JP7257041B2 - Estimation device, estimation method, and material manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an estimating device, an estimating method, and a material manufacturing method.

Nanocellulose (e.g., cellulose nanofibers, cellulose nanocrystals, etc.), airgel (e.g., silica airgel, etc.), or resin (e.g., polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, epoxy resin, etc.) or the like base material Materials contained in the matrix so as to be dispersed in the matrix (hereinafter may be described as NC-containing materials or composite materials) are known. For example, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 4, NC-containing materials are known to have higher strength than base metals.

For example, NC-containing materials are used as high hardness films or coating materials. Since the NC-containing material is dense, it also has excellent gas barrier properties. Therefore, NC-containing materials are used, for example, as protective films against environmental gases. Further, for example, when the NC-containing material is used as a deliquescent thin film material, it can easily maintain its shape and can suppress the influence of the environment such as humidity.

JP 2012-167202 A JP 2010-186124 A JP 2016-56253 A JP 2018-154699 A

By the way, for example, due to differences in manufacturing conditions in the manufacturing process, even if the amount of nanocellulose is the same in the NC-containing material, the NC content varies depending on the degree of aggregation, which indicates the degree to which nanocellulose is aggregated. The strength or gas barrier properties of the material may change. Therefore, it is conceivable to estimate the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the NC-containing material using the scattering phenomenon of visible light (for example, by visual observation).

Also, in materials science, for example, aggregation and dispersion of suspensions is one of the most interesting problems in colloid chemistry. Specifically, flocculation and dispersion of suspensions is a problem that has important significance from an industrial point of view for unit operations such as concentration, filtration, ore flotation, or gravity concentration. Therefore, it is of great significance to estimate not only the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose but also the degree of aggregation of specific molecular chains.

For example, a light scattering method is known as a method for estimating the degree of aggregation, which indicates the extent to which molecular chains are aggregated. However, when the scattered light from the molecular chains is weak because the light absorption by the base material is large, or when the light is scarcely scattered due to the small amount of the added molecular chains, the light scattering method is used. cannot estimate the degree of aggregation of molecular chains with high accuracy.

For example, ultraviolet light or visible light is absorbed by peptide bonds, aromatic amino acids, electronic transitions, or the like. Therefore, if the matrix contains compounds such as dyes containing peptide bonds or aromatic amino acids, the scattered light will be absorbed by the matrix.

Therefore, when the base material does not have translucency, or when the amount of nanocellulose is very small, the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the NC-containing material cannot be estimated with high accuracy. Note that this type of problem also occurs in a plurality of molecular chains that form a structure containing water molecules and that are different from the molecular chains contained in nanocellulose.

Also, the size of the molecular chain is smaller than the wavelength of ultraviolet light and visible light. For this reason, it is known that the shorter the wavelength of light, the easier it is to scatter light, and that the intensity of scattering is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the wavelength (in other words, Rayleigh scattering). By the way, an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz (in other words, sub-terahertz wave or terahertz wave) has a relatively long wavelength of several hundred μm. Therefore, sub-terahertz waves or terahertz waves are difficult to scatter, and thus it has not been considered to be used for estimating the degree of aggregation of molecular chains.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an estimation device and an estimation method for estimating the degree of cohesion with high accuracy, and a material manufacturing method including the method. Furthermore, the present invention provides an estimating device, an estimating method, and a material manufacturing method for estimating the degree of aggregation of molecular chains with high accuracy. It is not limited to materials whose degree of cohesion is estimated.
That is, the present invention provides the following.
[1] An estimation device for estimating the state of a sample containing a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules, comprising: an electromagnetic wave generator for generating an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz; and the generated electromagnetic wave. into the sample, a detection unit for detecting the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample, and an aggregation indicating the degree to which the molecular chains are aggregated in the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic waves. and an estimating unit that estimates the degree.
[2] A storage unit that stores refractive index cohesion degree information in which the refractive index and the cohesion degree are associated with each other, and the estimating unit calculates the refractive index of the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave , and estimates the cohesion degree based on the estimated refractive index and the stored refractive index cohesion degree information.
[3] A storage unit that stores light absorption aggregation degree information in which an absorption parameter representing the degree of light absorption and the degree of aggregation are associated with each other, and the estimation unit is based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave. 3. The estimating apparatus according to the preceding item 1 or 2, wherein the absorption parameter of the sample is estimated by using the method, and the degree of aggregation is estimated based on the estimated absorption parameter and the stored information on the degree of absorption and aggregation.
[4] The incident section causes the generated electromagnetic wave to enter the sample along a first straight line passing through the focal position in the sample, and the detecting section passes through the focal position and the first straight line. The estimating unit detects the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample along a second straight line different from the electric field at a reference plane including the first straight line and the second straight line of the detected electromagnetic wave The refractive index of the sample based on the intensity of the first linearly polarized wave component oscillating and the intensity of the second linearly polarized wave component of the electromagnetic wave, the electric field oscillating in the direction orthogonal to the reference plane 4. The estimation device according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 3, which estimates the .
[5] The estimation device according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 4, wherein the molecular chain has a hydrophilic group.
[6] An estimation method for estimating the state of a sample containing a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules, comprising generating an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz, and directing the generated electromagnetic wave to the sample detecting the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample, and estimating the degree of aggregation representing the degree of aggregation of the molecular chains in the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave. Method.
[7] A manufacturing method for manufacturing a material containing a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules, comprising generating the material, generating electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz, and generating the electromagnetic waves is incident on the material, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the material is detected, and the degree of aggregation representing the degree of aggregation of the molecular chains in the material is estimated based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave. A method of making the material, including

In one aspect, the estimating device estimates the state of a sample including multiple molecular chains forming a structure including water molecules.
The estimation device includes an electromagnetic wave generation section, an incidence section, a detection section, and an estimation section. The electromagnetic wave generator generates electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz. The incident section causes the generated electromagnetic wave to enter the sample. The detector detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample. The estimating unit estimates the degree of aggregation, which indicates the extent to which the molecular chains are aggregated in the sample, based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave.

