Compact Gas Cell with Integrated Infrared Source and Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas cells for measuring infrared spectra of gases are bulky and have a slow response due to large sample volumes, which require extensive gas replacement for each measurement, leading to inefficient and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact gas cell design featuring a chamber body and lid that form a space with an infrared source and detector, an optical chip between them, and O-rings for sealing, allowing gas to flow through the optical chip while minimizing leakage and sample volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large sample volume is used in traditional gas cells, then the measurement can be performed with standard infrared sources and detectors, but the response time becomes slow and the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The gas cell is segmented into a compact chamber with integrated optical components. The sample volume is divided and confined within a small chamber (approximately 10cm x 10cm x 1cm), allowing rapid gas replacement while maintaining sufficient interaction path length for infrared absorption measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared source and detector are nested within or directly coupled to the gas chamber, eliminating the need for external optical paths. This integration reduces the overall system volume and allows the entire measurement system to fit within a compact footprint while maintaining measurement capability.
2Loss of time
If the gas cell volume is reduced to improve response time, then the response time decreases, but the infrared source and detector cannot be properly sealed or positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber lid integrates multiple functions: it seals the chamber, provides mounting for the infrared source, and incorporates an O-ring groove for reliable sealing. This merging of functions allows the compact design to achieve both small volume and reliable sealing without compromising either aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
An O-ring sealing element is used at the interface between the chamber lid and chamber body. This flexible sealing solution provides reliable gas-tight sealing in the compact configuration, preventing leakage while accommodating the reduced chamber dimensions.
3Loss of time
If a compact gas cell is designed with integrated components, then the sample volume is minimized for fast response, but the manufacturing and assembly become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber lid serves multiple purposes: it acts as a sealing surface with an integrated O-ring groove, provides structural support for the infrared source mounting, and defines the optical path geometry. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly despite the integrated design.
4Volume of moving object
If the optical path length is reduced to fit in a compact cell, then the system becomes compact, but the absorption signal strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical design is optimized for the compact path length by selecting appropriate infrared source wavelengths and detector sensitivities that maximize absorption signal strength within the reduced geometry. The chamber dimensions and optical component positioning are tuned to achieve sufficient signal strength despite the shorter path length.
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
The compact gas cell design significantly reduces response time to less than 12 seconds and minimizes sample volume, enabling faster and more efficient gas concentration detection compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared source provided in a through hole of the chamber lid such that the infrared source extends through a thickness of the chamber lid
Implementation Method 2
Gas cells are used for measuring the infrared spectra of gases and gas mixtures
Implementation Method 3
a first O-ring arranged between the chamber lid and the chamber body. The gas cell may also include a second O-ring arranged between the optical chip and the chamber lid
Implementation Method 4
The chamber body may include an inlet and an outlet so that the chamber body is configured to allow a gas to flow from the inlet through the optical chip
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments may relate to a gas cell. The gas cell may include a chamber body. The gas cell may also include a chamber lid cooperating with the chamber body to form a space. The gas cell may further include an infrared source provided in a through hole of the chamber lid such that the infrared source extends through a thickness of the chamber lid. The gas cell may additionally include a detector provided in a through hole of the chamber body. The gas cell may further include an optical chip arranged within the space such that the optical chip is between the infrared source and the detector. The gas cell may also include three O-rings.