembly causes the drive shaft and / or rotating mirror assembly to remain until the magnet is positioned adjacent to the fixed element. It is possible to rotate and set the mirror surface and the rotating mirror assembly at a predetermined position. Alternatively, the magnet is fixed in and / or to the spectrometer and is magnetically coupled to an element physically fixed to the actuator drive shaft and / or rotating mirror assembly. Can be configured. In this implementation, the magnet pulls the fixed elements of the actuator towards the magnet until they are arranged adjacent to each other and the mirror surface and / or the rotating mirror assembly is in place. .

  [0075] FIG. 7B shows another implementation where two or more rotating mirror assemblies 122B, 122C are used to direct the incident beam to the sample. Each rotating mirror assembly can be an assembly such as that shown and described with respect to FIG. 7A and can be arranged in any number of configurations. In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 7B, for example, the incident beam is directed to the first rotating mirror assembly 122B, then directed to the second rotating mirror assembly 122C, and then directed to the sample. As shown, two rotating mirror assemblies 122B and 122C are arranged. In this implementation, the incident beam is redirected by the first rotating mirror assembly 122B so that it is moved relative to the mirror surface of the second mirror assembly 122C in a pattern such as circular or elliptical. . In this implementation, for example, rotating mirror assemblies 122B and 122C include angled mirror surfaces 126B, 126C, and the angled mirror surfaces 126B, 126C are relative to the drive shaft of the respective assembly. Are arranged at non-vertical angles.

  [0076] As shown in FIG. 7B, when the pair of rotating mirror assemblies 122Β, 122C are rotated as described above, the incident beam is a series of ellipses in a generally circular pattern. In this larger, generally circular pattern that is moved in a shape pattern, the sample is illuminated over the entire surface of the sample. Although a particular pattern is shown and described, any number of patterns, or even unpatterned movements, can be used for the structure of actuator assembly 120B as described above with respect to FIG. 7A and It can be realized depending on the arrangement. Any component of the actuator assembly 120B is mounted flexibly or movably so that the vibration, sway, or other movement of the component can change the movement of the incident beam in the sample.

  [0077] As described above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, the actuator assembly 120A or 120B shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B may be spectroscopic (eg, as shown in FIG. 6). It may be disposed between the focusing lens 128 of the instrument and the sample 130, or may be disposed between the excitation source and the focusing lens of the spectrometer. In either implementation, actuator assembly 120A or 120B receives an incident beam (from a focusing lens or excitation source) and reflects the beam toward the sample. The actuator assembly also accepts the spectroscopic signal from the sample, reflects it back to the spectroscope optical system.

  [0078] As described with respect to FIG. 7A, the actuator assembly 120B may further include a pair of magnets that move the rotating mirror assemblies 122B and 122C to a predetermined set position. Similarly, the motor (either in FIG. 7A or FIG. 7B) is configured to move the assembly to a predetermined position, such as via a stepper motor or other motor configured to do so. obtain. In addition, although shown with respect to FIGS. 7A and 7B, similar magnetic configurations can be used for other actuator assemblies shown and described herein. With respect to the various flexible beam or flexible sheet stock implementations shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 8-10, the first magnet (e.g., the distal end of the flexible beam). Attached to the flexible beam stock (at or near the proximal end) or to the flexible sheet stock (eg, at or near where the mirror is attached to the flexible sheet stock) The magnets may be fixed in and / or on the spectrometer to attract and hold the flexible beam or flexible sheet stock in a predetermined set position. With respect to the rotating multi-faceted and multi-angle mirror implementation shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the magnet pairs are substantially similar in manner as shown and described with respect to FIGS. Can be arranged in

  [0079] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 160 for moving the incident beam of the spectrometer across the surface of the sample. Similar to the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 2-7, the actuator assembly 160 shown in FIG. 8 moves, scans, rasters one or more optical elements of the spectrometer, Alternatively, the incident beam is moved across the surface of the sample.

  [0080] In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 8, a mirror 162 (or other optical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 164, for example. The mirror 162 may correspond to the movable mirror 32 shown in FIG. The first proximal end 166 of the flexible beam 164 is anchored and the second distal end 168 of the flexible beam 164 is coupled to the mirror 162. Again, although the flexible beam is shown anchored at the first proximal end 166 and coupled to the mirror 162 at the second distal end 168, the flexible beam is shown. The sex beam 164 may be anchored and / or coupled to the mirror 162 at any point along the length L of the flexible beam 164. As beam 164 bends, mirror 162 is moved relative to one or more other optical elements of the spectrometer, such as focusing lens 176.

