Case Study – Robotic Eyes in Part Sorting
In the excitation stage, we direct a light source onto the material to be identified and
capture its response using a spectrograph. To accurately measure the energy shift in
molecules, we use a known wavelength light source—specifically, a green laser in our
setup.
A beam splitter divides the laser light, directing it through a microscope lens to
concentrate photons onto a small area where they interact with the unknown plastic.
The same lens then captures the material's response. Since molecules exhibiting the
Raman effect emit light at a lower frequency compared to those at the same energy level,
we filter out the original signal before sending it to the spectrograph.
Our spectrograph employs a Czerny-Turner configuration to disperse light into its
components for collection and digitization by a sensor, allowing for comparison.
The light enters through an entrance slit to isolate the material's response. It passes
through a first mirror for collimation, then a diffraction grating to separate wavelengths
like a prism.
A second mirror focuses the spectra onto a CCD array, similar to those in cell phone
cameras, which captures the signal for transfer to a computer.
© 2024 LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED. All rights reserved
To ensure precision in detecting molecular structure signals, a thermoelectric cooler
regulates the CCD array's temperature.
This setup enables the identification of molecules and measurement of their responses,
with data transferred to a computer for detailed analysis.
The outcome of such an analysis helps the robot to pick the correct material.
© 2024 LARSEN & TOUBRO LIMITED. All rights reserved