Apparatus and method for the spectrochemical analysis of liquids using the laser spark
US4925307A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 1984 |
| Grant date | May 15, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/63
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic investigation of elements present in a liquid sample using the laser spark. A series of temporally closely spaced spark pairs is induced in the liquid sample utilizing pulsed electromagnetic radiation from a pair of lasers. The light pulses are not significantly absorbed by the sample so that the sparks occur inside of the liquid. The emitted light from the breakdown events is spectrally and temporally resolved, and the time period between the two laser pulses in each spark pair is adjusted to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the emitted signals. In comparison with the single pulse technique, a substantial reduction in the limits of detectability for many elements has been demonstrated. Narrowing of spectral features results in improved discrimination against interfering species.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.