  [0081] The flexible beam 164 may be moved by any number of actuators. In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 8, for example, a magnet / coil pair 170 is provided and a flexible beam 164 and an optical element coupled to the beam 164 (eg, mirror 162). Move. In the implementation shown in FIG. 8, for example, magnet 172 (eg, permanent magnet) of magnet / coil pair 170 is anchored to flexible beam 164 (eg, first proximal end 166). And is connected to a flexible beam 164. Coil 173 of magnet / coil pair 170 may be controlled to repel and / or attract magnet 172 disposed adjacent to magnet 172 and coupled to beam 164. Although magnet 172 is shown coupled to flexible beam 164 and coil 173 is shown offset from beam 164 and magnet 172, the opposite may also be provided (ie, A coil is coupled to beam 164 and magnet 172 can be offset from beam 164 and coil 173). When current is applied to the coil 173, the opposing magnet 172 is repelled and / or attracted to move the flexible beam 164 and an optical element coupled to the flexible beam 164 ( For example, the mirror 162) is moved. In this implementation, the optical element includes a mirror 162 that reflects the incident excitation beam 174 from the output lens 176 of the spectrometer toward the sample 178. By moving the mirror 162, the actuator assembly 160 moves the incident beam 174 across the surface of the sample 178. The spectral signal induced in the sample 178 by the incident beam 174 is received via the mirror 162 and reflected to the output lens 176 of the spectrometer or is mirrored (eg, a dichroic beam splitter mirror, or A mirror with an aperture for receiving the spectroscopic signal. Similarly, the mirror 162 may be disposed between the excitation source and the focusing lens 176 as shown in FIG.

  [0082] As described above with respect to FIGS. 2-5, movement of the one or more optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 164 causes one or more control signals to be transmitted to the magnet / It can be controlled by applying to the coil pair 170. FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, illustrate exemplary control waveforms that control the movement of the optical element and the movement of the incident beam 174 across the surface of the sample 178. FIG. Can be used for.

  [0083] FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 180 for moving the incident beam of the spectrometer across the surface of the sample. Similar to the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 2-8, the actuator assembly 180 shown in FIG. 9 moves, scans, rasters one or more optical elements of the spectrometer, Alternatively, the incident beam is moved across the surface of the sample.

  [0084] In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 9, a mirror 182 (or other optical element) is coupled to a flexible beam 184, for example. The mirror 182 may correspond to the movable mirror 32 shown in FIG. The first proximal end 186 of the flexible beam 184 is anchored and the second distal end 188 of the flexible beam 184 is coupled to the mirror 182. Again, although the flexible beam is shown anchored at the first proximal end 186 and coupled to the mirror 182 at the second distal end 188, the flexible beam is shown. The sex beam 184 may be anchored and / or coupled to the mirror 182 at any point along the length L of the flexible beam 184. As beam 184 deflects, mirror 182 is moved relative to one or more other optical elements of the spectrometer, such as focusing lens 196.

  [0085] The flexible beam 184 may be moved by any number of actuators. In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 9, for example, a piezoelectric actuator 190 (eg, a piezoelectric actuator stack) is provided and includes a flexible beam 184 and an optical element coupled to the beam 184. Move. In this implementation, for example, the piezoelectric actuator 190 is coupled to the flexible beam 184 at a location 191 that is offset from the anchor point (eg, first proximal end 186) of the flexible beam 184. Has been. The piezoelectric actuator 190 is anchored to a location 192 that faces the location where the piezoelectric actuator 190 is connected to the flexible beam 184. Piezoelectric actuator 190 may be controlled to move flexible beam 184 (eg, by deflecting beam 184). The flexible beam then moves the optical element coupled to the flexible beam 184. In this implementation, the optical element includes a mirror 182 that reflects the incident excitation beam 194 from the output lens of the spectrometer toward the sample 198. By moving the mirror 182, the actuator assembly 180 moves the incident beam 194 across the surface of the sample 198. Spectral signals induced in the sample 198 by the incident beam 194 are received via the mirror 182 and reflected to the output lens 196 of the spectrometer or mirror (eg, dichroic beam splitter mirror, or A mirror with an aperture for receiving the spectroscopic signal. Similarly, the mirror 182 can be disposed between the excitation source and the focusing lens 196 as shown in FIG.

  [0086] As described above with respect to FIGS. 2-5, movement of the one or more optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 184 may cause one or more control signals to be transmitted to the piezoelectric actuator. It can be controlled by applying to 190. FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, illustrate exemplary control waveforms that control the movement of the optical element and the movement of the incident beam 194 across the surface of the sample 198. FIG. Can be used for.

  [0087] Although the actuators of FIGS. 8 and 9 are shown with respect to a flexible beam, the actuators may alternatively be one or more such as those shown with respect to FIGS. Multiple flexible sheet stocks can be provided.

