Broadband Laser Pulse Generator for Tomographic Atom Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser-assisted tomographic atom probes, determining the optimal intensity of laser pulses for evaporation is challenging due to variations in sample composition and geometry, leading to suboptimal mass spectrum resolution and potential sample destruction, requiring empirical adjustments and repetitive settings for each analysis.
Innovation Solution
A broadband spectral band laser pulse generator device using a monochromatic light source with nonlinear optical means to produce a white supercontinuum, ensuring evaporation by nonlinear optical field effect at varying resonance wavelengths, reducing thermal effects and sample destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the intensity of laser pulses is increased to ensure evaporation of material elements, then evaporation efficiency is improved, but sample destruction and mass spectrum degradation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser pulse to match the resonance absorption wavelength of the sample material. By tuning the laser wavelength to resonate with specific material elements, evaporation efficiency is enhanced at lower intensities, avoiding sample destruction while maintaining effective field evaporation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of laser pulse intensity during the analysis process. The intensity is automatically modified based on real-time feedback from mass spectrum quality assessment and evaporation rate monitoring, allowing the system to adapt to changing sample geometry and composition throughout the analysis
2Measurement precision
If the intensity of laser pulses is adjusted for different samples, then analysis accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting system that automatically determines and modifies laser pulse intensity based on real-time analysis of mass spectrum quality and evaporation characteristics. The system uses feedback from the analysis process itself to optimize parameters without requiring manual intervention, making the high-precision analysis accessible without expert empirical knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor mass spectrum resolution and evaporation rate, using this information to automatically adjust laser pulse intensity. This closed-loop control ensures optimal analysis conditions are maintained throughout the process while eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustments
3Adaptability or versatility
If empirical adjustment is used to determine optimal laser intensity, then adaptability to different samples is improved, but analysis time and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the sample material using the broadband light source to identify resonance absorption wavelengths and optical properties before the actual analysis begins. This pre-characterization data is stored and used to pre-configure optimal laser parameters for the specific material type, eliminating the need for time-consuming empirical adjustments during each analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a broadband light source that can interact with multiple material elements simultaneously across different wavelengths. This universal approach allows the system to handle diverse sample compositions with a single configured system, as the broadband source inherently covers the spectral ranges needed for most materials without requiring sample-specific wavelength tuning
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 consistent, high-resolution mass spectrum analysis without sample destruction, allowing for identical material analysis with a single intensity adjustment and adaptive wavelength coverage, regardless of sample shape or composition changes during analysis.
Implementation Method 1
nonlinear optical means for carrying out a spectral broadening of the wave emitted by the light source
Implementation Method 2
the evaporation of the sample occurring by nonlinear optical field effect for a resonance wavelength which varies during the analysis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention pertains to the general field of the analysis of the composition of material samples. The invention particularly relates to laser tomographic atom probes. The invention relates to a wide spectral band laser pulse generating device capable of covering a spectrum formed of given wavelengths, which comprises: a monochromatic laser light source having an adjustable intensity; a non-linear optical means, such as a photonic crystal or a microstructured optical fibre, for the spectral widening of the wave emitted by the light source; wherein the light source and the non-linear optical means are configured and arranged so as to generate a white supercontinuum having a continuous spectrum that contains the wavelengths in question.