Dual-Path Spectrometer with Solid Body and Secondary Electron Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrometers either use spatially resolving solid body sensors or time-resolving secondary electron multipliers, but not both simultaneously, limiting their ability to perform both spatially and time-resolved measurements of pulsed optical emission sources.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design that employs two independent spectral modules with separate gratings, allowing simultaneous spatially resolved measurements with CCD/CMOS array sensors and time-resolved measurements with photomultipliers, using a common aperture and dispersive elements to channel light to each type of sensor, enabling parallel operation of both detector types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only solid body sensors are used, then spatially resolved measurements are available, but time-resolved measurements cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both solid body sensors (CCD/CMOS arrays) and secondary electron multipliers (photomultipliers) in a single spectrometer system. The solid body sensors provide spatially resolved measurements across the spectrum, while the secondary electron multipliers provide time-resolved measurements at specific wavelengths. This merging of different detector technologies resolves the contradiction by enabling both spatial and temporal resolution capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrometer is designed with multi-functional detection capabilities by incorporating two types of sensors that serve different purposes. The system can perform spatially resolved spectroscopy using solid body sensors and time-resolved spectroscopy using secondary electron multipliers, making the instrument versatile for different measurement requirements within a single device.
2Measurement precision
If only secondary electron multipliers are used, then time-resolved measurements are available, but spatially resolved measurements cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both solid body sensors (CCD/CMOS arrays) and secondary electron multipliers (photomultipliers) in a single spectrometer system. The solid body sensors provide spatially resolved measurements across the spectrum, while the secondary electron multipliers provide time-resolved measurements at specific wavelengths. This merging of different detector technologies resolves the contradiction by enabling both spatial and temporal resolution capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spectrometer is designed with multi-functional detection capabilities by incorporating two types of sensors that serve different purposes. The system can perform spatially resolved spectroscopy using solid body sensors and time-resolved spectroscopy using secondary electron multipliers, making the instrument versatile for different measurement requirements within a single device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both types of detectors are used simultaneously, then both spatially and time-resolved measurements are available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spectrometer is divided into separate optical paths: one path directs light to solid body sensors for spatially resolved measurements, while another path directs light to secondary electron multipliers for time-resolved measurements. This segmentation allows each detector type to function independently with optimized optical coupling, reducing the complexity that would arise from attempting to use both detectors in a single shared path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a beam splitter or dichroic mirror as an intermediary element to divide the incoming light into separate paths for the two detector types. This intermediary component enables simultaneous operation of both solid body sensors and secondary electron multipliers without requiring a completely redundant optical system, thereby managing complexity while maintaining dual detection capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If weak spectral lines are measured in the presence of strong background signals, then detection sensitivity is required, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes time-resolved detection with secondary electron multipliers to measure spectral lines at specific time points after excitation. By detecting signals at optimized time points when background emission has decayed but analyte lines remain visible, the system achieves high detection sensitivity with improved signal-to-noise ratio for weak spectral lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temporal gating of the detection process, where the secondary electron multipliers are activated at specific time windows after excitation pulse. This preliminary timing action allows weak spectral lines to be detected during periods when background signals are minimal, effectively improving the signal-to-noise ratio before the actual measurement occurs.
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 simultaneous spatially and time-resolved analysis of pulsed radiation sources, improving signal-to-noise ratio and allowing detection of weak spectral lines that would be obscured by strong background signals, with compact and stable mechanical arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersive element, for example a diffraction grating, is provided for each group of sensors
Implementation Method 2
The second type of sensors is formed by the secondary electron multipliers, thus for example by photomultipliers and channeltrons. These detectors produce an electrical charge proportional to the incident photon flow.
Implementation Method 3
solid body sensors are used, in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in one or more lines
Implementation Method 4
a spark discharge is generated between the sample and an electrode, the high temperature in this discharge causing the material to be excited and to release characteristic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a spectrometer for analyzing the optical emission of a sample by means of pulsed excitation of an optical spectral emission, having an excitation source, a gap arrangement, at least one dispersive element and having detectors for the emitted spectrum, in which two beam paths are provided with two dispersive elements, the first dispersive element of which images the spectrum of the emission onto a number of spatially resolving detectors and the second dispersive element of which images the spectrum of the emission onto a number of time-resolving detectors.