  [0088] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another exemplary implementation of an actuator assembly 200 for moving an incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a sample. Similar to the actuator assembly shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the actuator assembly 200 shown in FIG. 10 moves, scans, rasters one or more optical elements of the spectrometer, Alternatively, the incident beam is moved across the surface of the sample.

  [0089] In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 10, the focusing mirror 202 (or other optical element) is flexible, for example as described above with respect to FIGS. It is connected to the beam 204. The focusing mirror 202 may correspond to the combination of the movable mirror 32 and the output focusing lens 34 shown in FIG. Accordingly, the focusing mirror 202 both focuses the incident beam 214 and moves the beam 214 across the surface of the sample 218. The first proximal end 206 of the flexible beam 204 is anchored and the second distal end 208 of the flexible beam 204 is coupled to the mirror 202. Again, the flexible beam 204 is shown anchored at the first proximal end 206 and coupled to the mirror 202 at the second distal end 208. The flexible beam 204 may be anchored and / or coupled to the mirror 202 at any point along the length L of the flexible beam 204. As beam 204 deflects (eg, due to bending and / or torsional forces), focusing mirror 202 is moved relative to one or more other optical elements of the spectrometer. Movement of the beam 204 can, for example, change the angle of the focusing mirror 202 and redirect the incident beam from the localization path. The collimated incident beam (accepted via the spectroscopic optical system) hits the focusing mirror 202, for example, and is focused and redirected to form a focused spot or region on the sample 218. . As described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the size and shape of the region irradiated on the sample 218 can be varied by motor speed, beam shape, beam stiffness, and the like. In addition, the speed of the motor 210 may be varied (eg, abruptly or increased or decreased at a constant rate) in such a way as to maximize the illuminated area.

  [0090] The flexible beam 214 may be moved by any number of actuators. In the particular implementation shown in FIG. 10, for example, a motor 210 that includes an offset weight 212 (eg, a mobile phone vibrator motor) is attached to the anchor point (eg, first proximal end) of the flexible beam 204. Offset from the portion 206) and connected to the flexible beam 204. When the motor is energized, the offset weight 212 causes the flexible beam 204 to vibrate and move the optical element (eg, focusing lens 202) coupled to the flexible beam 204. In this implementation, the optical element includes a focusing mirror 202 that focuses and reflects the incident excitation beam 214 from the spectrometer optical system toward the sample 218. By moving the mirror 202, the actuator assembly 200 moves the incident beam 214 across the surface of the sample 218. Spectral signals induced in the sample by incident beam 214 are received via mirror 202 and reflected to the spectroscopic optical system or mirror 202 (eg, dichroic beam splitter mirror or spectroscopic signal). Through a mirror).

  [0091] As described above with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, movement of one or more optical elements coupled to the flexible beam 204 causes one or more control signals to be transmitted to the motor 210. Can be controlled by applying to FIGS. 11 and 12, described below, illustrate exemplary control waveforms that control the movement of the optical element and the movement of the incident beam 214 across the surface of the sample 218. FIG. Can be used for.

  [0092] The actuator assembly 200 may be used to move the incident beam across the surface of the sample 218 in any number of patterns or paths. Actuator assembly 200 moves mirror 202 in a linear, elliptical, circular manner, or in other controlled or uncontrolled manner, for example, in any number of patterns or paths, to the surface of the sample. It is possible to move the incident beam over the whole. Thus, movement of the incident beam across the surface of the sample allows the spectrometer to sample a larger area of sample 218 without reducing the resolution of the spectrometer.

  [0093] FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary motor drive waveform waveforms that may be used to control the motors of the implementations shown in FIGS. 2-5 and 10. FIG. 11 shows a sawtooth motor drive waveform 220 that can be used, for example, as a control signal for a motor in an actuator assembly. The serrated motor drive waveform includes an initial power boost portion 222 and a speed control ramp portion 224. FIG. 12 shows a triangular motor drive waveform 230 that can be used as a control signal for the motor of the actuator assembly. Triangular motor drive waveform 230 includes an initial power boost portion 232 and a speed control ramp portion 234. These exemplary waveforms can be used to change motor speed in a controlled manner. Since the DC motor moves at a lower speed (or voltage) than when it starts, the control signal can provide an initial spike and then switch to a controlled ramp signal.

  [0094] By changing the speed of the DC motor, the pattern (eg, a circular or elliptical pattern) can be disrupted so that the incident beam moves not only around the periphery of the pattern but also across the pattern.

