Laser Ablation Regression Analysis for Reproducible Solid Samples

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analyzing solid samples, such as LA-ICP-MS and LA-ICP-OES, require pre-treatments like mixing resin powder with the sample and heating, making them cumbersome and lacking reproducibility, especially for powder samples.

Innovation Solution

An analysis method that involves creating a regression equation based on signal intensity and removal volume of the analysis object in a standard sample film, allowing direct laser irradiation of a laminate without pre-treatment, using operations like disposing and detecting signal intensities in standard and analysis samples to calculate the analysis object's concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-treatment methods like mixing resin powder with sample and heating are used, then analysis reproducibility is improved, but analysis complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis reproducibilityVSAvoidanalysis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the pre-treatment step (mixing resin powder and heating) from the analysis process. By using a laser ablation method that directly analyzes the sample without requiring resin embedding, the complex pre-treatment procedures are eliminated while maintaining analysis reproducibility through standardized laser parameters and direct measurement of the sample surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention segments the analysis process into distinct operational phases: sample preparation (simple mounting), laser ablation (controlled material removal), and analysis (spectral measurement). This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the laser ablation phase providing consistent, reproducible results without requiring the integrated complex pre-treatment of resin mixing and heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If pre-treatment methods like mixing resin powder with sample and heating are used, then analysis reproducibility is improved, but analysis time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis reproducibilityVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary laser ablation on standardized sample mounts to create a consistent analysis surface before measurement. This preliminary action ensures reproducibility by removing surface irregularities and creating a uniform ablation zone, eliminating the need for time-consuming resin mixing and heating pre-treatments while maintaining consistent analytical results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention skips the intermediate pre-treatment steps (resin mixing, heating, cooling, demolding) by using direct laser ablation on solid or powdered samples mounted on simple substrates. This rushing through of the analysis process to the core measurement phase significantly reduces total analysis time while maintaining reproducibility through controlled laser parameters and standardized mounting procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Ease of operation

If direct laser irradiation without pre-treatment is used, then analysis simplicity is improved, but measurement reliability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention controls measurement reliability through precise parameter management in the direct laser ablation process. By optimizing and standardizing laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, energy density, repetition rate) and sample mounting conditions, the method achieves reproducible results without pre-treatment, balancing simplicity with reliability through parameter control rather than complex procedural steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms to ensure measurement reliability in the simplified direct ablation process. Real-time monitoring of ablation depth, plasma emission intensity, and spectral signal quality allows dynamic adjustment of laser parameters during analysis, maintaining consistent measurement reliability while preserving the simplicity of the direct irradiation approach without resin pre-treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 simple and reproducible analysis of solid samples without pre-treatment, maintaining sample integrity and improving measurement reliability.

Implementation Method 1

irradiating the laminate for analysis with laser light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser-induced breakdown spectroscopy:

Implementation Method 3

the gas or the fine particles derived from the solid sample during the irradiation with laser light are introduced into an inductively coupled plasma

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductively coupled plasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 4

laser-ablation-inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-OES)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical emission spectrometry:

Implementation Method 5

laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Data Source

PatentEP4692769A1Analysis method
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4692769A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4692769A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4692769A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide an analysis method in which analysis of an analysis object in a solid sample can be simply performed. An analysis method according to the present invention includes: creating a regression equation based on a value of a signal intensity obtained by performing any one of predetermined operation 1, 2, 3, or 4 and an amount of an analysis object that is removed by laser light irradiation in a standard sample film; and using the regression equation to calculate an amount of the analysis object that is removed by laser light irradiation in a solid analysis sample including the analysis object.