Optical Fiber Sample Heater with Reflector for UHV Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample heating devices for photoelectron spectroscopy, such as button heaters and laser heaters, face issues like unwanted heating of surrounding equipment, limitations in ultra-high vacuum conditions, and safety concerns due to harmful laser light exposure.
Innovation Solution
A sample holding device with a container, sample holder, and optical fiber attachment, featuring a reflector to minimize light absorption in the container and direct light to the sample, eliminating the need for protective eyewear and enhancing vacuum compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If button heaters are used to heat the sample, then the sample can be heated to the desired temperature, but the heater must be hotter than the sample causing unwanted heating of surrounding equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented from the sample holder into a separate laser heating system. The laser heats only the specific heating area on the sample backside, while the sample holder and surrounding equipment remain at lower temperatures. This is achieved by directing laser light through an optical fiber to a focused heating zone, isolating the thermal effect to only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical fiber acts as an intermediary to deliver laser energy precisely to the heating area on the sample backside. The fiber transmits the laser light through the sample holder structure without significant heat transfer to the holder, enabling localized heating while keeping the surrounding equipment cool.
2Temperature
If conventional heaters are used in ultra-high vacuum applications, then heating can be achieved, but the component materials generate vapour pressure that limits achievable UHV conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional electrical heater (mechanical/thermal contact system) is replaced with an optical laser heating system. The laser heats the sample through electromagnetic radiation absorbed at the heating area, without requiring physical contact or high-temperature heater materials that would outgas in vacuum. This eliminates the vapour pressure problem entirely.
3Temperature
If high power laser heaters are used to heat the sample, then the sample can be heated effectively, but the strong laser light requires shielding and protective eyewear for operator safety
Solution Approach 1:
The potentially harmful laser light is extracted and confined within the vacuum chamber through the optical fiber delivery system. The fiber acts as a light-tight conduit, preventing laser light from escaping into the operator environment. The heating area on the sample backside serves as the termination point, containing the optical energy within the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber serves as an intermediary that delivers the high-power laser energy to the sample while isolating operators from direct exposure. The fiber transmits the laser light through its cladding structure, preventing light leakage, and the sample holder chamber provides an additional light-tight enclosure.
4Temperature
If laser light is directed to heat the sample backside, then precise localized heating is achieved, but reflected light from the heating area may escape and cause safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The reflected laser light, which could be harmful if it escaped, is converted into a beneficial diagnostic tool. The light reflector redirects reflected light to a light detector, enabling monitoring of the sample surface properties and heating effectiveness. This transforms a potential safety hazard into useful feedback information about the sample condition.
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 device effectively heats samples while minimizing container heating and ensuring operator safety, maintaining high vacuum conditions and efficient energy absorption for precise temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
light from an optical fiber attached to the fiber attachment means is transferred through the interior chamber to the heating area
Implementation Method 2
a majority of the light reflected from the heating area is reflected towards the reflective surface of the reflector
Implementation Method 3
light from an optical fiber attached to the fiber attachment means is transferred through the interior chamber to the heating area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A holding device (2) for a sample (1), having a sample surface (Ss) and a back surface (Bs) is described as well as a heating system comprising the holding device. The holding device (2) is configured for a heating system (100) and comprises a container (10) with an interior chamber (11), and a sample holder (12) arranged on the container (10). The holding device (2) also comprises a heating area (13), and a fiber attachment means (6) on the container (10) for attachment of an optical fiber (4), wherein the holding device (2) is configured such that, light from an optical fiber (4) attached to the fiber attachment means (6) is transferred through the interior chamber (11) to the heating area (13). The holding device (2) comprises a reflector (19). A majority of the light reflected from the heating area (13) is reflected towards the reflector (19).