Gas Absorption Spectra Calibration via Background Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spectroscopic systems face challenges in accurately measuring fine absorption details of gases due to interference from background spectra, which are influenced by the performance characteristics of the spectrometer and detector, requiring effective calibration methods to isolate the absorption line of interest.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that estimate the performance characteristics of a gas cell and detector, combine these with measured transmission spectra to remove background spectra, and generate an error signal for continuous tracking and calibration of the absorption line, using RF signals and a control module to adjust the probing energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If background spectrum removal is performed using conventional methods, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision of absorption lines deteriorates due to interference from background spectra

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorption line detection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The background spectrum removal process is segmented into distinct calibration steps: first determining detector performance characteristics, then gas cell characteristics, and finally combining these with transmission spectrum measurements. This segmentation allows each component's contribution to the background spectrum to be separately quantified and removed, improving absorption line detection accuracy without requiring a completely complex system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calibration actions by determining detector performance characteristics and gas cell characteristics before actual absorption line measurements. These preliminary determinations establish baseline data that enable accurate background spectrum removal during subsequent measurements, enhancing measurement precision while keeping the overall process manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the spectrometer operates under changing environmental conditions, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to background spectrum variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental condition adaptabilityVSAvoidabsorption line measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring transmission spectra and using the determined performance characteristics of detectors and gas cells to dynamically remove background spectra. This feedback loop allows the spectrometer to adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining measurement precision, as the calibration data enables real-time correction of background variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration approach accounts for parameter changes in environmental conditions by determining performance characteristics that capture the state of detectors and gas cells under specific conditions. When environmental parameters change, the system can reapply the calibration methodology with updated measurements, allowing adaptability while preserving measurement accuracy through systematic parameter tracking and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise removal of background spectra, allowing for accurate analysis and tracking of absorption lines, improving the fidelity of spectroscopic measurements by continuously locking onto the absorption line, even under changing environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Spectroscopy and spectrometers may be used as various measurement and reference tools... absorption spectrometers may specifically look for characteristic absorption lines of the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

removing a background spectrum from the transmission spectrum by combining the transmission spectrum with the performance characteristics of the detector and the performance characteristics of the gas cell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBackground removal through spectral combination:

Implementation Method 3

generate an error signal based on the absorption line spectrum, and to adjust the transmitted RF signals to lock-in on the absorption line spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency locking:

Data Source

PatentUS9128023B2Calibration scheme for gas absorption spectra detection

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A technique for removing the background from a transmission spectrum including determining performance characteristics of a detector, measuring a transmission spectrum that includes an absorption line, determining performance characteristics of a gas cell, and removing a background spectrum from the transmission spectrum by combining the transmission spectrum with the performance characteristics of the detector and the performance characteristics of the gas cell.