Infrared Light Generating System with Convection Obstructions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infrared light sources are inadequate for generating broadband infrared light in the far to mid-infrared spectral range, limiting nanoscale spectroscopic investigations and requiring either high-cost, large-scale synchrotron systems or inefficient thermal sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact, sealed housing filled with a noble gas and equipped with electrodes and convection obstructions to stabilize a plasma arc discharge, producing stable, continuous infrared light in the far to mid-infrared range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If synchrotron light sources are used to provide intense broadband infrared light, then illumination intensity and spectral bandwidth are improved, but system cost, size, and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex synchrotron systems with a simple, inexpensive plasma lamp that can be easily manufactured and disposed of. The plasma lamp uses common materials (xenon gas, quartz bulb, electrodes) to generate intense broadband infrared light without requiring large-scale infrastructure, making high-intensity infrared illumination accessible in ordinary laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the operating parameters of the plasma lamp by controlling the xenon gas pressure (1-10 atm) and electrical discharge conditions to optimize the infrared emission spectrum. By adjusting these parameters, the lamp achieves intense broadband infrared radiation comparable to synchrotrons but in a compact, table-top configuration.
2Illumination intensity
If xenon-filled high-pressure plasma lamps are used for near-infrared, visible, and ultraviolet ranges, then illumination intensity is improved, but infrared transmission deteriorates due to quartz bulb opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the quartz bulb enclosure that blocks mid and far-infrared transmission. By operating the xenon plasma lamp in an open or vacuum environment without the quartz containment, the system allows unobstructed infrared radiation in the 250-2500 cm⁻¹ range while maintaining plasma stability through controlled gas pressure and electrical discharge.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermal blackbody light sources like globar are used to provide broadband infrared radiation, then spectral bandwidth is improved, but illumination intensity deteriorates to low levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic electrical discharge pulses to sustain the plasma, creating a stable, continuous source of intense broadband infrared radiation. The alternating current drives repeated ionization and recombination cycles in the xenon gas, generating sustained thermal radiation across the infrared spectrum with intensities orders of magnitude higher than thermal sources like globars.
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 system provides a cost-effective, stable, and intense broadband infrared light source suitable for nanoscale spectroscopy and microscopy, improving signal-to-noise ratios and enabling more accessible nanoscale investigations.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of electrodes is disposed in the housing. The electrodes are aligned along a common longitudinal axis adapted to be approximately perpendicular to a local force of gravity. A gap is defined between the electrodes along the longitudinal axis.
Implementation Method 2
producing stable, continuous infrared light in the far to mid-infrared range
Implementation Method 3
a sealed housing and a noble gas filling the housing
Implementation Method 4
At least one obstruction is disposed in the housing adjacent to the gap between the electrodes. The obstruction(s) extend along the length of the gap. The obstruction(s) define a convection space between the electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating infrared light includes a sealed housing and a noble gas filling the housing. A window disposed in a wall of the housing is transparent to infrared radiation. Two electrodes, disposed in the housing, are aligned along a common longitudinal axis adapted to be approximately perpendicular to a local force of gravity. A gap is defined between the electrodes along the longitudinal axis. Obstruction(s), disposed in the housing adjacent to the gap between the electrodes, extend along the length of the gap. The obstruction(s) define a convection space between the electrodes. The convection space has a dimension, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in the range of 2 to 10 times the length of the gap. An electric current source is coupled to the electrodes.