In another aspect, an estimation method estimates the state of a sample comprising multiple molecular chains forming a structure comprising water molecules.
The estimation method includes generating an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz, injecting the generated electromagnetic wave into the sample, detecting the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample, and based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave, molecular chains in the sample. estimating the degree of aggregation, which represents the extent to which

In another aspect, the manufacturing method is a method of manufacturing a material comprising a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules.
A manufacturing method includes producing a material, producing an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz, injecting the produced electromagnetic wave into the material, detecting the electromagnetic wave emitted from the material, and based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave , estimating the degree of cohesion, which represents the extent to which molecular chains are cohesive in a material.

The degree of aggregation of multiple molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules can be estimated with high accuracy.

1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of an estimation device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of change in degree of cohesion with respect to refractive index. 4 is a graph showing an example of changes in refractive index and extinction coefficient with respect to frequency according to the number of water molecules; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the structure of a sample; 4 is a graph showing an example of changes in cohesion with respect to extinction coefficient. 4 is a graph showing changes in the refractive index of a sample with respect to frequency in the first experimental example. 4 is a graph showing changes in the extinction coefficient of samples in the first experimental example with respect to frequency. It is a figure showing the optical system of the estimation apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. 4 is a graph showing an example of changes in the reflectance of the P-wave component and the reflectance of the S-wave component with respect to the angle of incidence; 4 is a graph showing an example of change in reflectance difference, which is the difference between the reflectance of the P-wave component and the reflectance of the S-wave component, with respect to the refractive index. It is a figure showing the optical system of the estimation apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. 4 is a graph showing an example of change in reflectance with respect to incident angle. It is a figure showing the optical system of the estimation apparatus of 4th Embodiment.

Embodiments of the estimation apparatus, estimation method, and material manufacturing method of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG.

It is not expected to use subterahertz waves or terahertz waves, which have long wavelengths and high penetrating power, as conventional light scattering methods. On the other hand, in one aspect of the present invention, subterahertz waves or terahertz waves, which respond sensitively to collective motion of electric charges, are applied to, for example, detection of water molecules, which are typical polar molecules. be. This makes it possible to detect water molecules even if the amount is very small.

<First embodiment>
(overview)
The estimation device of the first embodiment estimates the state of a sample containing nanocellulose. The estimation device includes an electromagnetic wave generation section, an incidence section, a detection section, and an estimation section. The electromagnetic wave generator generates an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz]. The incident section causes the generated electromagnetic wave to enter the sample. The detector detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample. The estimating unit estimates the degree of aggregation representing the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose in the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave.

By the way, there is a strong correlation between the aggregation degree of nanocellulose and the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves having frequencies of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz] in NC-containing materials. On the other hand, according to the estimation device, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample can reflect the propagation characteristics of the electromagnetic wave in the NC-containing material with high accuracy. Therefore, the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample can be estimated with high accuracy based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample.
Next, the estimation device of the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

(composition)
As shown in FIG. 1 , the estimation device 1 includes an electromagnetic wave generation unit 11 , an incidence unit 12 , a detection unit 13 , a storage unit 14 and an estimation unit 15 . FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of the estimation device 1. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 1 , solid-line arrows and dotted-line arrows represent propagation of electromagnetic waves and transmission of information, respectively.

The estimation device 1 estimates the state of the sample 2 . Sample 2 contains multiple molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules. In this example, each of the plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules is contained in nanocellulose (eg, cellulose nanofibers, cellulose nanocrystals, etc.). Note that the substance containing molecular chains that form a structure containing water molecules is not limited to nanocellulose.

In this example, sample 2 is a material (in other words, an NC-containing material) in which nanocellulose is contained in the matrix so that it is dispersed in the matrix. For example, the base material is a material having a mesh-like microstructure. For example, the base material is airgel (such as silica airgel) or resin (such as polyamide resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, or epoxy resin).

For example, the sample 2 may be used as a material such as a heat insulating material or a building material. Also, for example, Sample 2 may be used as a film or coating material. Also, for example, the sample 2 may be food. Also, for example, the sample 2 may be a pigment or paint. For example, the sample 2 may be part of the product or the entire product.

As an example, a method for producing sample 2 in the case where the base material is silica airgel will be described. For example, silica airgel is produced using the method described in Non-Patent Document 1. In this example, the manufacturing method of sample 2 is to mix nanocellulose in a solution, hydrolyze silicon alkoxide to generate a silica wet gel, remove the liquid phase of the silica wet gel, and perform supercritical drying. include.
Non-Patent Document 1: C.I. J. Brinker, G. W. Scherer, “Sol-Gel Science,” Academic Press, 1990.

For example, cellulose nanofibers have a width of 1 [nm] to 100 [nm] and a length of 1 [μm] or more. For example, cellulose nanocrystals have a width of 10 [nm] to 50 [nm] and a length of 100 [nm] to 500 [nm].
For example, sample 2 is flat. For example, the thickness of the sample 2 is 1 [mm] to 50 [mm].

The content of nanocellulose is not limited to a specific value. For example, the content of nanocellulose may be in the range of 0.01 to 20% by mass, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 15% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 10% by mass. %, more preferably 0.1 to 5 mass %.

The electromagnetic wave generator 11 generates an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz] (in other words, a sub-terahertz wave or a terahertz wave). In this specification, sub-terahertz waves or terahertz waves are sometimes referred to as light.

In this example, the electromagnetic wave generator 11 includes a GUNN diode, an IMPATT (Impact Avalanche and Transit Time) diode, or a resonant tunneling diode (RTD). The electromagnetic wave generation unit 11 includes an oscillator using a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) and a frequency multiplier (for example, phase locked loop, etc.).

