Automated Element Identification via Optical Emission Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ICP-OES methods require prior knowledge of elements and wavelengths of interest, leading to potential overlook of abnormal sample components and errors due to spectral interference, which are difficult to predict and correct without experienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically identifies elements in a sample by processing sample spectrum data to remove wavelengths prone to spectral interference, using predetermined emission wavelengths and potential interference wavelengths, and determining a level of confidence in element presence based on criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ICP-OES methods require users to specify elements and wavelengths of interest, then the analysis can be performed with predefined parameters, but important sample components may be overlooked and operator independence is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying elements and selecting optimal wavelengths without requiring operator specification. The software analyzes the spectral data, detects spectral interferences, and autonomously determines which elements are present and which wavelengths to use for quantitation, making the system independent of operator expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes analytical parameters based on the sample being analyzed. Instead of using fixed predefined elements and wavelengths, the software adjusts the list of elements to analyze and selects optimal wavelengths for each element based on the detected spectral interference conditions, optimizing measurement precision for each specific sample.
2Productivity
If users specify wavelengths for quantitation, then the analysis can proceed with fixed parameters, but spectral interference errors occur when wavelengths are incorrectly selected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the spectral data to identify spectral interferences before final quantitation. By detecting overlapping peaks and interference patterns in the initial spectral scan, the software can pre-select interference-free wavelengths for each element, ensuring accurate results before the actual quantitation process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the spectral analysis to continuously optimize wavelength selection. The software monitors the detected spectra, identifies interference patterns, and adjusts the selected wavelengths for quantitation based on this feedback, ensuring that the most reliable wavelengths are used for each specific sample analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive spectral analysis is performed to identify all elements, then no components are overlooked, but spectral interference makes wavelength selection complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the complexity of wavelength selection from the user's task. By automatically analyzing the spectral data and identifying optimal wavelengths for each detected element, the software extracts the critical information about which wavelengths to use, leaving the user with simplified results rather than complex selection decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The software acts as an intermediary between the complex spectral data and the user. It processes the raw spectral information, identifies spectral interferences, determines optimal wavelengths, and presents simplified results to the user, mediating the complexity of comprehensive spectral analysis without requiring the user to directly manage wavelength selections.
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 accurate identification of elements in uncharacterized samples without prior knowledge, reducing errors from spectral interference and improving operator independence in ICP-OES analysis.
Implementation Method 1
the excitation source is a plasma source, usually made from argon gas, which provides plasma energy to a nebulised sample causing constituent atoms to be excited and emit light
Implementation Method 2
ICP-OES (also referred to as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES))
Implementation Method 3
An optical device disperses light that enters the system to isolate different wavelengths of the emitted spectrum
Implementation Method 4
The detector is typically an integrated array of photosensitive elements that collects the light passing through the spectrometry system
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method of automatically identifying the presence of one or more elements in a sample via optical emission spectroscopy. The method includes the steps of obtaining sample spectrum data from the sample, obtaining a list of one or more predetermined emission wavelengths for each element in the periodic table quantifiable by optical emission spectroscopy, each predetermined emission wavelength being associated with a list of one or more potential interference emission wavelengths, determining a list of one or more analyte wavelengths corresponding to spectral peaks in the sample spectrum data based on the list of emission wavelengths, for each analyte wavelength, determining whether the corresponding spectral peak has a likelihood of being affected by an interference emission wavelength causing spectral interference based on the list of one or more potential interference emission wavelengths corresponding to the analyte wavelength, determining a revised list of one or more analyte wavelengths by removing from the list of analyte wavelengths, analyte wavelengths corresponding to spectral peaks having a likelihood of being affected by an interference emission wavelength, and determining a level of confidence that one or more elements are present in the sample based on a set of criteria applied to the revised list of analyte wavelengths.