  [0095] Other actuators can also be driven in various ways to achieve movement of the incident beam across the surface of the sample in various patterns or paths. A magnet / coil pair actuator as shown in FIG. 8 may be driven by a control signal such as a square wave or sinusoidal control signal. Also, the piezoelectric actuator as shown in FIG. 9 can be driven by a control signal such as a sine wave. The sinusoidal control signal may be varied in amplitude and / or frequency, for example, to vary the motion of the actuator assembly.

  [0096] Analysis of Raman targets using various instruments as a platform, such as a combination of a very high-end Renishaw Raman microscope and an affordable commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) handheld Raman system Can be performed, but it can be difficult to detect small targets that are disposed within a larger target area. In a textile environment where one or more tagged fibers (eg, twisted yarns) are arranged in a larger textile product, an affordable COTS Raman device can be used to perform tagged twisted yarn authentication. Can be used. However, a design change is provided that provides a more feasible fine line based fabric authentication solution (FIG. 13).

  [0097] A COTS Raman reader, as described above, provides reasonable control of the focal length between the system and the sample (eg, to identify unknown bulk materials (powder, pure liquid, etc.)). The provided sampling probe can be used. Bulk material identification typically does not require the exact location of the sample. Furthermore, identification of unknown objects requires high spectral resolution and an associated small sampling / focal volume (50 μm). In one implementation, for example, the difficulty with Raman analysis of sub-standard thin line samples using small focal volumes is due to fibrous substrates made from individual fibers having a diameter between 10-30 μm. Including the difficulty of positioning and focusing on it.

  [0098] In one implementation of the detector, the Raman spectrometer, as provided herein, includes tagged fibers (eg, 1 to 3% active fibers) incorporated into the textile product. Can be used to detect mixed fine lines). In one implementation, a Raman reader equipped with scanning capabilities and an expanded focal volume (eg, several hundred μm) is provided.

  [0099] In one implementation, a Raman reader for fine line based fabric authentication is provided that comprises a low cost, easy to use handheld device. Challenges to design a viable commercial reader that connects with smaller tagged items in a larger sampling area include sampling mechanisms for end users, and cost / performance benefits.

  [00100] In one implementation, for example, a characteristic high etendue excitation / collection system and spectrometer design is provided.

  [00101] Etendue is related to light collection, but it is better to include spectral resolution than just representing the solid angle of the collected light. This can be understood from the approximate expression G = S′L / q for etendue (G). Here, S ′ is the slit width, L is the area of the collecting lens, and q is the distance from the collecting lens to the entrance slit. For example, see www.horiba.com/us/en/scientific/products/optics-tutorial/throughput-etendue/. This concept describes the width of the entrance slit in a 1: 1 image spectrometer and is equated with spectral resolution. This concept also explains the lens area and magnification through the L / q term.

  [00102] A typical state-of-the-art Raman system uses a small spot in the sample so that the collection lens collects a large solid angle, magnifies the spot, and sends it through a narrow slit to maintain reasonable resolution. Oriented to produce. This is ideal for homogeneous bulk samples. However, as indicated above, certain detection solutions require a different set of standards. Such samples, such as garment threads, are not examples of homogeneous samples, and we believe that end-users with the need to repeat continuous tests may have careful points and chute accuracy to hit the correct thread. I can't. This requires the reader to sample a large area, which means a large spot size in the sample in a typical material identification system, and a large slit with insufficient spectral resolution as suggested by the etendue concept. This may be acceptable with a very limited number of tags, but is needed to resolve many tags (eg, hundreds to thousands of tags) that may exist in various implementations. This is incompatible with the resolution of the spectrum.

  [00103] FIG. 14 illustrates one implementation of a solution to this problem. In this implementation, the reader is designed to raster a tightly focused laser excitation beam that, for good spectral resolution, reduces the Raman excitation from that beam to a narrow slit width. Combine and maintain high spectral throughput with low f / # collection lens and spectrograph. Rather than using a large spot size, an orbital raster scan (ORS) maintains a small beam size for the aperture design. The net effect is the averaged spot size, which allows the end user to place the device near the target thread and scan an area large enough to surround the thread . The difference between this design and the currently marketed Raman system is significant. Using ORS, high spectral resolution, and thus Raman resolution, will be retained as multiple (eg, 1000 or more) tags that will be detected by various systems.

[00104] Laser safety End-user considerations also control the focus of the reader. Various other material identification systems use contact probes to ensure the best focus. If the sample is, for example, a homogeneous powder, solid, or liquid, these systems use a pointed tip or vial holder. This is a very suitable design for primary protection against a complete hazard (HAZMAT). However, it is not ideal for positioning a tagged device (eg, a tagged piece of clothing piece).