In this example, the electromagnetic wave generator 11 generates continuous waves. Note that the electromagnetic wave generator 11 may generate a pulse wave. In this case, the electromagnetic wave generator 11 may generate electromagnetic waves synchronized with external signals related to the manufacturing process. For example, the manufacturing process may include steps such as heating, adding, pressing, or coating.

The incident part 12 causes the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 to enter the sample 2 . For example, the entrance section 12 comprises an optical system including at least one of a lens and a parabolic mirror. In this example, the incident section 12 focuses the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating section 11 at the focal position within the sample 2 .

The detector 13 detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2 . In this example, the detection unit 13 includes a Schottky barrier diode and detects electromagnetic waves using the Schottky barrier diode.

The electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2 are made incident on the sample 2 by the incident portion 12 and are reflected by the sample 2 (in other words, reflected waves), or made incident on the sample 2 by the incident portion 12, Moreover, it is an electromagnetic wave (in other words, a transmitted wave) that has passed through the sample 2 .

In this example, the detection unit 13 detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample 2 and a propagation parameter representing the time required for the electromagnetic wave to be emitted from the sample 2 after being made incident on the sample 2 by the incident unit 12. , is detected. For example, the propagation parameter is a phase difference, which is the difference between the phase of the electromagnetic wave incident on the sample 2 and the phase of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample 2, or the time required for the electromagnetic wave to propagate through the sample 2. propagation time and the like.

The storage unit 14 stores refractive index cohesion degree information. The refractive index cohesion degree information is information in which the refractive index and the cohesion degree are associated with each other. In this example, as shown in FIG. 2, the refractive index cohesion information is information that the higher the refractive index, the lower the cohesion.

Aggregation degree represents the extent to which nanocellulose is aggregated in Sample 2. For example, the aggregation degree is the average value of the distance between the nanocelluloses adjacent to each other with respect to the nanocellulose contained in the sample 2, or the distance between the nanocelluloses adjacent to each other is a predetermined proximity distance or less. is the ratio of the number of to the total number of nanocellulose contained in sample 2.
In other words, a decrease in the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose corresponds to approaching a state in which nanocellulose is uniformly dispersed in the matrix.

The frequency of sub-terahertz waves or terahertz waves corresponds to the frequency of collective motion of charges in water molecules. In the Drude model, the current density J is represented by Equation 1 using the charge q, the number n of charges q, the mass m, the average value τ of the time intervals between the collisions of the charges q, and the electric field E. be.

In Equation 1, the current density J increases as the number n of charges q increases. Also, the refractive index and the extinction coefficient increase as the current density J increases.
FIG. 3 shows an example of changes in refractive index and extinction coefficient with respect to frequency in the sub-terahertz wave and terahertz wave frequency bands. In FIG. 3, curve LA1 represents changes in refractive index and extinction coefficient when the number of water molecules is large, and curve LA2 represents refractive index and extinction when the number of water molecules is small. Represents the change in coefficient.

As shown in FIG. 3, as the number of water molecules contained in sample 2 increases, the refractive index and extinction coefficient increase. When the water molecules are bound water, the amplitude of the collective motion of the charges in the water molecules is likely to be restricted. The increase is considered small.

FIG. 4(A) schematically represents the structure of sample 2 when the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose is high. FIG. 4(B) schematically shows the structure of sample 2 when the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose is low.

As shown in FIG. 4, the nanocellulose NCs are dispersed so as to cling to the airgel MS. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose NCs is low, a plurality of nanocellulose NCs have a structure containing water molecules MH (for example, a plurality of nanocellulose NCs are formed via water molecules MH. bonded structures). In this example, a structure formed by multiple nanocellulose NCs may be referred to as a network structure. In the present example, the nanocellulose NCs correspond to molecular chains forming structures containing water molecules MH. Also, the water molecules MH that bind multiple nanocellulose NCs may be referred to as bound water.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lower the aggregation degree of the nanocellulose NCs, the more water molecules MH contained in the sample 2. Therefore, it is considered that the higher the refractive index and the extinction coefficient, the lower the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose NCs.

The estimation unit 15 estimates the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample 2 based on the electromagnetic wave intensity and propagation parameters detected by the detection unit 13 .

In this example, the estimator 15 estimates the refractive index of the sample 2 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves and the propagation parameters detected by the detector 13 . In this example, the storage unit 14 stores refractive index information, which is information in which the intensity of the electromagnetic wave, the propagation parameter, and the refractive index are associated with each other. Therefore, the estimator 15 estimates the refractive index based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detector 13 , the propagation parameter, and the refractive index information stored in the storage 14 .

Next, the estimation unit 15 estimates the degree of cohesion based on the estimated refractive index and the information on the degree of cohesion of refractive index stored in the storage unit 14 .
Note that the estimation device 1 may use reflectance instead of the intensity of the electromagnetic waves. The reflectance is the ratio of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the sample 2 to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave incident on the sample 2 .

(motion)
Next, operation of the estimation device 1 will be described.
The electromagnetic wave generator 11 generates electromagnetic waves. Next, the incident part 12 causes the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 to enter the sample 2 . A part of the electromagnetic waves made incident on the sample 2 by the incident part 12 is transmitted through the sample 2 , while the other part of the electromagnetic waves is reflected by the sample 2 .

Next, the detector 13 detects the intensity of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2 and the propagation parameters. Then, the estimation unit 15 estimates the refractive index of the sample 2 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave and the propagation parameter detected by the detection unit 13, and stores the estimated refractive index and the Cohesion is estimated based on the available refractive index cohesion information.
Thus, the estimating device 1 can estimate the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample.

As described above, in the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment, the electromagnetic wave generator 11 generates electromagnetic waves having frequencies of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz]. The incident part 12 causes the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 to enter the sample 2 . The detector 13 detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2 . The estimating unit 15 estimates the degree of aggregation representing the extent to which nanocellulose aggregates in the sample 2 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detecting unit 13 .

