Combined IR Spectroscopy and LIBS Material Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining both elemental and molecular compositions of materials, such as LIBS combined with Raman or IR spectroscopy, face limitations in sensitivity, resolution, and practicality for remote, in-situ measurements, particularly in heterogeneous samples like ores, due to issues with beam steering, power density, and surface contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system and method combining infrared spectroscopy and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) using a spectrally tunable infrared laser source, potentially with a dual-frequency comb scheme, for simultaneous elemental and molecular analysis at sub-millimeter resolution, allowing for remote, non-contact measurements without sample preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If LIBS combined with Raman or IR spectroscopy is used for simultaneous elemental and molecular analysis, then both elemental and molecular composition information can be obtained, but measurement precision and sensitivity deteriorate due to beam steering issues, power density limitations, and surface contamination in remote in-situ measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines LIBS and IR spectroscopy measurements into a single integrated system that performs both elemental and molecular analysis simultaneously at the same analysis spot, merging two separate measurement techniques into one unified approach that eliminates the need for separate measurements and reduces information loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary laser cleaning of the sample surface before conducting LIBS and IR measurements, removing contaminants and unwanted layers in advance to ensure high measurement precision and sensitivity without being affected by surface contamination
2Object-affected harmful factors
If remote, non-contact measurements are performed to mitigate health risks from hazardous elements, then operator safety is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to beam steering and power density limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-frequency comb laser source that serves multiple functions: it provides the coherent light source for IR spectroscopy, enables precise beam steering through frequency tuning, and maintains sufficient power density at remote distances through its high brightness and coherence properties, making the system universally applicable for remote hazardous material analysis
3Measurement precision
If sub-millimeter resolution measurements are performed to analyze heterogeneous ore samples, then component identification accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases due to the need for point-to-point measurements across heterogeneous regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous scanning of the dual-frequency comb laser beams across the sample surface, maintaining continuous illumination and simultaneous collection of both LIBS and IR signals throughout the scanning process, eliminating measurement gaps and maximizing data acquisition efficiency at sub-millimeter resolution
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the measurement processes of LIBS and IR spectroscopy into a single simultaneous measurement campaign, where both techniques acquire data at the same locations at the same time, effectively doubling the information gain without proportionally increasing the measurement time
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 precise characterization of both elemental and molecular compositions with improved sensitivity and resolution, overcoming previous limitations in remote, in-situ analysis, particularly in heterogeneous samples, by using a spectrally tunable infrared laser source and LIBS for sub-millimeter resolution and remote measurements.
Implementation Method 1
probing the material at an analysis spot with at least one infrared laser beam at a wavelength in the infrared domain, and detecting light in said infrared spectral domain resulting from an interaction of the at least one infrared laser beam with the material
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing a volume of the material at the analysis spot using a LIBS pulsed laser source, thereby obtaining a plasma of the material
Implementation Method 3
excited electrons in the plasma eventually return to the ground state of their associated atoms as the plasma cools, and the radiative electron recombination emits photons with discrete energies allowed by their associated atoms energy levels
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for characterizing an elemental composition and a molecular composition of a material are provided. Laser-based IR spectroscopy measurements and LIBS measurements are performed at a same analysis spot on the material. The IR spectroscopy measurement data can be used to characterize the molecular composition of the material, whereas the LIBS data can be used to characterize the elemental composition of the material. 2D and 3D profiles of a sample of the material may be obtained based on this data.