  [00105] In one implementation, the reader focus can be positioned away (eg, 25 mm away) from the collection lens and the sampling distance can be covered by a tube of protective material (eg, plastic). The material (eg, plastic) is smoked to create an overall absorbance or is a selective wavelength to allow good visibility of the sample and still absorbs in the proposed 808 nm wavelength laser It is possible to provide.

  [00106] In this implementation, the system will allow unskilled end-users to operate the device while observing the illuminated area without worrying about focus adjustment or eye safety. The eye safety cylinder is interlocked so that the laser is turned on only when pressure is applied to the sample. This provides the user with laser safety.

[00107] Library Matching and Resolution In a typical library matching algorithm, a simple correlation is represented by:

R ² = 1 − (<L _m > · <U _m >) ² / [(<L _m > · <L _m >) (<U _m > · <U _m >)]]
Where L _m and U _m are the average centered library and sample (unknown) spectra, respectively. This method works very well for searching large databases. One property of this algorithm is high sensitivity to the frequency location of Raman features and low sensitivity to relative peak intensities. Average centering eliminates spurious results due to changes in the baseline of the spectrum.

  [00108] Fluorescence can cause problems with this routine because the fluorescence background is not removed by average centering. To correct for fluorescence, it is possible to take a first derivative spectrum. This eliminates the low frequency intensity change due to fluorescence while creating a sharp peak for the high frequency Raman band (FIG. 15).

[00109] R.C. McClary, A.M. Horn, J.H. Spencer, and E.I. Jefferson, 1998, “Noninvasive identification of materials inside USP vials with Raman spectroscopy and a Raman spectral library”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 87, No. 1), p. 1-8, is a realistic material with Raman spectroscopy. This is a reference for matching. This reference illustrates a significant improvement in matching with first-order differential correlations. It illustrates the relative resistance of the matching algorithm to SNR reduction. For example, they showed excellent matching (R ² = 0.95) when the signal to noise ratio was 17. Even if the signal to noise ratio was 2.8, the matching algorithm still correctly identified the material.

  [00110] The spectrum of FIG. 15 of the activated thread was acquired in 1 second by the system that will be described below. Table 1 illustrates the calculated and expected SNR values for the tags. In this table, the SNR is represented in two formats. That is, it is represented as a single peak measurement and a full spectrum matching measurement. The actual SNR comparison of single peak and full spectrum matching is represented from the second column on the left. Full spectrum matching is an SNR that is almost four times better than a single peak. In one implementation, the system can clearly identify thin tagged fibers using tagged fibers mixed approximately 2% in the textile product. The next column shows how the SNR is affected by this dilution and by rastering, creating a larger spot and changing the integration up to 10 seconds. It is understood that if a SNR threshold> 5 is established, a low power laser system will be well outperformed with respect to region (full spectrum) matching, and higher power When an object (80 mW laser) is used, it is 12 times better than the threshold.

Example Raman reader design
[00111] Analysis of different readers was performed by exchanging lasers, detectors, gratings, apertures, and lenses in a compact test bench that realized the spectrometer. This analysis resulted in a Gold Standard system (and / or a highly cooled CCD) with a cost of sales (COGS) of less than $ 1000. The main cost drivers are lasers and detectors. A system with a low cost VCSEL laser source and a linear CCD had almost equivalent performance as a system with a high power laser and an expensive scientific grade detector. These results appear to be in contrast to established Raman performance. However, it is important to understand the various implementations that can be realized. In certain implementations, for example, the leader is operated in an acquisition regime of less than 10 seconds. In this regime, dark noise is not important, and low cost, low readout noise detectors can be implemented similar to expensive highly cooled detectors.

SERS nanoparticle active fiber leader
[00112] Challenges for viable commercial leaders associated with SERS nanoparticle active fiber targets include sampling mechanisms and cost / performance benefits for end users. These challenges can be met by the characteristic high etendue excitation / collection system of the spectrometer design described herein.
Etendue
[00113] Etendue is related to light collection, but it is better to include spectral resolution than just representing the solid angle of the collected light. This can be understood from the approximate expression G = S′L / q for etendue (G). Here, S ′ is the slit width, L is the area of the collecting lens, and q is the distance from the collecting lens to the entrance slit. This concept well explains the width of the entrance slit that is equated with spectral resolution in a 1: 1 image spectrometer. This concept also explains the lens area and magnification through the L / q term.

  [00114] A typical state-of-the-art Raman system uses a small spot in the sample so that the collection lens collects a large solid angle, magnifies the spot, and sends it through a narrow slit to maintain reasonable resolution. Oriented to produce. The handheld material identification system works well under these requirements when the sample is homogeneous.

