A method of and system for detecting the concentration of a target element in a brine wherein the brine is sampled into a container and an aerosol generator is used to generate an aerosol stream of the sampled brine in the container. The aerosol stream may be directed to a collection system. A handheld LIBS device directs a laser beam to the aerosol stream at a location between the aerosol generator and the collection system to generate a plasma. The plasma is analyzed to detect intensity data for a reference element based on the generated plasma and to detect the intensity data of a target element based on the generated plasma. The concentration of the target element in the brine is calculated based on the reference element intensity data and the target element intensity data.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
3.
METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE CONCENTRATION OF BRINE CONSTITUENTS
A method of and system for detecting the concentration of a target element in a brine wherein the brine is sampled into a container and an aerosol generator is used to generate an aerosol stream of the sampled brine in the container. The aerosol stream may be directed to a collection system. A handheld LIB S device directs a laser beam to the aerosol stream at a location between the aerosol generator and the collection system to generate a plasma. The plasma is analyzed to detect intensity data for a reference element based on the generated plasma and to detect the intensity data of a target element based on the generated plasma. The concentration of the target element in the brine is calculated based on the reference element intensity data and the target element intensity data.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
G01N 21/27 - Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
4.
DUAL BEAM SINGLE SPATIAL MODE LASER FOR HANDHELD LIBS INSTRUMENTS AND SIMILAR APPLICATIONS
A handheld LIBS device and method includes a laser assembly producing two pulsed single spatial mode output beams and a focusing optic which combines the two pulsed single spatial mode output beams at a focal point at a sample. The laser assembly includes a laser assembly housing with an output coupler window for the two pulsed single spatial mode output beams, a gain medium in the laser assembly housing between the output coupler window and an adjustable prism mount in the laser assembly housing holding a prism configured to establish two light paths through the gain medium, a source in the laser assembly housing providing pump energy to the gain medium, and a Q-switch positioned between the prism and the gain medium.
A handheld LIES device includes a laser source for generating a laser beam, a spectrometer subsystem for analyzing a plasma generated when the laser beam strikes a sample, and a nose section including an end plate with an aperture for the laser beam and for receiving plasma radiation and an optic spaced from the end plate defining with the end plate a cavity therebetween. An atmospheric purge subsystem includes an air pump with an intake exposed to the atmosphere and a conduit connected to the air pump providing an atmospheric gas mixture to the nose section cavity to purge the cavity of contaminants and keep the optic clean as the atmospheric gas mixture exits the cavity through the end plate aperture.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
6.
DUAL BEAM SINGLE SPATIAL MODE LASER FOR HANDHELD LIBS INSTRUMENTS AND SIMILAR APPLICATIONS
A handheld LIBS device and method includes a laser assembly producing two pulsed single spatial mode output beams and a focusing optic which combines the two pulsed single spatial mode output beams at a focal point at a sample. The laser assembly includes a laser assembly housing with an output coupler window for the two pulsed single spatial mode output beams, a gain medium in the laser assembly housing between the output coupler window and an adjustable prism mount in the laser assembly housing holding a prism configured to establish two light paths through the gain medium, a source in the laser assembly housing providing pump energy to the gain medium, and a Q-switch positioned between the prism and the gain medium.
H01S 3/0941 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light of a semiconductor laser, e.g. of a laser diode
H01S 3/106 - Controlling the intensity, frequency, phase, polarisation or direction of the emitted radiation, e.g. switching, gating, modulating or demodulating by controlling devices placed within the cavity
H01S 3/00 - Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range
H01S 3/06 - Construction or shape of active medium
G01N 21/27 - Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/25 - Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
A spectrometer system and method including a laser source for directing a laser beam to a sample producing plasma radiation on the sample. At least one fiber of a fiber bundle is connected to an illumination source for directing light to the sample. A spectrometer subsystem receives plasma radiation from the sample via the detection fiber bundle. A camera receives light from the illumination source reflected off the sample for detecting the presence of the sample.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
A portable hand held XRF analyzer and method wherein an X-ray source directs X-rays to a sample and a detector detects photons emitted by the sample. A controller subsystem controlling the X-ray source an I/O section and is responsive to the detector and I/O section. The controller subsystem is configured to present to the user, via the I/O section, a choice to invoke an aluminum alloy algorithm test. An aluminum alloy algorithm test is invoked if the operator chooses the aluminum alloy algorithm test. Then, the X-ray source is operated at a predetermined voltage level and predetermined current level and the detector output is analyzed to determine elements and their concentrations present in the sample. Preferably, if the analysis fails to detect one or more common aluminum alloy elements present in the sample and/or fails to specify a particular aluminum alloy, then the X-ray source is automatically operated at a higher voltage and lower current level to repeat the analysis step.
