ICOS Gas Sensor with Reflective Collimation Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas measurement systems using integrated cavity output spectroscopy (ICOS) face limitations in accurately and efficiently measuring multiple contaminants like H2S, H2O, O2, and CO2 in fuel gases due to optical interferences and the need for multiple analyzers, which increases costs and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A laser absorption spectrometry system employing an ICOS assembly with multiple tunable diode lasers at different nominal wavelengths, a reflective collimation mirror, and adjustable parameters such as radius of curvature and launch angle to reduce optical interferences and etalons, allowing for real-time monitoring of multiple contaminants with a single gas cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple analyzers are used to measure different contaminants, then measurement coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single ICOS assembly with one gas cell to measure multiple contaminants (H2S, H2O, O2, CO2) simultaneously using multiple tunable diode lasers at different nominal wavelengths. Each laser targets specific wavelength ranges corresponding to different contaminant absorption spectra, allowing one device to perform functions previously requiring multiple separate analyzers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated system by combining multiple tunable diode lasers, a single gas cell, and signal processing capabilities into one ICOS assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate analyzers while maintaining comprehensive contaminant monitoring capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple tunable diode lasers at different wavelengths are used, then measurement precision for multiple contaminants is improved, but optical interferences and etalons increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by launching the multiple laser beams at different angles relative to the optical cavity axis. This angular asymmetry prevents the formation of symmetric etalon patterns and reduces optical interferences by ensuring that the phase relationships between multiple wavelengths do not create constructive interference at the same spatial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic wavelength tuning of the tunable diode lasers to scan through specific wavelength ranges corresponding to contaminant absorption features. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adaptively select optimal wavelengths for each contaminant while avoiding fixed optical interference patterns that would arise from static wavelength configurations.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring of multiple contaminants is implemented, then productivity and safety are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring by maintaining continuous laser illumination of the gas cell with multiple wavelengths simultaneously. The system continuously acquires spectral data and processes it to provide ongoing contaminant concentration measurements without interruption, enabling real-time detection and response to contaminant levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated signal processing and contaminant identification algorithms that automatically analyze the spectral data from multiple lasers, distinguish between different contaminant absorption patterns, and provide quantitative measurements without manual intervention or complex external processing systems.
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 enhances measurement accuracy and precision while reducing costs and environmental impact by enabling real-time monitoring of contaminants, minimizing gas wastage, and simplifying system design, thereby preventing infrastructure damage and ensuring compliance with operational requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A laser absorption spectrometry system employing an ICOS assembly with multiple tunable diode lasers at different nominal wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
a reflective collimation mirror positioned in an optical path between the one or more tunable diode lasers and the gas cell
Data Source
AI summary
A laser absorption spectrometry system for gas measurement is provided. The system includes an integrated cavity output spectroscopy (ICOS) assembly. The assembly includes a gas cell including a cell body defining an optical cavity, one or more tunable diode lasers having one or more nominal wavelengths, and a reflective collimation mirror positioned in an optical path between the one or more tunable diode lasers and the gas cell.