Spectroscopy Data Display Spatial Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectroscopy data from laser-assisted spectroscopy systems lacks correlation to physical locations on a sample, resulting in data that is not geographically aligned with the sample's composition variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that correlate spectroscopy data with physical locations on a sample by scanning a laser beam along a trajectory, disassociating material, and using a fluid to transport it to a spectrometer, while displaying the data overlaid on an image of the sample using a processor-controlled system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mass spectroscopy data is displayed in tabulated text or spreadsheet formats, then the data can be easily processed and analyzed, but the data loses correlation to physical locations on the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines spectroscopy data with optical microscopy images by overlaying spectral information onto the visual image of the sample. This merging allows simultaneous display of both spatial location and spectral composition data, resolving the contradiction between ease of data processing and preservation of spatial information correlation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the data presentation by displaying spectroscopy data as colored overlays or annotations on top of optical images. This transforms the data from one-dimensional tabular format to a two-dimensional spatial representation, maintaining location correlation while preserving data accessibility.
2Measurement precision
If the laser beam scans along a trajectory to ablate material from selected portions of the sample, then spatial resolution is improved, but the complexity of correlating data to physical locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the optical microscopy image as feedback to guide the laser scanning process and to provide a visual reference frame for correlating spectral data with physical locations. The image serves as a real-time map that simplifies the correlation process by providing direct visual correspondence between measurement locations and sample features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the sample through optical microscopy imaging, which serves as a reference map for locating and correlating spectral measurements. This optical copy simplifies the complexity of tracking laser positions by providing an intuitive visual representation of the sample surface with marked measurement locations.
3Quantity of substance
If spectroscopy data values are determined along the beam trajectory, then comprehensive compositional analysis is achieved, but the data lacks direct visual correlation to sample features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the comprehensive compositional analysis data with the visual image of the sample by overlaying spectral information at corresponding locations. This allows simultaneous achievement of complete compositional coverage and easy visual correlation to sample features, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive analysis and visual detectability.
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 spatial correlation of spectroscopy data with sample locations, allowing for real-time or post-processing display of data variations as color, patterns, or symbols on the sample image, enhancing data interpretation and traceability.
Implementation Method 1
The laser beam disassociates material from the sample along the beam trajectory to produce an aerosol of the disassociated material within the sample chamber
Implementation Method 2
passing a fluid through the sample chamber to transport the disassociated material to a spectrometer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
Spectroscopy data are correlated to physical locations on a sample. A laser beam is scanned along a beam trajectory relative to the sample located in a sample chamber. The laser beam disassociates materials from the sample along the beam trajectory to produced an aerosol of the disassociated material within the sample chamber. A fluid is passed through the sample chamber to transport the disassociated material to a spectrometer for determining spectroscopy data values of a selected element along the beam trajectory. The spectroscopy data values are correlated with respective locations of the sample along the beam trajectory, and an image is displayed of at least a portion of the sample including the respective locations along the beam trajectory where the material was disassociated by the laser beam. The image includes indicia of the spectroscopy data values at their correlated locations.