LIBS Apparatus for Liquid Metal Contaminant Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting mineral and metal contamination in liquid samples, such as AAS, ICP-AES, and ICP-MS, face limitations in sensitivity and sample preparation requirements, while LIBS offers unique advantages but requires improvements in signal-to-noise ratio and detection limits for efficient trace element analysis.
Innovation Solution
A high repetition rate pulsed laser LIBS apparatus that generates thousands of micro-plasma emissions per second, integrated with a synchronized miniature CCD array optical spectrometer to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and reduce detection limits, using a membrane filter to collect and analyze mineral and metal contaminants, allowing for precise quantitative analysis with reduced sample invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (AAS, ICP-AES, ICP-MS) are used for detecting mineral and metal contamination, then detection sensitivity is improved, but sample preparation requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and concentrates the trace metal elements from the liquid sample onto a solid substrate (filter membrane or solid phase extraction cartridge) before analysis. This extraction step separates the analyte of interest from the complex liquid matrix, enabling direct analysis with simplified preparation procedures while maintaining high detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a solid substrate (filter membrane or SPE cartridge) as an intermediary between the liquid sample and the LIBS analysis system. This intermediary serves as both a concentration medium and a solid sample holder, bridging the gap between liquid sample analysis and solid sample LIBS detection
2Productivity
If LIBS is used for detection, then sample preparation is simplified and analysis speed is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio and detection limits deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary concentration and pre-conditioning of the sample by filtering or solid phase extraction before LIBS analysis. This preliminary action concentrates the trace elements and removes interfering substances, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and detection limits while maintaining the rapid analysis capability of LIBS
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite sampling approaches combining filtration media or solid phase extraction materials with the LIBS analysis system. These composite material systems enable both concentration of trace elements and compatibility with laser-induced plasma generation, achieving both sensitivity and speed
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 achieves improved sensitivity and reduced detection limits, enabling the accurate measurement of trace elements at low concentrations and facilitating rapid analysis of multiple measurement points, thereby enhancing the precision and accuracy of mineral and metal contaminant detection in liquid samples.
Implementation Method 1
The laser produces a train of laser pulses at a high repetition rate in the kHz (or even higher) range. When the laser beam hits the surface of the membrane filter, it generates several thousands of micro-plasma emissions per second.
Implementation Method 2
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is another atomic emission spectroscopy technique which can be used for the detection of mineral and heavy metal contamination in water. It employs a highly energetic laser pulse as the excitation source. The laser pulse generates a high temperature micro-plasma on the surface of the sample. After this excitation, light that is characteristic of the elemental composition of the sample is emitted and analyzed within a spectrometer.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses an improved laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus and method for the detection of mineral and metal contamination in liquid samples. The mineral and metal contaminant is first collected by filtering the liquid sample with a membrane filter. The membrane filter with the mineral and metal contaminant is then measured by a LIBS apparatus. The LIBS apparatus is based on a high repetition rate pulsed laser. The laser produces a train of laser pulses at a high repetition rate in the kHz (or even higher) range. When the laser beam hits the surface of the membrane filter, it generates several thousands of micro-plasma emissions per second. Synchronized miniature CCD array optical spectrometer modules collect the LIBS signal from these micro-plasma emissions. By adjusting the integration time of the spectrometer to cover a plurality of periods of the laser pulse train, the spectrometer integrates the LIBS signal produced by this plurality of laser pulses. Hence the intensity of the obtained LIBS spectrum can be greatly improved to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower the level of detection (LOD).