  [00115] In one implementation, a different set of standards is provided. Samples (eg, clothing threads) do not represent a homogeneous sample. It is unlikely that an end-user with the need to repeat a continuous test may have the prudent point and chute accuracy to hit the correct thread under the demand for repeated continuous testing. This requires the reader to sample a large area, which means a large spot size in the sample in a typical material identification system, and a large slit with insufficient spectral resolution as suggested by the etendue concept. This may be acceptable with a very limited number of tags, but is required to resolve many tags (eg, hundreds to thousands) provided in various implementations. This is incompatible with the resolution of the spectrum.

  [00116] Figure 16 illustrates one solution to this difficulty. In this solution, the reader rasters a tightly focused laser excitation beam, and for good spectral resolution, combines the Raman excitation from that beam with a narrow slit width and low f / # acquisition Maintain high spectral throughput with lenses and spectrograph. Rather than using a large spot size, an orbital raster scan (ORS) from SnRI maintains a small beam size that is instantaneously tied to the aperture design. The net effect is the averaged spot size, which allows the end user to scan the area large enough to place the device near the target thread and position the thread To do. The difference between this design and the current Raman system is important. High spectral resolution and thus Raman resolution is maintained.

Tagant example
[00117] A dispersed reporter (eg, taggant) disposed in a sample can be detected by a spectrometer configured to move the incident beam across the surface of the sample. In one implementation, for example, a panel coated with tagged paint can be sampled by such a spectrometer. In this implementation, for example, the taggant can be at a low concentration and need not be uniformly distributed. Taggant can be a luminescent material that requires high spectral resolution to resolve the spectrum. FIG. 17 shows a location containing a small amount of taggant and a strong signal change at that spot due to moving the focused incident beam across the sample (eg, rastering). FIG. 17 shows an example of single point focus measurement (solid line) and raster measurement around the same spot (dotted line). The point focus is on a spot with a small amount of taggant. Raster scans average areas that contain a large amount of taggant and a small amount of taggant.

  [00118] FIG. 18 illustrates a small change across the panel when moving the beam (eg, rastering) is used. In this illustration, averaging by rastering or averaging by moving the incident beam across the sample is shown. The goal of this application is to reduce signal changes due to taggant inhomogeneities. In this particular example, rastering reduces the change to <4%.

  [00119] FIG. 19 illustrates the difference between a device using point focus and a device with a raster scan attachment. FIG. 19 illustrates sample heterogeneity. In this example, the left box contains three measurements on the sample made using a system with a point focus. There are very large signal changes. The right box shows the rasterized signal from three spots. In this example, rastering can correct inhomogeneities.

  [00120] FIG. 20 illustrates a linear regression analysis of 15 standards for a 100-fold dilution. The correlation between the raster signal and the taggant concentration is> 0.99. This illustrates the goal of raster scanning in that removing large signal changes due to inhomogeneities allows the user to quantify the amount of taggant in the sample. This technique is also used to verify the purity of the tagged sample.

  [00121] FIG. 21 illustrates one set of painted panels containing 0.05% taggant (one of 2000) and four dilutions. In this example, the intensity of the spectrum correlates with the dilution even where the taggants are highly and non-uniformly distributed. This example shows the signal observed on the raster scan surface when the sample is diluted. In this example, the sample contains 0.05% taggant and is very heterogeneous. Raster scanning can average areas of the sample that are large enough to accurately quantify the dilution factor.