By the way, there is a strong correlation between the aggregation degree of nanocellulose and the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves having frequencies of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz] in NC-containing materials. On the other hand, according to the estimation device 1, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample 2 can reflect the propagation characteristics of the electromagnetic wave in the NC-containing material with high accuracy. Therefore, based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2, the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample 2 can be estimated with high accuracy.

By the way, it is conceivable to estimate the aggregation degree of nanocellulose using visible light or near-infrared light. However, visible light or near-infrared light is easily scattered by nanocellulose. On the other hand, electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz] have sufficiently long wavelengths relative to nanocellulose, and are less likely to be scattered by nanocellulose. Therefore, the estimation device 1 can estimate the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose with high accuracy.

Photon energy of sub-terahertz waves or terahertz waves is about room temperature. Therefore, damage to the sample 2 can be avoided. For example, even if the sample 2 is a film or coating material during manufacture, damage to the film or coating material can be avoided. Also, sub-terahertz waves or terahertz waves are safe for the human body.

Furthermore, the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment includes a storage unit 14 that stores refractive index cohesion degree information in which the refractive index and the cohesion degree are associated with each other. The estimating unit 15 estimates the refractive index of the sample 2 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detecting unit 13, and stores the estimated refractive index and the refractive index aggregation degree information stored in the storage unit 14. Estimate the degree of cohesion based on

There is a strong correlation between the aggregation degree of nanocellulose and the refractive index of electromagnetic waves having frequencies of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz] in NC-containing materials. On the other hand, according to the estimation device 1, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample 2 can reflect the refractive index of the electromagnetic wave in the NC-containing material with high accuracy. Therefore, based on the estimated refractive index of sample 2, the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in sample 2 can be estimated with high accuracy.

Note that the estimating device 1 may estimate the aggregation degree based on an absorption parameter representing the degree of light absorption instead of or in addition to the refractive index. For example, the extinction parameter is absorbance or extinction coefficient. In this case, the storage unit 14 stores the light absorption cohesion information. The light absorption cohesion information is information in which the light absorption parameter and the cohesion are associated with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the absorption cohesion information is information that the higher the absorption parameter, the lower the cohesion.

Furthermore, in this case, the storage unit 14 stores absorption information, which is information in which the intensity of the electromagnetic wave, the propagation parameter, and the absorption parameter are associated with each other. Therefore, the estimation unit 15 estimates the absorption parameter based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection unit 13, the propagation parameter, and the absorption information stored in the storage unit 14, and the estimated The aggregation degree of nanocellulose is estimated based on the absorption parameter and the absorption aggregation degree information stored in the storage unit 14 .

There is a strong correlation between the aggregation degree of nanocellulose and the absorption parameter of electromagnetic waves having frequencies of 10 [GHz] to 3 [THz] in NC-containing materials. On the other hand, according to the estimation device 1, the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample 2 can reflect the absorption parameter of the electromagnetic wave in the NC-containing material with high accuracy. Therefore, based on the estimated absorbance parameter of sample 2, the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in sample 2 can be estimated with high accuracy.

In addition, in the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment, the estimation unit 15 estimates the degree of cohesion based on the intensity of electromagnetic waves and propagation parameters. In the estimation device 1 of the modified example of the first embodiment, the estimation unit 15 may estimate the degree of cohesion based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves, not based on the propagation parameters. In this case, the detection unit 13 does not need to detect propagation parameters.

Further, the estimation device 1 of the modified example of the first embodiment may estimate the refractive index and the extinction parameter by performing spectroscopic analysis using the terahertz time domain spectroscopy described in Non-Patent Document 2. Note that the estimating device 1 may perform spectroscopic analysis by using an ellipsometry method instead of or in addition to the terahertz time domain spectroscopy.
Non-Patent Document 2: Ryoichi Fukasawa, "Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy and Analytical Chemistry", Bunseki, Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry, June 2005, Vol. 366, p. 290-296

Moreover, when the sample 2 is at least part of a product, the estimation device 1 of the modified example of the first embodiment may be used in the manufacturing process of manufacturing the sample 2 . In this case, the estimation device 1 may determine whether the product is defective based on the estimated cohesion. Moreover, manufacturing conditions in the manufacturing process for manufacturing the sample 2 may be controlled based on the degree of aggregation estimated by the estimation device 1 .

(First Experimental Example)
Next, a first experimental example showing the relationship between the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in sample 2 and the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves having a frequency of 10 [GHz] to 1 [THz] in the NC-containing material is shown in FIGS. And, it will be described with reference to FIG.

Sample 2 used in the first experimental example is a material in which cellulose nanofibers (in other words, CNF) are contained in a base material made of silica airgel so as to be dispersed in the base material.

In this example, the CNF is a TEMPO oxidized CNF aqueous dispersion, which is one of the commercially available products manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd. TEMPO is an abbreviation for 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl.

In the first experimental example, as the sample 2, a first sample and a second sample having different base materials are used. _The base materials, as shown in Table 1, are TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate, or Si( _OC2H5 ) ₄ ), EtOH (ethanol or _C2H6O ), and water _. (H ₂ O), hydrogen chloride (HCl), and ammonia (NH ₃ ). In Table 1, the amount of each component represents molar concentration.

Furthermore, each of the first sample and the second sample contains 1 [wt%] of CNF. "wt%" represents weight percent concentration.
The first sample is more brittle than the second sample. By the way, it is known that the higher the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose in the sample 2, the more brittle the sample 2 becomes. Therefore, the degree of aggregation of the first sample is higher than the degree of aggregation of the second sample. In other words, the CNFs in the second sample are more uniformly distributed than in the first sample.

Terahertz spectroscopic analysis was performed on each of the first sample and the second sample using a terahertz spectrometer (THz-TDS 2000 ms, manufactured by Nihon Precision Co., Ltd.) using terahertz time domain spectroscopy. . In this example, the terahertz spectroscopic analysis is performed according to a method using transmitted light (in other words, a transmission arrangement method).

