Biaxial Laser Ablation Optics for 2D Sample Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser ablation devices for inductively coupled plasma analysis are limited in their ability to analyze multiple locations on a sample without repositioning, as they can only move the laser beam along a single axis, restricting sample placement and analysis positions, especially for complex samples like minerals, and limiting mixing ratios of multiple samples.
Innovation Solution
A laser ablation device with a femtosecond pulse laser and a biaxial optical system using two rotatable mirrors controlled by separate driving sources to irradiate samples in two dimensions, allowing for wider sample placement and analysis positions, and adjustable laser beam intervals for different analysis modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single-axis mirror system is used to move the laser beam, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area of stationary object (sample placement range) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-axis mirror system to a dual-axis mirror system, adding another dimension of movement control. The first mirror rotates about a first axis and the second mirror rotates about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, enabling two-dimensional positioning of the laser beam on the sample surface, thereby expanding the sample placement range without excessive complexity increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the laser beam moves along a track-shaped trajectory, then the analysis position coverage is improved, but the mixing ratio control of multiple samples is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the laser beam trajectory by independently controlling the rotation angles of two mirrors about perpendicular axes. This dynamic positioning system allows arbitrary movement of the laser beam to different sample locations, enabling flexible mixing ratios for multiple samples by adjusting the beam path and irradiation time at each location, rather than being constrained by fixed track-shaped trajectories.
3Manufacturing precision
If a femtosecond pulse laser is used, then the ablation precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the femtosecond pulse width parameter of the laser to achieve precise ablation. By controlling the pulse duration in the femtosecond range, the system achieves high ablation precision with minimal thermal damage to surrounding areas. The dual-axis mirror system complements this by providing precise spatial control of the laser beam, together achieving high overall ablation precision while managing system complexity through coordinated control of laser parameters and optical positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables two-dimensional movement of the laser beam, expanding the range of sample placement and analysis positions, improving analysis efficiency by reducing the need for sample repositioning and allowing for varied mixing ratios and higher analysis accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light source configured to output a laser beam for ablating a sample housed in a cell
Implementation Method 2
the laser light source outputs a femtosecond pulse laser beam having a pulse width of a femtosecond order
Implementation Method 3
the laser beam from the laser light source is reflected by the first mirror
Implementation Method 4
the laser beam reflected by the first mirror is reflected by the second mirror toward an analysis position of the sample
Implementation Method 5
an inductively coupled plasma type analysis apparatus having the laser ablation device
Implementation Method 6
by observing and analyzing light from excited atoms by applying a high voltage to an ionic or particulate sample thereby being changed to plasma
Data Source
AI summary
A laser ablation device is provided with: a laser light source that outputs a femtosecond pulse laser beam; an optical system that includes a first mirror rotatable about a first axis, a second mirror rotatable about a second axis, a first driving source for rotating the first mirror about the first axis, and a second driving source for rotating the second mirror about the second axis, and that reflects the laser beam from the laser light source toward a sample by the first mirror and the second mirror; and an irradiation controller that, on the basis of the two-dimensional coordinate position of an analysis position, controls the first driving source and the second driving source to irradiate the analysis position with the laser beam.