Micro-optical-mechanical system photoacoustic spectrometer

US8342005B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jack Kotovsky · Alameda, US
• William J. Benett · Livermore, US
• Angela C. Tooker · Dublin, US
• Jennifer B. Alameda · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 1, 2009
• Grant date: Jan 1, 2013
• Expiry date: May 2, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2021/1704
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

All-optical photoacoustic spectrometer sensing systems (PASS system) and methods include all the hardware needed to analyze the presence of a large variety of materials (solid, liquid and gas). Some of the all-optical PASS systems require only two optical-fibers to communicate with the opto-electronic power and readout systems that exist outside of the material environment. Methods for improving the signal-to-noise are provided and enable mirco-scale systems and methods for operating such systems.