FIG. 6 is a graph showing the results of terahertz spectroscopic analysis for the first sample and the second sample, and the change in refractive index with respect to frequency. Curves LN1 and LN2 in FIG. 6 represent changes in the first sample and changes in the second sample, respectively.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of terahertz spectroscopic analysis for the first sample and the second sample, and the change in extinction coefficient with respect to frequency. Curves LK1 and LK2 in FIG. 7 represent changes in the first sample and changes in the second sample, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 6, the refractive index of the second sample is higher than that of the first sample for frequencies from 10 [GHz] to 1 [THz]. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 7, the extinction coefficient of the second sample is higher than that of the first sample for frequencies from 10 [GHz] to 1 [THz].

Thus, there is a strong correlation between the aggregation degree of nanocellulose and the propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves having frequencies of 10 [GHz] to 1 [THz] in NC-containing materials.
Therefore, according to the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment, the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample 2 can be estimated with high accuracy based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2 .
For example, the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment performs a Fourier transform on the pulse time intensity of the electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample 2 together with the phase difference information. The degree of agglomeration of nanocellulose may be estimated.

<Second embodiment>
Next, the estimation device of the second embodiment will be described. The estimating apparatus of the second embodiment differs from the estimating apparatus of the first embodiment in the optical system between each of the electromagnetic wave generation unit and the detection unit and the sample. The following description focuses on the points of difference. In addition, in the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment designate the same or substantially similar components.

As shown in FIG. 8, the estimation device 1A of the second embodiment includes an optical system 16 instead of the incident section 12 of the first embodiment.
The optical system 16 includes a diaphragm portion 161 , a first lens portion 162 , a second lens portion 163 , a third lens portion 164 and a fourth lens portion 165 .

In this example, the electromagnetic wave generator 11 emits circularly polarized waves.
Between the electromagnetic wave generating unit 11 and the first lens unit 162, the aperture unit 161 allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through. The diaphragm part 161 has a hollow truncated cone shape extending along the first straight line L1 connecting the focal position FP in the sample 2 and the position where the electromagnetic wave is emitted from the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 .

In this example, the sample 2 has a flat plate shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis (in other words, the xy plane). In this example, the first straight line L1 extends on a plane orthogonal to the x-axis (in other words, the yz plane). The narrowing portion 161 allows part of the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 to pass through, and blocks other parts of the electromagnetic waves by reflecting them.

The first lens portion 162 converts the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating portion 11 and passing through the diaphragm portion 161 into parallel light parallel to the first straight line L1. In other words, the first lens portion 162 has a position where the position where the electromagnetic wave is emitted from the electromagnetic wave generating portion 11 is located at the focal point of the first lens portion 162 .

In this example, the first lens portion 162 is a plano-convex lens made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The first lens portion 162 may be a biconvex lens or a concave lens instead of the plano-convex lens. Also, the first lens portion 162 may be made of high resistance silicon. For example, high resistance silicon is manufactured using the float zone method (floating casting method).

Each of the second lens portion 163 , the third lens portion 164 , and the fourth lens portion 165 is also a plano-convex lens made of polytetrafluoroethylene, like the first lens portion 162 . Note that each of the second lens portion 163, the third lens portion 164, and the fourth lens portion 165 may be a biconvex lens or a concave lens instead of the plano-convex lens. Further, each of the second lens portion 163, the third lens portion 164, and the fourth lens portion 165 may be made of high resistance silicon.

The second lens portion 163 focuses the electromagnetic waves passing through the first lens portion 162 . In this example, the second lens unit 163 has a position where the focal position FP within the sample 2 is positioned at the focal point of the second lens unit 163 .

With such a configuration, the first lens unit 162 and the second lens unit 163 direct the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generation unit 11 along the first straight line L1 passing through the focal position FP in the sample 2 to the sample 2 . incident on the In this example, the first lens portion 162 and the second lens portion 163 correspond to the incident portion.

The optical system 16 may include a parabolic mirror that converges the electromagnetic waves passing through the first lens portion 162 instead of the second lens portion 163 .
Further, the optical system 16 may include a diaphragm portion between the second lens portion 163 and the sample 2 that allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through.

The third lens portion 164 converts the electromagnetic wave reflected by the sample 2 into parallel light parallel to the second straight line L2. A second straight line L2 connects the focal position FP in the sample 2 and the position at which the electromagnetic wave is incident on the detector 13 . In this example, the second straight line L2 extends on the yz plane. In this example, the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 are symmetrical on the yz plane with respect to the reference straight line passing through the focal position FP and extending along the z-axis.

In this example, the third lens unit 164 has a position where the focal position FP within the sample 2 is located at the focal point of the third lens unit 164 . In addition, the optical system 16 may be provided with a diaphragm part that allows only part of the electromagnetic waves to pass through between the third lens part 164 and the sample 2 .

The fourth lens portion 165 focuses the electromagnetic waves passing through the third lens portion 164 . In this example, the fourth lens portion 165 has a position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the detection portion 13 at the focal point of the fourth lens portion 165 . In addition, the optical system 16 may be provided with a diaphragm portion that allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through between the fourth lens portion 165 and the detection portion 13 .

With such a configuration, the detection unit 13 detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2 along the second straight line L2 that passes through the focal position FP and is different from the first straight line L1.
In this example, the detection unit 13 detects the intensity of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the sample 2 and passing through the third lens unit 164 and the fourth lens unit 165 .

Furthermore, the detection unit 13 detects a component (in other words, Then, the first linear polarization component) is detected. In this example, the reference plane is the yz plane. The first linear polarization component may be referred to as the P-wave component. A plane including the direction in which an electric field vibrates and the direction in which an electromagnetic wave propagates may be referred to as a plane of polarization.