G01N 23/223 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material by irradiating the sample with X-rays or gamma-rays and by measuring X-ray fluorescence
A spectrometer system and method including a laser source for directing a laser beam to a sample producing plasma radiation on the sample. At least one fiber of a fiber bundle is connected to an illumination source for directing light to the sample. A spectrometer subsystem receives plasma radiation from the sample via the detection fiber bundle and receives light from the illumination source reflected off the sample also via the detection fiber bundle for detecting the presence of the sample.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
An analysis (e.g., LIBS) system includes a source of radiation, an optical emission path for the radiation from the source of radiation to a sample, and an optical detection path for photons emitted by the sample. A detector fiber bundle transmits photons to the spectrometer subsystem. At least one fiber of the fiber bundle is connected to an illumination source (e.g., an LED) for directing light via at least a portion of the detection path in a reverse direction to the sample for aligning, sample presence detection, localizing, and/or focusing based on analysis of the resulting illumination spot on the sample.
G01J 3/30 - Measuring the intensity of spectral lines directly on the spectrum itself
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
A LIBS analyzer and method includes a laser configured to produce a plasma on a sample at a focal point on the sample and a spectrometer responsive to radiation emitted from the plasma and configured to produce an output spectrum. A detector is positioned to detect low intensity pre-firing radiation produced by the laser and reflected off the sample from the focal point. The intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is compared to a predetermined minimum and the laser pump sequence is halted if the intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is less than the predetermined minimum.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
A LIBS analyzer, preferably handheld, includes a laser configured to produce a plasma on a sample and a spectrometer responsive to radiation emitted from the plasma and configured to produce a spectrum. A controller subsystem is configured to control energizing the laser and to analyze the resulting spectrum from each laser pulse to determine if the laser is aimed at a sample. If the analyzed spectrum reveals the laser is not aimed at the sample, the controller subsystem halts the laser puke sequence.
A LIBS analyzer and method includes a laser configured to produce a plasma on a sample at a focal point on the sample and a spectrometer responsive to radiation emitted from the plasma and configured to produce an output spectrum. A detector is positioned to detect low intensity pre-firing radiation produced by the laser and reflected off the sample from the focal point. The intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is compared to a predetermined minimum and the laser pump sequence is halted if the intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is less than the predetermined minimum.
A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
G01J 3/10 - Arrangements of light sources specially adapted for spectrometry or colorimetry
A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
G01J 3/10 - Arrangements of light sources specially adapted for spectrometry or colorimetry
An analysis system includes a moveable focusing lens, a laser (typically an eye safe laser) having an output directed at the focusing lens, and a spectrometer outputting intensity data from a sample. A controller system is responsive to the spectrometer and is configured to energize the laser, process the output of the spectrometer, and adjust the position of the focusing lens relative to the sample until the spectrometer output indicates a maximum or near maximum intensity resulting from a laser output focused to a spot on the sample.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
A handheld LIBS spectrometer system features an optics stage moveable with respect to a housing and including a laser focusing lens. A laser source is mounted in the housing for directing a laser beam to a sample via the laser focusing lens. A detection fiber is mounted in the housing and is fixed relative thereto. A first mirror is fixed relative to the housing and includes an aperture for the laser beam. This mirror is oriented to re-direct plasma radiation for delivery to the detection fiber. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of a spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and the optics stage.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
A combined handheld XRF and LIBS system and method includes an XRF subsystem with an X-ray source operated at a fixed medium voltage and configured to deliver X-rays to a sample without passing through a mechanized filter and a detector for detecting fluoresced radiation from the sample. The LIBS subsystem includes a low power laser source for delivering a laser beam to the sample and a narrow wavelength range spectrometer subsystem for analyzing optical emissions from the sample. The X-ray source is operated at the fixed medium voltage to analyze the sample for a first group of elements, namely, transition and/or heavy metals. The low power laser source is operated to analyze the sample for a second group of elements the XRF subsystem cannot reliably detect, namely, C, Be, Li, Na, and/or B, and to analyze the sample for a third group of elements the XRF subsystem cannot reliably detect at the fixed voltage, namely, Al, Si, and/or Mg, or where the XRF subsystem would require higher tube voltage, namely Cd, Ag, In, Sn, Sb, and/or Ba; and/or rare earth elements.
G01N 23/223 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material by irradiating the sample with X-rays or gamma-rays and by measuring X-ray fluorescence
G01N 23/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by measuring secondary emission from the material
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
G01N 23/2208 - Combination of two or more measurements, at least one measurement being that of secondary emission, e.g. combination of secondary electron [SE] measurement and back-scattered electron [BSE] measurement all measurements being of secondary emission, e.g. combination of SE measurement and characteristic X-ray measurement
21.
Automated multiple location sampling analysis system
An analysis system (e.g., LIBS) includes a laser source generating a laser beam, a movable optic configured to move said laser beam to multiple locations on a sample, and a spectrometer responsive to photons emitted by the sample at those locations and having an output. A controller is responsive to a trigger signal and is configured in a moving spot cycle to adjust the moveable optic, activate the laser source sequentially generating photons at multiple locations on the sample, and process the spectrometer output at each location.
