Combined Raman and LIBS Detection System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current threat detection methods for airborne agents are inefficient due to reliance on separate instrumentation, time-consuming reagent-based identification, and limited sensitivity and specificity of conventional spectroscopic techniques like Raman and LIBS, which can be delayed and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
Combining Raman and LIBS spectroscopic techniques with a fiber array spectral translator and time-gated detection to enhance sensitivity and specificity, allowing for simultaneous data processing and reducing system size, weight, and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate instrumentation is used for detection and identification of threat agents, then detection capability is provided, but system complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines Raman spectroscopy and LIBS techniques into a single integrated system that performs both detection and identification of threat agents. The system uses a single laser source that can operate in two modes: Raman mode for molecular identification and LIBS mode for elemental analysis, eliminating the need for separate instrumentation while maintaining comprehensive threat detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination source is designed to perform multiple functions: it can generate laser pulses for Raman spectroscopy, switch to UV frequency for LIBS, and provide structured illumination for imaging. This multi-functional design reduces system complexity by consolidating what would traditionally require separate devices into one universal platform
2Measurement precision
If reagent-based identification methods are used, then high specificity is achieved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reagent-based mechanical/chemical identification methods with optical spectroscopic methods. Raman spectroscopy provides molecular fingerprinting and LIBS provides elemental analysis, both through non-contact optical measurement. This substitution eliminates the need for physical reagent application, incubation, and manual processing while maintaining high identification specificity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary spectral acquisition and processing immediately upon sample presentation. By using rapid spectroscopic measurement and automated chemometric analysis, the system eliminates the time-consuming steps of reagent application and manual interpretation that characterize traditional methods
3Loss of information
If broadband light source is used for optical imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but spectroscopic imaging efficiency decreases due to source switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is designed with dynamic switching capability that allows it to change operating modes rapidly between Raman spectroscopy, LIBS, and imaging functions. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to adapt to different measurement requirements without requiring multiple static light sources, thereby maintaining imaging capability while improving spectroscopic imaging efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detection and identification of unknown samples using a combination of Raman and LIBS detection techniques. A first region of a sample and a second region of a sample are illuminated using structured illumination to thereby generate a first plurality of interacted photons and a second plurality of interacted photons. This first plurality and second plurality of interacted photons may be passed through a fiber array spectral translator device. Said first plurality of interacted photons are assessed using Raman spectroscopy to thereby generate a Raman data set. Said second plurality of interacted photons are assessed using LIBS spectroscopy to thereby generate LIBS data set. These data sets may be analyzed to identify the sample. These data sets may also be fused for further analysis.