In addition, the detection unit 13 detects the direction perpendicular to the reference plane (the x-axis direction in this example) in the electromagnetic wave that has been reflected by the sample 2 and passed through the third lens unit 164 and the fourth lens unit 165. A linearly polarized wave component (in other words, a second linearly polarized wave component) in which the electric field oscillates is detected at . The second linear polarization component may be referred to as the S-wave component.

In addition, the optical system 16 includes a polarization filter for blocking other components so that only the first linearly polarized wave component and the second linearly polarized wave component of the electromagnetic wave enter the detection unit 13. It may be provided on a path through which electromagnetic waves pass.

The storage unit 14 of the second embodiment stores refractive index cohesion degree information. Further, the storage unit 14 stores refractive index information, which is information in which the intensity of the electromagnetic wave and the refractive index are associated with each other.

The estimating unit 15 of the second embodiment detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detecting unit 13, the intensity of the first linearly polarized wave component of the electromagnetic wave, and the intensity of the second linearly polarized wave component of the electromagnetic wave. and the refractive index of the sample 2 is estimated based on.

FIG. 9 shows an example of changes in the reflectance of the P-wave component and the reflectance of the S-wave component with respect to the angle of incidence. The incident angle is the angle formed by the reference straight line and the first straight line L1. Also, the reflectance is the ratio of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the sample 2 to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave incident on the sample 2 . In FIG. 9, a curve LRP and a curve LRS represent the reflectance of the P-wave component and the reflectance of the S-wave component, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reflectance of the P-wave component and the reflectance of the S-wave component have different values when the incident angle is greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

FIG. 10 shows an example of change in the reflectance difference, which is the difference between the reflectance of the P-wave component and the reflectance of the S-wave component, with respect to the refractive index. In FIG. 10, curves LA5 and LA10 represent the reflectance difference when the incident angle is 5 degrees and the reflectance difference when the incident angle is 10 degrees, respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, the reflectance difference increases as the refractive index increases.

Therefore, in this example, the storage unit 14 stores reflectance difference refractive index information, which is information in which a reflectance difference and a refractive index are associated with each other. Therefore, the estimation unit 15 acquires the reflectance difference based on the intensity of the first linear polarization component and the intensity of the second linear polarization component detected by the detection unit 13, and obtains the acquired reflectance difference , the refractive index is estimated based on the reflectance difference refractive index information stored in the storage unit 14, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection unit 13, and the refractive index information stored in the storage unit 14. do.

Note that the estimation unit 15 may use reflectance instead of the intensity of the electromagnetic waves. In addition, the estimating unit 15 is not based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detecting unit 13 and the refractive index information stored in the storage unit 14, but the reflectance difference and the information stored in the storage unit 14. The refractive index may be estimated based on the reflectance difference refractive index information. Alternatively, the estimator 15 may estimate the refractive index based on the difference between the intensity of the first linear polarization component and the intensity of the second linear polarization component instead of the reflectance difference.

As described above, according to the estimation device 1A of the second embodiment, the same actions and effects as those of the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment are achieved.
Furthermore, in the estimation apparatus 1A of the second embodiment, the optical system 16 causes the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generator 11 to enter the sample 2 along the first straight line L1 passing through the focal position FP in the sample 2. The detection unit 13 detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample 2 along a second straight line L2 that passes through the focal position FP and is different from the first straight line L1. The estimating unit 15 calculates the intensity of the first linearly polarized wave component in which the electric field oscillates on a reference plane including the first straight line L1 and the second straight line L2 among the electromagnetic waves detected by the detecting unit 13, and and the intensity of the second linearly polarized wave component in which the electric field oscillates in the direction orthogonal to the reference plane.

According to this, in addition to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection unit 13, or instead of the intensity, the difference between the intensity of the first linearly polarized wave component and the intensity of the second linearly polarized wave component, Alternatively, the refractive index is estimated based on the difference between the reflectance of the first linearly polarized wave component and the reflectance of the second linearly polarized wave component. Therefore, the refractive index can be estimated with high accuracy. As a result, the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in sample 2 can be estimated with high accuracy.

In addition, according to the estimation device 1A of the second embodiment, the number or size of optical components can be reduced compared to an estimation device using terahertz time domain spectroscopy, so the estimation device 1A can be miniaturized. For example, the estimating device 1A can be easily installed in the vicinity of the manufacturing device that manufactures the sample 2 .

Note that the estimation device 1A of the modified example of the second embodiment may include a transport section that moves the sample 2 on the xy plane. In this case, the estimation device 1A moves the sample 2 on the xy plane every time a predetermined estimation time elapses, thereby estimating the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample 2 at a plurality of different positions on the xy plane. do. Thereby, the distribution of the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample 2 in the xy plane can be obtained.

Further, the estimation apparatus 1A of the modified example of the second embodiment may include a transport section that moves the sample 2 in the xy plane and moves the sample 2 in the z direction. In this case, the estimation device 1A moves the sample 2 on the xy plane and moves the sample 2 in the z direction every time a predetermined estimation time elapses, thereby estimating the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in the sample 2. , at different positions in the x-, y-, and z-directions. Thereby, the three-dimensional distribution of the aggregation degree of nanocellulose in sample 2 can be obtained.

<Third Embodiment>
Next, the estimation device of the third embodiment will be described. The estimating apparatus of the third embodiment differs from the estimating apparatus of the first embodiment in the optical system between each of the electromagnetic wave generation unit and the detection unit and the sample. The following description focuses on the points of difference. In addition, in the description of the third embodiment, the same or substantially similar parts are assigned the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the estimation device 1B of the third embodiment includes an optical system 17 instead of the incident section 12 of the first embodiment.
The optical system 17 includes a diaphragm portion 171 , a first reflector portion 172 , a beam splitter portion 173 and a second reflector portion 174 .

Between the electromagnetic wave generating unit 11 and the first reflecting mirror unit 172, the aperture unit 171 allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through. The constricted portion 171 has a hollow truncated cone shape extending along a predetermined straight line. The narrowing portion 171 allows part of the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 to pass through, and blocks other parts of the electromagnetic waves by reflecting them.

