Multi-Frequency Cavity-Enhanced Spectrometer for Complex Mixture Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based cavity-enhanced techniques are limited in accurately measuring multiple analytes in complex mixtures at atmospheric pressures without prior compositional knowledge, are biased towards targeted analytes, and suffer from measurement errors due to unknown analytes, and are less accurate than cavity ringdown methods.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using a source emitting pulsed light at multiple widely-spaced monochromatic frequencies, a cavity-enhanced measurement chamber, and a method for data collection and comparison to a database of known analyte absorption cross-sections, allowing for simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes in a complex mixture by assessing absorption at discrete frequencies and iteratively refining the model for best-fit concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If laser-based cavity-enhanced techniques are used to measure multiple analytes in complex mixtures at atmospheric pressures, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement accuracy and precision deteriorate due to bias towards targeted analytes and errors from unknown analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex mixture measurement problem into multiple discrete frequency measurements. By measuring absorption at many widely-spaced monochromatic frequencies and comparing each to a database of known analyte absorption cross-sections, the system can identify and quantify multiple analytes simultaneously without bias towards any single targeted analyte, thereby improving both versatility and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can detect and quantify any analyte in the database across multiple frequencies simultaneously. The multi-frequency laser source and comprehensive database approach enable the system to function as a universal detector for complex mixtures, eliminating the need for separate targeted measurements and reducing errors from unknown interferents
2Measurement precision
If prior compositional knowledge is used to target specific analytes, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but adaptability to unknown analytes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-compiling comprehensive databases of absorption cross-sections for numerous analytes across multiple frequencies before actual measurements. This preliminary preparation enables the system to rapidly identify and quantify both known and unknown analytes in complex mixtures without requiring prior compositional knowledge, maintaining high sensitivity while achieving broad adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by comparing measured absorption at each frequency to the comprehensive database of known analyte absorption cross-sections. This feedback mechanism allows the system to iteratively identify which analytes are present in the mixture and quantify their concentrations, enabling detection of unknown analytes while maintaining sensitivity through systematic comparison
3Device complexity
If single-frequency laser measurements are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to measure multiple analytes simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by employing a laser source that rapidly cycles through multiple widely-spaced monochromatic frequencies in a systematic sequence. This periodic multi-frequency measurement approach enables simultaneous identification and quantification of multiple analytes in complex mixtures while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as the frequency switching is automated and systematic rather than requiring multiple simultaneous laser sources
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 accurate identification and quantification of multiple analytes in complex mixtures at atmospheric pressures with reduced bias and measurement errors, improving sensitivity and accuracy beyond existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a source capable of emitting pulsed light at a plurality of widely-spaced monochromatic frequencies
Implementation Method 2
measure the change in some physical parameter related to the absorption of light by the analyte at said frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for rapidly and accurately identifying and quantifying analytes in a complex mixture is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an ultra-sensitive cavity-enhanced spectrometer coupled to data-collection and analysis devices. The method comprises the use of a database containing the absorption cross-sections of various analytes to numerically determine the composition of the sample.