Split-Ring Plasma Spectrometry for Portable High-Density Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma spectrometry systems are limited by the need for laboratory-based instruments, which delay the analysis of samples due to the requirement for transporting samples to a laboratory for analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a split ring resonator to generate a high-density plasma, which extends towards and couples with an electrode, allowing for the introduction of a sample into the plasma and directing the output to a spectrometer for analysis, enabling portable and rapid spectrometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laboratory-based plasma spectrometry system is used, then analysis accuracy and reliability are improved, but analysis time and portability deteriorate due to sample transport requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the plasma generation system into a portable miniaturized device that can be deployed in the field, separating the plasma source from the laboratory-based spectrometer. This allows sample analysis to occur at the collection site, eliminating transport time while maintaining analytical capability through the use of a compact plasma generation chamber coupled with a remote spectrometer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a centralized laboratory-based system to a distributed field-deployable system by miniaturizing the plasma source and enabling portable operation. This dimensional shift from fixed laboratory infrastructure to mobile field equipment resolves the contradiction between maintaining analytical precision and reducing analysis time through on-site sampling.
2Loss of time
If a miniaturized plasma source is used, then portability and analysis speed are improved, but plasma density and temperature deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges a split-ring resonator with a plasma generation chamber to create a compact plasma source that achieves high plasma density and temperature despite miniaturization. The resonator's concentrated electromagnetic field energy is directed into the plasma chamber, maintaining the high-energy conditions necessary for effective spectrometry while keeping the overall device portable and field-deployable.
3Temperature
If power is increased to maintain plasma density in a miniaturized source, then plasma temperature is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a split-ring resonator that operates at resonant frequencies to generate intense electromagnetic fields with relatively low input power. By exploiting resonance, the system achieves high plasma temperatures and densities without requiring proportionally high energy input, as the resonant oscillations concentrate energy efficiently into the plasma chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using resonant frequency excitation instead of continuous high-power input. The split-ring resonator is tuned to specific frequencies that maximize energy coupling into the plasma, achieving efficient energy conversion and maintaining high plasma temperatures with reduced overall energy consumption compared to non-resonant approaches.
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
This configuration achieves a high-density plasma with higher electron densities and temperatures, supporting efficient and rapid analysis of samples, making it suitable for field applications and providing elemental or chemical analysis of nearly all metals and half-metals.
Implementation Method 1
the plasma is generated by inductively coupling electrical power to the plasma
Implementation Method 2
In plasma optical emission spectrometry (OES), sample ions or atoms excited in a plasma emit electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths characteristic of a particular element
Implementation Method 3
This generates a standing wave created in the dipole, wherein the potential is at a maximum or minimum at the distal ends of the arms 18, 20 of the microstrip line, although 180° out of phase. This enables the amplitude of an electric field across the discharge gap 22 to be extremely high
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for spectrometry of a sample in a plasma is described. The system includes a split ring resonator, an electrode, and a delivery system. The split ring resonator has a discharge gap, and the electrode is arranged in proximity to, but spaced apart from, the discharge gap such that. When a sufficient power is supplied to a plasma generated in the discharge gap, the plasma extends towards and couples with the electrode, so that the plasma is established in a region between the discharge gap and the electrode. The delivery system is for introduction of a sample into the plasma established in the region between the discharge gap and the electrode. The system is configured to direct an output from the plasma to a spectrometer for analysis.