Optics: measuring and testing – For light transmission or absorption
Reexamination Certificate
2005-12-13
2005-12-13
Lauchman, Layla G. (Department: 2877)
Optics: measuring and testing
For light transmission or absorption
Reexamination Certificate
active
06975402
ABSTRACT:
The present invention provides a photoacoustic spectrometer that is field portable and capable of speciating complex organic molecules in the gas phase. The spectrometer has a tunable light source that has the ability to resolve the fine structure of these molecules over a large wavelength range. The inventive light source includes an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) having combined fine and coarse tuning. By pumping the OPO with the output from a doped-fiber optical amplifier pumped by a diode seed laser, the inventive spectrometer is able to speciate mixtures having parts per billion of organic compounds, with a light source that has a high efficiency and small size, allowing for portability. In an alternative embodiment, the spectrometer is scanned by controlling the laser wavelength, thus resulting in an even more compact and efficient design.
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Armstrong Karla M.
Bisson Scott E.
Kulp Thomas J.
Lauchman Layla G.
Sandia National Laboratories
Valentin, II Juan D.
Vosen Steven R.
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