Planar Coil Spark Gap Layout for Stable Arc Discharge in OES
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Solution Overview
Problem
The quality of spark optical emission spectroscopy (OES) data is impaired by the migration of arc discharge points on the sample surface, leading to reduced signal-to-noise quality and increased integration time due to the movement of the discharge region relative to the optical collection region of the spectrometer.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic confinement system using planar coils and capacitors is employed to stabilize the arc discharge, comprising a first and second planar coil with apertures, insulating layers, and heat removal elements, generating a magnetic field to maintain the discharge position and improve signal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic confinement system with planar coils is added to stabilize arc discharge, then signal-to-noise quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic confinement system is divided into two separate planar coils (first and second coils) positioned at different locations. Each coil independently contributes to the magnetic field that confines the arc discharge, allowing modular construction and simplified maintenance while achieving stable discharge positioning for improved signal-to-noise quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point discharge configuration to a spatially distributed discharge confinement system using planar coils. By introducing the magnetic field dimension and positioning coils in specific spatial arrangements (first coil at one location, second coil offset at another location), the system stabilizes the arc discharge across multiple dimensions, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity
2Loss of time
If magnetic confinement is used to stabilize arc discharge position, then integration time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic confinement system using planar coils is activated before the arc discharge occurs to pre-establish the magnetic field configuration. This preliminary action ensures that when the discharge occurs, the arc is immediately confined to the intended position, reducing the time needed for stable signal acquisition and lowering integration time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field generated by the planar coils acts as an intermediary between the power supply and the arc discharge. This magnetic field mediator confines and stabilizes the plasma channel, ensuring consistent discharge positioning without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing integration time while maintaining manageable device complexity
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 magnetic confinement enhances the signal-to-noise quality of spectral data and reduces integration time by stabilizing the arc discharge, resulting in improved efficiency of spectroscopy systems.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic confinement system using planar coils and capacitors is employed to stabilize the arc discharge, comprising a first and second planar coil with apertures, insulating layers, and heat removal elements, generating a magnetic field to maintain the discharge position
Implementation Method 2
The spark gap device can further include a first insulating layer disposed over at least part of the first planar coil and a second insulating layer disposed over at least part of the second planar coil, where the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer comprise an electrically insulating and thermally conducting material. The first planar coil and/or the second planar coil can be electrically coupled with a capacitor having a capacitance rating from about 10 μF to about 1000 μF
Implementation Method 3
the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer comprise an electrically insulating and thermally conducting material
Data Source
AI summary
Analytical instrument systems, components, and methods for stabilizing discharge formation are described. A spark gap device includes a first planar coil, defining an axis normal to a coil plane and defining a first aperture substantially centered about the axis. The spark gap device includes a second planar coil, offset from the first planar coil along the axis and substantially parallel with the coil plane, the second planar coil defining a second aperture substantially centered about the axis. The spark gap device also includes a conductive element disposed in the first aperture and substantially aligned with the axis.