Flow Nanoparticle Measurement Device Using Plasma Shock Wave Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring nanoparticles of 100 nm or less are limited by low detection sensitivity and require high concentrations, making it difficult to accurately analyze colloidal particles at ppt levels due to reduced light scattering intensity and increased error in stationary cell measurements.
Innovation Solution
A flow nanoparticle measurement device using a flow cell with a laser generator and detectors to measure nanoparticles based on natural frequencies and amplitudes of plasma shock waves generated by a pulsed laser, with a flow controller managing the flow rate to enhance detection reliability and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light scattering analysis method is used to measure colloidal nanoparticles, then particle size can be checked using light scattering intensity, but detection sensitivity rapidly decreases at low concentrations and particle sizes below 100 nm
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the detection parameter from light scattering intensity to light absorption intensity. This parameter change enables detection at much lower concentrations (ppt level) and smaller particle sizes (100 nm or less) because absorption intensity remains detectable even when scattering intensity becomes too weak due to the inverse relationship between particle size and scattering area
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/light scattering-based measurement system with an optical absorption-based system. By using a light source and detector configuration that measures absorption rather than scattering, the system achieves higher sensitivity for small particles at low concentrations without requiring complex mechanical adjustments
2Measurement precision
If stationary cell measurement is used for nanoparticle analysis, then measurement can be performed, but error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a stationary cell measurement system to a dynamic flow-based measurement system. The flow cell continuously moves the liquid sample through the measurement zone, ensuring fresh samples are constantly analyzed and preventing particle aggregation or settling that would occur in stationary cells, thereby improving measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-based system enables continuous measurement of nanoparticles by constantly replenishing the sample in the measurement zone. This continuous flow ensures that the detection process operates continuously with fresh samples, maintaining consistent detection sensitivity and reliability throughout the measurement period
3Measurement precision
If high concentration sample is used for accurate analysis of colloidal particles, then detection accuracy improves, but the ability to detect low concentration samples (ppt level) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the detection parameter from light scattering to light absorption, the system achieves accurate detection at ppt-level concentrations. The absorption measurement method maintains sufficient signal strength even at extremely low particle concentrations, eliminating the need to concentrate samples to ppm levels for accurate measurement
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 device can detect nanoparticles at part per trillion concentrations with improved reliability and sensitivity, reducing measurement errors and increasing the detection probability of particles at low concentrations by controlling the flow rate and using the amplitude ratio for size determination.
Implementation Method 1
a laser generator configured to generate a first laser beam and irradiate the first laser beam to the flow cell
Implementation Method 2
detect a shock wave of a plasma generated in the flow cell by the first laser beam
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of detectors disposed in the flow cell and configured to detect a shock wave of a plasma generated in the flow cell by the first laser beam and generate a detection signal
Data Source
AI summary
A flow nanoparticle measurement device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a flow cell configured to form a flow path through which a liquid sample flows, a laser generator configured to generate a first laser beam and irradiate the first laser beam to the flow cell, a plurality of detectors disposed in the flow cell and configured to detect a shock wave of a plasma generated in the flow cell by the first laser beam and generate a detection signal, and a controller configured to obtain the detection signal from the plurality of detectors and determine a type and a size of nanoparticles contained in the liquid sample in response to the detection signal.