Dual-Source LIBS and Raman System for Elemental and Compound Quantification
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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, especially for lower atomic number elements and in complex mixtures, due to safety concerns, inaccuracy, and the need for technical expertise and extensive spectral interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A dual-source system combining LIBS and Raman or NIR technologies with an analysis algorithm that measures elemental concentrations using a high-power laser and compound presence using a lower-power device, allowing for improved chemometrics and internal consistency in analytical results by refining library searches and quantifying trace compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If XRF is used for elemental analysis, then quantification of elemental concentrations is achieved, but lower atomic number elements cannot be detected and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LIBS and Raman/NIR spectroscopic techniques into a single dual-source system. LIBS detects lower atomic number elements by creating plasma that emits characteristic radiation, while Raman/NIR identifies molecular compounds. This merging allows simultaneous detection of both elements and compounds across a broader atomic number range, resolving the limitation of XRF for low-Z elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Raman or NIR analyzers are used for compound identification, then molecular compositions are determined, but accurate quantification of compounds in complex mixtures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses iterative feedback between LIBS elemental data and Raman/NIR spectral data. The LIBS elemental concentrations provide feedback to constrain the chemometric analysis of Raman/NIR spectra, which in turn refines the quantification of compounds. This feedback loop continuously improves measurement precision for compound quantification in complex mixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analytical parameters by combining two different spectroscopic measurement modes (elemental LIBS and molecular Raman/NIR) with different sensitivity characteristics. This parameter change allows the system to overcome the limitations of each individual technique and achieve accurate quantification of compounds in complex mixtures through complementary information.
3Extent of automation
If dual source systems fuse Raman and LIBS data, then probability values for unknown material identification are calculated, but accurate quantification of both elements and compounds simultaneously is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by first obtaining LIBS elemental concentrations, then using this information to guide and constrain the subsequent Raman/NIR spectral analysis. This preliminary step provides a foundation that enables accurate simultaneous quantification of both elements and compounds, rather than treating them as separate sequential tasks.
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 user complexity, while ensuring internal consistency and precise mass balances, thus overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
These devices typically include a high powered laser that sufficiently heats a portion of the sample to produce a plasma.
Implementation Method 2
sufficiently heats a portion of the sample to produce a plasma
Implementation Method 3
Portable, laser based Raman spectrometers or a wide bandwidth based (i.e., non-laser) near infra-red (NIR) analyzers can be used. These devices are configured to collect either Raman spectra or infra-red absorption from a given sample.
Implementation Method 4
collect either Raman spectra or infra-red absorption from a given sample
Data Source
AI summary
A dual source system and method includes a high power laser used to determine elemental concentrations in a sample and a lower power device used to determine compounds present in the sample. A detector subsystem receives photons from the sample after laser energy from the high power laser strikes the sample and provides a first signal. The detector subsystem then receives photons from the sample after energy from the lower power device strikes the sample and provides a second signal. The high power laser is pulsed and the first signal is processed to determine elemental concentrations present in the sample. The lower power device is energized and the second signal is processed to determine compounds present in the signal. Based on the elemental concentrations and the compounds present, the compounds present in the sample are quantified.