Analytical methods and apparatus
US7616305B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gaseous analyte including a small amount of a multiatomic moiety incorporating a particular isotope, such as 14CO2 is subjected to a standing optical wave at a resonant wavelength of the moiety while maintaining the moiety in an excited condition, such as in a gas discharge. The standing optical wave may be applied by a laser having a sample cell containing the analyte within the laser cavity. Monitoring an induced effect such as the optogalvanic effect yields a signal directly related to the quantity of the moiety. The test can detect quantities of the moiety of an attomole or less, and in some cases on the order of 100 molecules.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.