Raman Immersion Probe

Designed in association with B&W Tek.

This project gives a demonstration of some of the smaller design projects I took on over time. It’s a handheld Raman 1064 immersion probe, built for collecting spectroscopy data directly from liquid samples inside containers. Below are some of the design considerations I made during the design process.

Photo showcasing the Immersion probe

Material Selection- Since some of the test liquids claimed in FRS were harsh chemicals, the probe needs to be chemically resistant and waterproof at the same time. Kalrez O-rings were selected for their superior chemical resistance. Careful compression calculations were conducted to maintain a secure seal. 316 stainless steel was chosen for its durability and ability to withstand a wide range of environments. To ensure the product is truly waterproof, the prototype shaft was submerged in liquid for several days—the test was successful on the first trial.

Mechanical Design- Concentricity plays a critical role in this design. Because of the position of the collimating lens, the shaft had to be divided into two parts. This introduced the need for precise alignment between the two shafts to maintain optical performance between the collimating and focusing lenses.

Geometric tolerancing was especially valuable here. A practical selection of datum reference planes and the use of position tolerances on the shafts were both key to achieving the required alignment. In addition, the surface finish around the O-ring was crucial for maintaining a proper seal.

These were the core design considerations for this project. Many of my designs are like this — some may be smaller in scale or partial improvements on earlier generations — but they all hold equal importance in my heart. Every design deserves to be its best design.

Until next time — keep inventing.