Dual Source Analyzer Single Detector LIBS Raman Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic instruments, such as portable XRF, LIBS, Raman, and NIR analyzers, face limitations in accurately determining elemental concentrations and molecular compositions, particularly for elements like Be, B, C, Li, O, and N, and struggle with quantifying multiple compounds due to sample response variations and the need for complex spectral interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-source system combining LIBS and Raman or NIR technologies with an analysis algorithm that measures elemental concentrations using LIBS and compounds using Raman or NIR, allowing for refined library searches and improved chemometrics by reducing the search space to only include compounds composed of measured elements, ensuring internal consistency and accurate mass balances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single detector is used for both LIBS and Raman/NIR measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be compromised due to detector optimization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LIBS and Raman/NIR measurement capabilities into a single detector subsystem. The detector is configured to receive photons from the sample after interaction with both high power (LIBS) and low power (Raman/NIR) energy sources, integrating multiple analytical functions into one detection platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector subsystem is designed with universal capability to detect photons across different measurement modes. It can process signals from both LIBS (elemental analysis) and Raman/NIR (molecular analysis) measurements, making it a multi-functional detection system that handles diverse analytical requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual-source system (LIBS + Raman/NIR) is implemented, then analytical capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges LIBS and Raman/NIR optical paths into a shared configuration. Both high power and low power energy sources interact with the sample through coordinated optical paths, and both measurement modes utilize the same detector subsystem, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced analytical capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical subsystem and detector are designed with universal functionality to handle both LIBS and Raman/NIR measurements. The system can switch between or combine both measurement modes using the same hardware infrastructure, achieving multi-functionality without proportional increases in complexity.
3Measurement precision
If LIBS is used for elemental analysis, then detection of low atomic number elements is improved, but safety concerns arise from high power laser
Solution Approach 1:
The high power laser for LIBS measurements is operated in pulsed mode rather than continuous operation. This periodic action allows the laser to deliver sufficient energy for plasma generation and elemental analysis while minimizing cumulative thermal effects and safety risks associated with continuous high power exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinated optical path system that acts as an intermediary between the high power laser and the sample. This includes optical components that control laser delivery, focus energy where needed, and protect surrounding areas, thereby enabling effective LIBS analysis while mitigating safety concerns through controlled energy delivery.
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
This approach enables accurate quantification of both elements and compounds, reducing errors and improving user accessibility by providing internally consistent results that satisfy mass balances, even for trace compounds, and enhances the precision of elemental and molecular analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a high powered laser that sufficiently heats a portion of the sample to produce a plasma
Implementation Method 2
heats a portion of the sample to produce a plasma
Implementation Method 3
As the plasma cools, eventually the electrons return to their ground states. In the process, photons are emitted at wavelengths unique to the specific elements comprising the sample
Implementation Method 4
Portable, laser based Raman spectrometers...configured to collect either Raman spectra
Implementation Method 5
a wide bandwidth based (i.e., non-laser) near infra-red (NIR) analyzers...configured to collect...infra-red absorption
Implementation Method 6
A detector measures the energy of each x-ray and counts the total number of x-rays produced at a given energy
Data Source
AI summary
A dual source system and method includes a high power laser used to determine elements in a sample and a lower power device used to determine compounds present in the sample. An optical subsystem directs photons from a sample to a detector subsystem after laser energy from the laser strikes the sample along an optical path. After energy from the device strikes the sample protons are directed to the detector subsystem along the same optical path. The detector subsystem receives photons after laser energy from the laser strikes the sample and provides a first signal, and receives photons after energy from the device strikes the sample and provides a second signal. A controller subsystem pulses the high power laser and processes the first signal to determine elements present in the sample, energizes the lower power device and processes the second signal to determine compounds present in the sample.