The first reflecting mirror portion 172 reflects the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating portion 11 and passing through the aperture portion 171 to focus the electromagnetic wave on the focal position FP within the sample 2 . In this example, the first reflector section 172 is a parabolic mirror. In this example, the sample 2 has a flat plate shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis (in other words, the xy plane). In this example, the first reflector section 172 corresponds to the incident section.

The beam splitter section 173 transmits a part (substantially half in this example) of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first reflecting mirror section 172, and transmits a portion of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the first reflecting mirror section 172. , reflecting other parts. In this example, the beam splitter section 173 is a half mirror made of high resistance silicon. Note that the beam splitter unit 173 may be a beam splitter other than the half mirror.
Note that the optical system 17 may include a diaphragm portion between the beam splitter portion 173 and the sample 2 that allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through.

The beam splitter section 173 transmits part (approximately half in this example) of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the sample 2 and reflects the other part of the electromagnetic waves reflected by the sample 2 .

The second reflecting mirror portion 174 reflects the electromagnetic wave reflected by the sample 2 and the beam splitter portion 173 to focus the electromagnetic wave on a position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the detection portion 13 .
In addition, the optical system 17 may include a diaphragm portion that allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass between the second reflecting mirror portion 174 and the detection portion 13 . Also, the optical system 17 may include a lens instead of the parabolic mirror.

The storage unit 14 of the third embodiment stores refractive index cohesion degree information. The estimator 15 of the third embodiment estimates the refractive index of the sample 2 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detector 13 .

FIG. 12 shows an example of change in reflectance with respect to refractive index. The reflectance is the ratio of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave reflected by the sample 2 to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave incident on the sample 2 . As shown in FIG. 12, the reflectance increases as the refractive index increases.

Therefore, in this example, the storage unit 14 stores reflectance/refractive index information, which is information in which the reflectance and the refractive index are associated with each other. Therefore, the estimating unit 15 acquires the reflectance based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detecting unit 13, and based on the acquired reflectance and the reflectance/refractive index information stored in the storage unit 14, to estimate the refractive index. Note that the estimation unit 15 may use the intensity of the electromagnetic wave instead of the reflectance.

As described above, according to the estimation device 1B of the third embodiment, the same actions and effects as those of the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment are achieved.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Next, the estimation device of the fourth embodiment will be described. The estimating device of the fourth embodiment differs from the estimating device of the first embodiment in the optical system between each of the electromagnetic wave generation unit and the detection unit and the sample. The following description focuses on the points of difference. In addition, in the description of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment designate the same or substantially similar components.

As shown in FIG. 13, an estimation device 1C of the fourth embodiment includes an optical system 18 instead of the incident section 12 of the first embodiment.
The optical system 18 includes a diaphragm portion 181 , a first lens portion 182 , a second lens portion 183 , a third lens portion 184 and a fourth lens portion 185 .

Between the electromagnetic wave generating unit 11 and the first lens unit 182, the aperture unit 181 allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through. The diaphragm part 181 has a hollow truncated cone shape extending along a reference straight line LR connecting the focal position FP in the sample 2 and the position from which the electromagnetic wave is emitted from the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 .

In this example, the sample 2 has a flat plate shape extending along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis (in other words, the xy plane). In this example, the reference straight line LR extends along the z-axis. The narrowing portion 181 allows part of the electromagnetic waves generated by the electromagnetic wave generating part 11 to pass through, and blocks other parts of the electromagnetic waves by reflecting them.

The first lens portion 182 converts the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generating portion 11 and passing through the diaphragm portion 181 into parallel light parallel to the reference straight line LR. In other words, the first lens portion 182 has a position where the position where the electromagnetic wave is emitted from the electromagnetic wave generating portion 11 is located at the focal point of the first lens portion 182 .

In this example, the first lens portion 182 is a plano-convex lens made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The first lens portion 182 may be a biconvex lens or a concave lens instead of the plano-convex lens. Also, the first lens portion 182 may be made of high resistance silicon. For example, high resistance silicon is manufactured using the float zone method (floating casting method).

Each of the second lens portion 183, the third lens portion 184, and the fourth lens portion 185 is also a plano-convex lens made of polytetrafluoroethylene, like the first lens portion 182. As shown in FIG. Each of the second lens portion 183, the third lens portion 184, and the fourth lens portion 185 may be a biconvex lens or a concave lens instead of the plano-convex lens. Further, each of the second lens portion 183, the third lens portion 184, and the fourth lens portion 185 may be made of high resistance silicon.

The second lens portion 183 focuses the electromagnetic waves passing through the first lens portion 182 . In this example, the second lens unit 183 has a position where the focal position FP within the sample 2 is positioned at the focal point of the second lens unit 183 .

With such a configuration, the first lens unit 182 and the second lens unit 183 direct the electromagnetic wave generated by the electromagnetic wave generation unit 11 to the sample 2 along the reference straight line LR passing through the focal position FP in the sample 2. make it incident. In this example, the first lens section 182 and the second lens section 183 correspond to the incident section. In addition, the optical system 18 may be provided with a diaphragm part that allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through between the second lens part 183 and the sample 2 .

The third lens unit 184 converts the electromagnetic wave that has passed through the sample 2 into parallel light that is parallel to the reference straight line LR. In this example, the third lens unit 184 has a position where the focal position FP within the sample 2 is positioned at the focal point of the third lens unit 184 . In addition, the optical system 18 may be provided with a diaphragm part that allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through between the third lens part 184 and the sample 2 .

The fourth lens portion 185 focuses the electromagnetic waves passing through the third lens portion 184 . In this example, the fourth lens portion 185 has a position where the electromagnetic wave is incident on the detection portion 13 at the focal point of the fourth lens portion 185 . In addition, the optical system 18 may be provided with a diaphragm portion that allows only part of the electromagnetic wave to pass through between the fourth lens portion 185 and the detection portion 13 . Also, the optical system 18 may be provided with a parabolic mirror instead of the lens.

