Device for evaluation of fluids using electromagnetic energy

摘要

A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.

主权项

1. A sampling device, comprising:
a housing; a sample chamber in the housing, the sample chamber sized and dimensioned to receive a sample cuvette at least partially therein, the sample chamber having at least one opaque wall and at least a first aperture and a second aperture positioned at least partially across at least a portion of the sample chamber from the first aperture, the first and the second aperture transmissive of electromagnetic energy of at least some wavelengths in an optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum; a calibration circuit board spaced from the sample chamber, the calibration circuit board having a first face opposed to the first aperture of the sample chamber, a second face opposite the first face, and a slit that is transmissive of electromagnetic energy of at least some wavelengths in the optical portion of the electromagnetic spectrum; a plurality of emitters received in the housing spaced from the calibration circuit board opposed to the second face of the calibration circuit board, each of the emitters selectively operable to emit electromagnetic energy in a respective range of wavelengths toward and through the first aperture of the sample chamber, the ranges of wavelengths of at least some of the emitters different from the ranges of wavelengths of others of the emitters, wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy emitted by each of the plurality of emitters passes through the slit of the calibration circuit board to reach the first aperture of the sample chamber; at least one primary sampling sensor positioned to receive electromagnetic energy emitting from the sample chamber via the second aperture; and at least one calibration sensor affixed to the second face of the calibration circuit board and positioned to receive electromagnetic energy emitted by at least one of the emitters, substantially free of electromagnetic energy emitting, if any, from the sample chamber.