Apparatuses, systems, and methods for detecting materials based on Raman spectroscopy
Inventors
Auner, Gregory William • Brusatori, Michelle Ann • Huang, Changhe
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12281942-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-22
Expiration Date
2039-06-25
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Abstract
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for Raman spectroscopy are described. In certain implementations, a spectrometer is provided. The spectrometer may include a plurality of optical elements, comprising an entrance aperture, a collimating element, a volume phase holographic grating, a focusing element, and a detector array. The plurality of optical elements are configured to transfer the light beam from the entrance aperture to the detector array with a high transfer efficiency over a preselected spectral band.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for Raman spectroscopy, specifically providing a spectrometer that includes a plurality of optical elements: an entrance aperture, a collimating element, a volume phase holographic grating, a focusing element, and a detector array. These elements are configured to transfer a light beam from the entrance aperture to the detector array with high transfer efficiency over a preselected spectral band. The volume phase holographic grating is designed to disperse the light beam over at least a 50 nm spectral band while maintaining an average transfer efficiency from 60% to 98% for first order diffraction.
The problem addressed is the difficulty in achieving the combination of high light throughput, high spectral resolution, and small physical dimension in Raman spectroscopic systems. Traditional Raman spectrometers compromise either sensitivity or compactness due to the need for long optical paths to improve resolution, which in turn increases instrument size and reduces transfer efficiency. This tradeoff affects the system’s practicality for applications requiring portability, sensitivity, or rapid analysis.
The core innovation combines a lens-grating-lens optical design and a volume phase holographic grating to provide both high spectral resolution and high light throughput in a compact form factor. The spectrometer achieves short path lengths (e.g., from 8 cm to 20 cm), high average transfer efficiency, and a spectral resolution in the range of 0.1 cm−1 to 2.5 cm−1, overcoming the fundamental tradeoff between resolution and throughput. The invention also includes methods for detecting targets in samples using this spectrometer setup, enhancing sensitivity and speed for Raman-based identification of biological or chemical materials.
Claims Coverage
The claims define three primary inventive features based on the independent claims related to a spectrometer apparatus and associated analytical methods.
Spectrometer with high-efficiency volume phase holographic grating and compact optical configuration
A spectrometer comprising: - A plurality of optical elements: entrance aperture, collimating element, volume phase holographic grating, focusing element, and detector array. - The entrance aperture receives a light beam. - The collimating element directs the light beam to the volume phase holographic grating. - The grating disperses the light beam over a preselected spectral band of at least 50 nm. - The focusing element focuses the dispersed beam to the detector array. - The configuration achieves an average transfer efficiency from 60% to 98% for first order diffraction over the spectral band.
Method for detecting presence or absence of target features in a sample using high-efficiency Raman spectrometer
A method comprising: 1. Focusing a light beam onto a portion of the sample. 2. Directing a Raman signal from the sample to a spectrometer containing: entrance aperture, collimating element, volume phase holographic grating, focusing element, and detector array. 3. The spectrometer: - Receives and transfers the light beam through these elements with an average transfer efficiency from 60% to 98% for first order diffraction. - Achieves a spectral resolution from 0.1 cm−1 to 5 cm−1 over a preselected spectral band of at least 50 nm. 4. Detecting at least one feature of the Raman signal indicative of the presence or absence of the target in the sample.
Method for analysis of a sample within a cuvette using a high-efficiency Raman spectrometer
A method comprising: 1. Focusing a light beam onto a portion of the sample within a cuvette. 2. Directing a Raman signal from the sample to a spectrometer (with entrance aperture, collimating element, volume phase holographic grating, focusing element, detector array). 3. The optical elements are configured to transfer the light beam from the entrance aperture to the detector array with an average transfer efficiency from 60% to 98% for first order diffraction, with a spectral resolution from 0.1 cm−1 to 5 cm−1 over the preselected spectral band. 4. Analyzing the Raman signal.
In summary, the claims broadly cover a compact, high-efficiency Raman spectrometer with a volume phase holographic grating, and methods leveraging this configuration for sensitive detection and analysis of sample features based on Raman spectroscopy.
Stated Advantages
Provides both high spectral resolution and high light throughput in a compact spectrometer form factor.
Enables substantially reduced physical dimensions suitable for laboratory countertop or field deployment.
Allows for short interrogation times while achieving high sensitivity for detecting low-intensity Raman signals.
Facilitates rapid and sensitive acquisition of high-quality Raman spectra and real-time detection of biological or chemical targets.
Reduces the technical complexity and need for highly trained personnel by concentrating the sample at the focal point, improving signal quality and reliability.
Permits detection and identification of various targets, including biological and chemical materials, with improved performance compared to typical spectrometers.
Documented Applications
Detecting and analyzing biological or chemical targets based on Raman spectroscopy.
Rapid identification of bacteria, viruses, and parasites in clinical and laboratory samples.
Detection and differentiation of urinary crystals such as magnesium ammonium phosphate and calcium oxalate.
Identification of white blood cells, tissue, or disease markers in biological fluids for diagnostic purposes.
Analysis of fecal samples to identify the presence of hookworm or roundworm parasites.
Distinguishing virus strains and monitoring inactivation methods of viruses.
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