[00122] FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a facet
[00123] While embodiments of the present invention have been described above with some particularity, those skilled in the art will recognize the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Many alternatives can be made. All directional references (eg, top, bottom, up, down, left, right, left, right, top, bottom, up, down, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) Are merely used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention and, among other things, do not create limitations regarding the position, orientation, or use of the present invention. Joining references (eg, attached, linked and connected, etc.) should be interpreted broadly, including intermediate members between the connections of elements, and between elements Relative movement can be included. Therefore, a junction reference does not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be construed as illustrative only and not as limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
(Item 1)
An excitation source providing an excitation signal;
A detector for detecting a spectral signal;
An optical system that directs an incident beam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receives the spectral signal from the sample, and provides the spectral signal to the detector;
With
The optical system comprises:
A focusing lens for focusing the incident beam from the excitation source;
A rotating mirror assembly including an angled mirror surface, and
An actuator assembly for controlling the rotating mirror assembly to move an incident beam focused on the entire surface of the sample;
The spectrometer assembly includes a rotary motor coupled to the rotating mirror assembly and adapted to rotate the angled mirror surface to redirect the incident beam of the excitation signal .
(Item 2)
The spectroscope according to item 1, wherein the rotary motor is connected to the rotary mirror assembly via a drive shaft of the rotary motor.
(Item 3)
The spectroscope according to item 2, wherein the rotating mirror assembly is connected to the drive shaft of the rotating motor via a flexible mount.
(Item 4)
The spectroscope of claim 3, wherein the flexible mount includes at least one spring.
(Item 5)
The spectroscope according to item 2, wherein a rotary mirror assembly is fixedly attached to the drive shaft of the rotary motor.
(Item 6)
The rotary mirror assembly is loosely coupled to the drive shaft of the rotary motor, and the rotary mirror assembly is configured to swing relative to the drive shaft when the drive shaft is activated. Spectroscope described in 1.
(Item 7)
The spectroscope of claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly includes a single angled mirror surface.
(Item 8)
The spectroscope of claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly comprises a multi-faceted and multi-angle mirror assembly.
(Item 9)
The spectroscope of claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly includes a focusing mirror.
(Item 10)
The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the spectrometer averages a plurality of signals received from the sample.
(Item 11)
The actuator assembly includes a second rotating motor coupled to a second rotating mirror assembly;
The spectroscope of claim 1, wherein the incident beam is directed from the rotating mirror assembly to the second rotating mirror assembly.
(Item 12)
A first magnet is connected to a drive shaft of the rotary motor or the rotary mirror assembly, and is magnetically coupled to a fixed element of the spectroscope to thereby provide the drive shaft or the rotary mirror assembly. The spectroscope of claim 1, wherein the spectrometer is adapted to align each at a fixed position.
(Item 13)
13. A spectrometer according to item 12, wherein the fixed element of the spectrometer includes a second magnet.
(Item 14)
Item 13. The spectrometer of item 12, wherein the magnet includes at least one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.
(Item 15)
A first magnet is physically coupled to the spectrometer adjacent to the actuator assembly and is magnetically coupled to an element physically coupled to the drive shaft of the rotary motor or the rotating mirror assembly. The spectroscope of claim 1, wherein the spectroscope is adapted to be coupled to each other and adapted to align the mirror surface at a predetermined position.
(Item 16)
A method of moving a focused incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a spectroscopic sample, comprising:
Generating an incident beam of excitation signals;
Directing the incident beam toward the sample via an optical system of the spectrometer, the optical system including a movable mirror;
Focusing the incident beam on a sample of the spectrometer;
Moving the incident beam across the surface of the sample by rotating a drive shaft to rotate a rotating mirror assembly coupled to the drive shaft of a rotary motor;
Receiving a spectral signal from the sample;
Detecting the spectral signal;
Including the method.
(Item 17)
The method of item 16, wherein the act of detecting comprises averaging a plurality of spectral signals received from the sample.
(Item 18)
The method of claim 16, wherein the rotating mirror assembly includes a single angled mirror surface.
(Item 19)
The method of item 16, wherein the act of detecting comprises detecting a tag in the sample.
(Item 20)
The method of item 16, wherein the act of detecting comprises detecting the concentration of a tag in the sample.
(Item 21)
An excitation source providing an excitation signal;
A detector for detecting a spectral signal;
An optical system that directs an incident beam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receives the spectral signal from the sample, and provides the spectral signal to the detector;
A focusing lens for focusing the incident beam from the excitation source;
Movable mirror, and
An actuator assembly that controls the movable mirror to move a focused incident beam across the surface of the sample
An optical system comprising:
A magnetic positioning system comprising a magnet and a second element adapted to be magnetically coupled to the magnet, wherein at least one of the magnets is magnetically coupled to the second element A magnetic positioning system configured to position the movable mirror at a predetermined position;
With
One of the magnet and the second element is physically connected to the actuator assembly, and the other of the magnet and the second element is connected to the spectrometer adjacent to the actuator assembly. A spectrometer that is fixed.
(Item 22)
Item 22. The spectrometer of item 21, wherein the second element includes a second magnet.
(Item 23)
The actuator assembly includes a rotary motor having a drive shaft;
Item 22. The spectrometer of item 21, wherein the magnetic positioning system is adapted to rotate the drive shaft to position the movable mirror in the predetermined position.
(Item 24)
24. The spectrometer of item 23, wherein the magnetic positioning system is configured to position the movable mirror at the predetermined position by rotating the drive shaft directly or indirectly.
(Item 25)
The actuator assembly includes a flexible element to which the movable mirror is mounted;
Item 22. The spectrometer of item 21, wherein the magnetic positioning system is adapted to limit movement of the flexible element to position the movable mirror in the predetermined position.

