In-situ Laser Plasma Spectroscopy Depth Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing the elemental concentration of coatings as a function of depth in gas turbine engine components are either destructive, require disassembly of machinery, or cannot be performed in situ and in real-time, leading to lengthy outage times and inefficient maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An in-situ laser plasma spectroscopy system that uses a pulsed optical beam to generate an ablation plasma, coupled with a time-resolved spectral detection system and data acquisition processing, allowing for non-destructive, real-time elemental depth profiling of coatings, enabling immediate determination of absolute elemental concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If destructive analysis methods (secondary ion mass spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis) are used to measure elemental concentration as a function of depth, then measurement precision is improved, but the substrate is damaged and the analysis cannot be performed in situ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical/physical analysis methods (secondary ion mass spectroscopy, electron microprobe) with a non-contact optical detection system. The optical probe delivers laser pulses to ablate material and the resulting plasma is detected optically, eliminating the need for physical contact that causes substrate damage while maintaining measurement precision through spectroscopic analysis of emitted light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism where the laser-induced plasma acts as a mediator between the laser energy and the substrate. Instead of directly probing the substrate with damaging methods, the system uses the plasma emission as an intermediary carrier of elemental information, allowing non-contact measurement of depth profiles without substrate damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If laser ablation mass spectroscopy is used for depth profiling, then non-destructive analysis is achieved, but the technique cannot be performed remotely or in situ in real time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional laser ablation mass spectroscopy with optical detection of plasma emission. This substitution enables the system to perform non-destructive analysis while achieving real-time capability through rapid optical detection and processing, allowing in-situ monitoring without the limitations of conventional mass spectrometry methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous or near-continuous analysis capability through rapid sequential laser pulses and optical detection. The system can continuously monitor coating depth profiles in real-time during engine operation, eliminating the need for discrete sampling and analysis cycles that limit productivity in traditional methods.
3Reliability
If coatings are stripped and recoated after a given exposure interval, then engine reliability is maintained, but loss of time increases due to lengthy outage times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback monitoring of coating integrity through continuous optical detection of elemental depth profiles. The system provides immediate feedback on coating condition, allowing maintenance decisions to be based on actual coating state rather than fixed time intervals, thereby reducing unnecessary maintenance outages while ensuring engine reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary detection and assessment of coating degradation before it leads to engine failure. By continuously monitoring coating depth profiles in real-time, the system can identify coating wear or damage early, allowing for planned maintenance scheduling that minimizes downtime while ensuring component reliability.
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 near real-time, non-destructive analysis of elemental concentrations within coatings, reducing maintenance downtime and preventing substrate damage by allowing for in-situ analysis without disassembly, thus extending the lifespan of coatings and maintaining engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical probe system configured to deliver the optical beam from the optical source to a surface of a target to generate an ablation plasma
Implementation Method 2
a time resolved spectral detection system configured to generate time resolved spectral data from emission signals from the ablation plasma
Data Source
AI summary
An in-situ laser plasma spectroscopy (LPS) system for automated near real-time elemental depth profiling of a target including: an optical source configured to generate an optical beam, wherein the optical beam is pulsed; an optical probe system configured to deliver the optical beam from the optical source to a surface of a target to generate an ablation plasma; a time resolved spectral detection system configured to generate time resolved spectral data from emission signals from the ablation plasma; and a data acquisition and processing system configured to acquire the time resolved spectral data to determine, in combination with predetermined calibration data, an absolute elemental concentration as a function of depth in near real-time.