Oxidation Resistant Induction Coils for Plasma Sustainment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Copper induction coils used in plasma generation and sustainment quickly oxidize, leading to performance degradation and failure, causing errors and contamination in plasma-based instruments.
Innovation Solution
The use of oxidation-resistant materials such as aluminum or aluminum alloys for the induction device, which can sustain a plasma for extended periods without substantial oxidation, ensuring consistent performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If copper induction coil is used to generate and sustain plasma, then plasma generation performance is achieved, but oxidation occurs quickly leading to performance degradation and coil failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the induction coil from copper to aluminum or aluminum alloys, fundamentally altering the chemical properties to achieve oxidation resistance while maintaining electrical conductivity necessary for plasma generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aluminum alloys as composite materials that combine the oxidation resistance of aluminum with enhanced mechanical strength and electrical conductivity through alloying elements, creating a material that satisfies multiple competing requirements
2Measurement precision
If copper induction coil is used, then initial plasma generation capability is provided, but oxidation leads to errors in analysis and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the naturally forming aluminum oxide layer, which would normally be considered harmful oxidation, into a beneficial protective barrier that prevents further oxidation and material degradation, thereby eliminating contamination sources and improving analysis accuracy over time
3Duration of action of stationary object
If copper induction coil is used, then plasma sustainment is achieved, but oxidation alters performance and causes failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a chemically inert environment around the induction coil by utilizing aluminum's natural tendency to form a stable oxide layer, effectively shielding the underlying material from further oxidation and maintaining compositional stability during prolonged plasma sustainment operations
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 oxidation-resistant induction devices maintain performance comparable to copper coils while preventing oxidation, thereby extending operational life and reducing contamination, ensuring reliable plasma generation and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The copper induction coil oxidizes quickly to copper oxide... The oxidation resistant material is electrically coupled to a radio frequency source... providing radio frequency energy to the torch
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices comprising an oxidation resistant material. In certain examples, the induction device comprises a coil of wire that is produced from the oxidation resistant material. In some examples, the oxidation resistant induction device can be used to sustain an inductively coupled plasma in a torch.