LIBS Core Scanning With Shared Optics for Variable Surface Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in the quality of laser sparks and plasma in laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for geological samples poses challenges in focusing the laser and aligning the observation mechanism, especially when surfaces are topographically variable and high-speed acquisition is required.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an oscillating planar focus laser and fiber optic receiver with a shared optical path, allowing for two-dimensional rotation of the focal plane, mounted on a moveable scanning table, to perform laser ablation and spectroscopy on geological cores, with additional sensors for real-time data analysis and 3D coordinate determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple laser pulses are emitted and measured for each sample point to address plasma quality variability, then measurement reliability is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focusing and observation mechanisms that can rapidly adjust to maintain optimal plasma quality across multiple pulses without requiring manual refocusing. The system dynamically adapts to surface variations and maintains consistent measurement conditions throughout the acquisition process, enabling reliable multi-pulse measurements while minimizing time loss.
2Measurement precision
If focus and observation alignment is manually adjusted for each sample point, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the focusing and observation paths into an integrated optical system where both the laser focus and the observation mechanism are controlled through a unified alignment framework. This merging reduces the number of independent adjustment mechanisms required and simplifies the overall system while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that use observation of the laser light path to automatically provide focus and positional accuracy information. This feedback loop enables the system to self-correct alignment deviations without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures for each sample point.
3Productivity
If acquisition speed is increased to support continuous scanning, then productivity is improved, but focus and alignment control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic focusing and observation mechanisms that can rapidly adjust during continuous scanning operations. The system is designed to maintain optimal focus and alignment conditions even at high scanning speeds, with mechanisms that adapt in real-time to preserve measurement quality throughout the continuous acquisition process.
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 and efficient analysis of geological samples by maintaining laser focus and light collection accuracy across variable surfaces, facilitating high-speed scanning and improved signal quality.
Implementation Method 1
The oscillating planar focus laser may focus laser light to a focus point, where the focus point is moved about two axes to define a focal plane
Implementation Method 2
laser ablation is performed on the exposed surface of the geological core using an oscillating planar focus laser. Contemporaneously with performing laser ablation on the exposed surface of the geological core, spectroscopy is permitted on the emitted light
Implementation Method 3
The plasma generated by sample ablation is analyzed with a spectrometer which generates characteristic emission lines of individual elements present in the plasma
Data Source
AI summary
Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) devices for analysis of geological and related samples, and related methods. In the method, a scanning table having a geological core is moved from a start position to an end position for each position in a plurality of positions of the scanning table corresponding to an e region of interest of the geological core. At each position, laser ablation is performed on the exposed surface of the geological core using an oscillating planar focus laser. Contemporaneously with performing laser ablation on the exposed surface of the geological core, spectroscopy is permitted on the emitted light received by a fiber optic receiver sharing an optical path with the oscillating planar focus laser.