Claims (24)

An excitation source providing an excitation signal;
A detector for detecting a spectral signal;
An optical system that directs an incident beam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receives the spectral signal from the sample, and provides the spectral signal to the detector;
The optical system comprises:
A focusing lens for focusing the incident beam from the excitation source;
A rotating mirror assembly including an angled mirror surface, and
An actuator assembly for controlling the rotating mirror assembly to move an incident beam focused on the entire surface of the sample;
The actuator assembly includes a rotating motor coupled to the rotating mirror assembly and adapted to rotate the angled mirror surface to redirect the incident beam of the excitation signal;
The rotary motor is connected to the rotary mirror assembly via a drive shaft of the rotary motor;
The spectroscope configured to swing the rotating mirror assembly relative to the drive shaft when the drive shaft is activated.   The spectroscope according to claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly is connected to the drive shaft of the rotating motor via a flexible mount.   The spectrometer of claim 2, wherein the flexible mount includes at least one spring.   The spectroscope according to claim 1, wherein a rotary mirror assembly is fixedly attached to the drive shaft of the rotary motor.   The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly is loosely coupled to the drive shaft of the rotating motor.   The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly includes a single angled mirror surface.   The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly comprises a multi-faceted and multi-angle mirror assembly.   The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the rotating mirror assembly includes a focusing mirror.   The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the spectrometer averages a plurality of signals received from the sample. The actuator assembly includes a second rotating motor coupled to a second rotating mirror assembly;
The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the incident beam is directed from the rotating mirror assembly to the second rotating mirror assembly.   A first magnet is connected to a drive shaft of the rotary motor or the rotary mirror assembly, and is magnetically coupled to a fixed element of the spectroscope to thereby provide the drive shaft or the rotary mirror assembly. The spectrometer of claim 1, wherein the spectrometer is adapted to align each at a fixed position.   The spectrometer of claim 11 wherein the fixed element of the spectrometer includes a second magnet.   The spectrometer of claim 11, wherein the magnet includes at least one of a permanent magnet and an electromagnet.   A first magnet is physically coupled to the spectrometer adjacent to the actuator assembly and is magnetically coupled to an element physically coupled to the drive shaft of the rotary motor or the rotary mirror assembly. The spectroscope of claim 1, wherein the spectroscope is adapted to be coupled together and to align the mirror surface at a predetermined position. A method of moving a focused incident beam of a spectrometer across the surface of a spectroscopic sample, comprising:
Generating an incident beam of excitation signals;
Directing the incident beam toward the sample via an optical system of the spectrometer, the optical system including a movable mirror;
Focusing the incident beam on a sample of the spectrometer;
Moving the incident beam across the surface of the sample by rotating a drive shaft to rotate a rotating mirror assembly coupled to the drive shaft of a rotary motor;
Receiving a spectral signal from the sample;
Detecting the spectroscopic signal,
A method wherein the rotating mirror assembly is configured to swing relative to the drive shaft as the drive shaft rotates.   The method of claim 15, wherein the act of detecting comprises averaging a plurality of spectral signals received from the sample.   The method of claim 15, wherein the rotating mirror assembly includes a single angled mirror surface.   The method of claim 15, wherein the act of detecting comprises detecting a tag in the sample.   The method of claim 15, wherein the act of detecting comprises detecting the concentration of a tag in the sample. In the spectrometer
An excitation source providing an excitation signal;
A detector for detecting a spectral signal;
An optical system that directs an incident beam of the excitation signal toward a sample, receives the spectral signal from the sample, and provides the spectral signal to the detector;
A focusing lens for focusing the incident beam from the excitation source;
An optical system comprising: a rotating mirror assembly; and an actuator assembly that controls the rotating mirror assembly to move a focused incident beam across the surface of the sample;
A magnetic positioning system comprising a magnet and a second element adapted to be magnetically coupled to the magnet, wherein at least one of the magnets is magnetically coupled to the second element And a magnetic positioning system configured to position the rotating mirror assembly at a predetermined position,
One of the magnet and the second element is physically coupled to the actuator assembly, and the other of the magnet and the second element is adjacent to the actuator assembly at the position where the spectroscopy is performed. It is fixed in the vessel,
The actuator assembly includes a rotary motor having a drive shaft;
The rotary motor is connected to the rotary mirror assembly via the drive shaft;
The spectroscope configured to swing the rotating mirror assembly relative to the drive shaft when the drive shaft is activated.   21. The spectrometer of claim 20, wherein the second element includes a second magnet.   21. The spectrometer of claim 20, wherein the magnetic positioning system is adapted to rotate the drive shaft to position the rotating mirror assembly in the predetermined position.   23. The spectrometer of claim 22, wherein the magnetic positioning system is configured to rotate the drive shaft directly or indirectly to position the rotating mirror assembly at the predetermined position. The actuator assembly includes a flexible element to which the rotating mirror assembly is mounted;
21. The spectrometer of claim 20, wherein the magnetic positioning system is adapted to position the rotating mirror assembly in the predetermined position with limited movement of the flexible element.