The storage unit 14 of the fourth embodiment stores refractive index cohesion degree information. The estimator 15 of the fourth embodiment estimates the absorption parameter of the sample 2 based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves detected by the detector 13 .

In this example, the storage unit 14 stores transmittance absorption information, which is information in which the transmittance and the absorption parameter are associated with each other. The transmittance is the ratio of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave transmitted through the sample 2 to the intensity of the electromagnetic wave incident on the sample 2 . Therefore, the estimation unit 15 acquires the transmittance based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave detected by the detection unit 13, and based on the acquired transmittance and the transmittance absorption information stored in the storage unit 14, Estimate the extinction parameters. Note that the estimation unit 15 may use the intensity of the electromagnetic wave instead of the transmittance.

As described above, according to the estimation device 1C of the fourth embodiment, the same actions and effects as those of the estimation device 1 of the first embodiment are achieved.

In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. For example, various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art may be added to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The estimation devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C estimate the degree of aggregation of molecular chains that form a structure containing water molecules and are different from the molecular chains contained in nanocellulose, instead of the degree of aggregation of nanocellulose. You may

The molecular chains that form a structure containing water molecules are not limited to a specific chemical structure as long as they have a hydrophilic group (in other words, a hydrophilic group), as exemplified by nanocellulose. Incidentally, the hydrophilic group is, for example, a hydroxy group (--OH), an amino group (--NH ₂ ), a carbonyl group (--CO--), or a carboxy group (--COOH).

Moreover, the sample 2 may not contain the base material. For example, the sample 2 may consist of a material having molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules.
Further, when the sample 2 contains a base material, the content of the material having a molecular chain that forms a structure containing water molecules may be in the range of 0.01 to 20% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 20% by mass. It may be in the range of 15% by mass, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10% by mass, and even more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5% by mass.

Also, the molecular chain forming the structure containing water molecules may be, for example, at least a part of an inclusion compound containing water molecules (for example, a cyclic molecular chain). For example, the inclusion compound may be methane hydrate. Also, the molecular chains that form the structure containing water molecules may be at least part of the silicone hydrogel (for example, silicone). Also, the molecular chain forming a structure containing water molecules may be at least part of trehalose. In this case, the sample 2 may be food (for example, pudding, etc.). Moreover, the molecular chains forming the structure containing water molecules may be at least part of a hydrophilic resin such as poval resin, or may be at least part of a random copolymer. In this case, sample 2 may be a pigment or paint. Furthermore, in this case the color of the pigment or paint may change depending on the state of the adsorbed water molecules.

For example, the sample 2 containing a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules may be a material having a structure in which molecular chains aggregate, and is not limited to a specific chemical structure.

In order to use the estimation devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C in the manufacturing process for manufacturing the sample 2, for example, the size of the estimation devices 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, the size of the estimation devices 1, 1A, The time required for the estimation of 1B and 1C, the resolution in the estimation of the estimation devices 1, 1A, 1B and 1C, etc. may be set appropriately.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C estimation device 11 electromagnetic wave generation unit 12 incident unit 13 detection unit 14 storage unit 15 estimation unit 16 optical system 161 aperture unit 162 first lens unit 163 second lens unit 164 third lens unit 165 fourth lens Section 17 Optical System 171 Diaphragm Section 172 First Reflector Section 173 Beam Splitter Section 174 Second Reflector Section 18 Optical System 181 Diaphragm Section 182 First Lens Section 183 Second Lens Section 184 Third Lens Section 185 Fourth Lens Section 2 Specimen FP Focal position L1 First straight line L2 Second straight line LR Reference straight line

Claims (7)

An estimation device for estimating the state of a sample containing a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules,
an electromagnetic wave generator that generates an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz;
an incidence section for injecting the generated electromagnetic wave into the sample;
a detection unit that detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sample;
an estimating unit that estimates a degree of aggregation representing the degree of aggregation of the molecular chains in the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave;
An estimator, comprising: a storage unit that stores refractive index cohesion degree information in which the refractive index and the cohesion degree are associated with each other;
The estimation unit estimates the refractive index of the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave, and the degree of aggregation based on the estimated refractive index and the stored refractive index aggregation degree information. 2. The estimating device according to claim 1, which estimates . A storage unit that stores light absorption cohesion degree information in which an absorption parameter representing the degree of light absorption and the cohesion degree are associated with each other,
The estimating unit estimates an absorption parameter of the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave, and estimates the aggregation degree based on the estimated absorption parameter and the stored absorption aggregation degree information. 3. An estimating device according to claim 1 or claim 2, for estimating. The incident section causes the generated electromagnetic wave to be incident on the sample along a first straight line passing through a focal position in the sample,
The detection unit detects an electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample along a second straight line passing through the focal position and different from the first straight line,
The estimating unit determines, of the detected electromagnetic wave, the intensity of a first linearly polarized wave component in which the electric field oscillates on a reference plane including the first straight line and the second straight line, and the 4. Estimation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refractive index of the sample is estimated based on the intensity of the second linearly polarized component in which the electric field oscillates in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane. Device. The estimation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the molecular chain has a hydrophilic group. An estimation method for estimating the state of a sample containing a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules,
generating an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz;
causing the generated electromagnetic wave to enter the sample;
detecting an electromagnetic wave emitted from the sample;
estimating a degree of aggregation representing the degree of aggregation of the molecular chains in the sample based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave;
Estimation methods, including A manufacturing method for manufacturing a material containing a plurality of molecular chains forming a structure containing water molecules,
producing said material;
generating an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 10 GHz to 3 THz;
injecting the generated electromagnetic wave into the material;
detecting electromagnetic waves emitted from the material;
estimating a degree of aggregation representing the degree to which the molecular chains are aggregated in the material, based on the intensity of the detected electromagnetic wave;
method of manufacturing the material, including

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