Differential excitation spectroscopy
US9395311B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/3125
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A new technique which uses a pump-probe methodology to place a molecule into one or more excited rotational and/or vibrational states. By evaluating spectral changes due to at least one discrete frequency of pump photons a multi-dimensional characterization of the molecule's excited state energy level results. This multi-dimensional characterization typically involves evaluating the changes between excited and unexcited state measurements. The differential nature of the evaluation makes the technique self-referencing and solves problems common to many spectroscopic techniques. The multi-dimensionality of the technique provides high specificity and immunity to interferents. The preferred embodiments involve excitation by using photons suited to pumping the rotational states and evaluating the effects by probing the energy levels of one of more vibrational states. The technique is capable of detecting bulk and trace concentrations of a molecule in gas, liquid and solid phases, both in pure form and in the presence of other molecules.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.