Method and apparatus for in situ detection of minute amounts of

Details Method and apparatus for in situ detection of minute amounts of Method and apparatus for in situ detection of minute amounts of

1993-05-06

1995-01-03

Evans, F. L.

Optics: measuring and testing

For optical fiber or waveguide inspection

356318, 2504611, G01N 2100

Patent

active

053791037

ABSTRACT:
A mobile laboratory for in situ detection of organic and heavy metal pollutants in ground water is disclosed. Pulsed laser energy is delivered via fiber optic media to create a laser spark on a remotely located analysis sample, which is irradiated. In a first operational mode, laser energy emitted from an optical delivery system, e.g., a fiber optic media, is focused, for example by one or more lenses, on the surface of an analysis sample, thus generating a plasma. At high temperatures generated by the laser spark, dissociation occurs, allowing the emitted spectrum to be analyzed for the presence of trace elements, such as heavy metals. Because temperature changes after the end of the laser pulse result in a changing spectral characteristic of the sample, signals emitted from the recombining plasma can be used to identify the contents of the sample. In a second mode, the focusing of the laser energy is removed, so that organic molecules with an aromatic structure emit absorbed ultraviolet energy as fluorescence, which is transmitted via fiber optic media for further analysis. The measured wavelength and time characteristics of the emitted fluorescence can be compared against predetermined characteristics to identify the organic substances in the analysis sample.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4008388 (1977-02-01), McLafferty et al.
patent: 4753530 (1988-06-01), Knight et al.
patent: 4802762 (1989-02-01), Hill, Jr.
patent: 4925307 (1990-05-01), Cremers et al.
patent: 5042947 (1991-08-01), Potzschke et al.
Measures, "Laser Remote Chemical Analysis," Fundamentals of Laser Remote Sensing, pp. 1-5.
"Method 1620," United States EPA Office of Water Regulations and Standards, Industrial Technology Division, pp. 1-38 (1989).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Method and apparatus for in situ detection of minute amounts of does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for in situ detection of minute amounts of , we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for in situ detection of minute amounts of will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2214832