A handheld LIBS analyzer includes a laser source for generating a laser beam and a spectrometer subsystem for analyzing a plasma generated when the laser beam strikes a sample. A nose section includes an end plate with an aperture for the laser beam, a purge cavity behind the aperture fluidly connected to a source of purge gas, and a shield covering the purge cavity. A vent removes purge gas from the purge cavity when the end plate is placed on the sample.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
Featured is a spectral analysis method and a wide spectral range spectrometer including a source of electromagnetic radiation and an optical subsystem configured to disperse radiation into a plurality of wavelengths. A pixilated light modulator receives the radiation wavelengths and is configured to direct one or more selective wavelengths to a sample.
A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
An analysis (e.g., LIBS) system includes a laser source generating a laser beam for creating a plasma at a location on a sample, and a spectrometer responsive to photons emitted by the sample at said location and having an output. A controller is responsive to a trigger signal and is configured to activate the laser source generating a series of laser pulses in a cleaning cycle, process the spectrometer output, and automatically terminate the cleaning cycle based on the spectrometer output.
G01J 3/30 - Measuring the intensity of spectral lines directly on the spectrum itself
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
An analysis system includes a moveable focusing lens, a laser (typically an eye safe laser) having an output directed at the focusing lens, and a spectrometer outputting intensity data from a sample. A controller system is responsive to the spectrometer and is configured to energize the laser, process the output of the spectrometer, and adjust the position of the focusing lens relative to the sample until the spectrometer output indicates a maximum or near maximum intensity resulting from a laser output focused to a spot on the sample.
An analysis system (e.g., LIBS) includes a laser source generating a laser beam, a movable optic configured to move said laser beam to multiple locations on a sample, and a spectrometer responsive to photons emitted by the sample at those locations and having an output. A controller is responsive to a trigger signal and is configured in a moving spot cycle to adjust the moveable optic, activate the laser source sequentially generating photons at multiple locations on the sample, and process the spectrometer output at each location.
A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.
G01N 21/63 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
An analysis system includes a laser source generating a laser beam for creating a plasma at a location on a sample. A spectrometer is responsive to photons emitted by the sample at said location and has an output. At least one nozzle is configured to deliver inert gas from a source locally to the location on the sample. A controller is responsive to a trigger signal and is configured to activate the laser source generating a series of laser pulses, open a valve to purge the location locally on the sample, and close the valve after one or more laser pulses.
An analysis system (e.g., LIBS) includes a laser source generating a laser beam, a movable optic configured to move said laser beam to multiple locations on a sample, and a spectrometer responsive to photons emitted by the sample at those locations and having an output. A controller is responsive to a trigger signal and is configured in a moving spot cycle to adjust the moveable optic, activate the laser source sequentially generating photons at multiple locations on the sample, and process the spectrometer output at each location.
An analysis system includes a moveable focusing lens, a laser (typically an eye safe laser) having an output directed at the focusing lens, and a spectrometer outputting intensity data from a sample. A controller system is responsive to the spectrometer and is configured to energize the laser, process the output of the spectrometer, and adjust the position of the focusing lens relative to the sample until the spectrometer output indicates a maximum or near maximum intensity resulting from a laser output focused to a spot on the sample.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
An analysis system includes a laser source generating a laser beam for creating a plasma at a location on a sample. A spectrometer is responsive to photons emitted by the sample at said location and has an output. At least one nozzle is configured to deliver inert gas from a source locally to the location on the sample. A controller is responsive to a trigger signal and is configured to activate the laser source generating a series of laser pulses, open a valve to purge the location locally on the sample, and close the valve after one or more laser pulses.
A dual source system and method includes a high power laser used to determine elemental concentrations in a sample and a lower power device used to determine compounds present in the sample. A detector subsystem receives photons from the sample after laser energy from the high power laser strikes the sample and provides a first signal. The detector subsystem then receives photons from the sample after energy from the lower power device strikes the sample and provides a second signal. The high power laser is pulsed and the first signal is processed to determine elemental concentrations present in the sample. The lower power device is energized and the second signal is processed to determine compounds present in the signal. Based on the elemental concentrations and the compounds present, the compounds present in the sample are quantified.
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
G01N 21/359 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using near infrared light
A dual source system and method includes a high power laser used to determine elements in a sample and a lower power device used to determine compounds present in the sample. An optical subsystem directs photons from a sample to a detector subsystem after laser energy from the laser strikes the sample along an optical path. After energy from the device strikes the sample protons are directed to the detector subsystem along the same optical path. The detector subsystem receives photons after laser energy from the laser strikes the sample and provides a first signal, and receives photons after energy from the device strikes the sample and provides a second signal. A controller subsystem pulses the high power laser and processes the first signal to determine elements present in the sample, energizes the lower power device and processes the second signal to determine compounds present in the sample.
G01N 21/359 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using near infrared light
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
G01N 21/27 - Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
A spectroscopic system is described that provides at least one of focus of an excitation beam onto a sample, automatic focus of an optical system of the spectroscopic system for collecting a spectroscopic signal, and/or averaging of excitation intensity over a surface area of the sample.
A spectroscopic system is described that provides at least one of focus of an excitation beam onto a sample, automatic focus of an optical system of the spectroscopic system for collecting a spectroscopic signal, and/or averaging of excitation intensity over a surface area of the sample.
