Variable Laser Energy Multi-Spectrometer for Gas and Particulate Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spectrometers are limited by single-technique operation, which restricts optimal detection of gaseous and particulate chemicals due to fixed laser energy levels, necessitating the ability to vary laser energy for optimal results across different spectrometric techniques.

Innovation Solution

A multi-spectrometer design that utilizes variable laser energy to operate LAS, LEFS, RSS, and LIBS simultaneously or sequentially, with deep UV lasers, allowing for detection of gas and particulate chemicals in a flowing air stream, and employing Chemo-metrics for high-confidence identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single-technique spectrometer is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability are limited due to fixed laser energy levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidspectrometer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines four different spectrometric techniques (LAS, LEFS, RSS, and LIBS) into a single integrated system that shares common components such as the laser source, optical paths, and detection systems. This merging approach enables multi-technique operation while controlling overall system complexity through component sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spectrometer is designed with universal components that can operate across multiple spectrometric techniques. The laser system, optical elements, and detection apparatus are configured to support LAS, LEFS, RSS, and LIBS operations, allowing a single device to perform functions that would traditionally require separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed laser energy levels are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different spectrometric techniques is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetechnique flexibilityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The laser energy level is made dynamically adjustable to match the specific requirements of different spectrometric techniques. The system can vary laser energy levels in real-time depending on whether LAS, LEFS, RSS, or LIBS is being performed, optimizing performance for each technique while maintaining a unified operational interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements variable laser energy parameters that can be changed according to the selected spectrometric technique. By adjusting key parameters such as laser power and pulse duration, the system adapts to the specific energy requirements of each detection method without requiring complete reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If high laser energy is used for LIBS, then the productivity of detection is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase due to laser radiation exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection speedVSAvoidlaser radiation hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent contains the high-energy laser radiation within the instrument housing, converting a potentially harmful exposure into a controlled operational parameter. The laser energy that would otherwise be a hazard is directed through controlled optical paths and contained within the device, allowing high-power operation for rapid detection while protecting external environments from radiation exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 multi-spectrometer achieves enhanced accuracy and reliability in chemical detection by generating comprehensive spectral data, providing unique fingerprints for substances, and safely containing laser radiation to prevent hazards.

Implementation Method 1

laser excited fluorescence spectrometry (LEFS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

Raman scattering spectrometry (RSS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRaman scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

laser absorption spectrometry (LAS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

laser induced breakdown spectrometry (LIBS)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser induced breakdown: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS11359963B2Variable laser energy multi-spectrometer for gas and particulate chemicals in air

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

AI summary

The present invention relates to the design, construction, and operation of a laser air-sampling multi-spectrometer; its operation with variable laser energy to simultaneously and/or sequentially perform spectrometric techniques of LAS, LEFS, RSS, and LIBS. The combined spectrometric operation will detect gas and particulate chemicals directly in a flowing stream of air sample and/or particulate chemicals on filter collected from the flowing stream of air sample.