Laser-induced spectroscopy system and process
AssigneeSchenck Process LLC
InventorsRandy James Monahan, John Joseph Nowakowski, Lauren Elizabeth Callahan, Geoffrey K. Urbanek
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Abstract
Specialized linkage assemblies for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (“LIBS”) systems are provided. The linkage assemblies may facilitate the attachment of the laser housing of the LIBS system onto an existing sample supply chamber, such as a volumetric or gravimetric feeder. Generally, the linkage assemblies may comprise a specialized purge head and inert gas assembly that facilitate the attachment of the laser housing and may enhance the functionality of the LIBS system.
Claims20
A linkage assembly for a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system, said linkage assembly comprising a purge head, wherein said purge head comprises:
- (a) a base for connecting said purge head to said linkage assembly;
- (b) a protrusion protruding from said base for at least partially extending into a sample supply chamber, said protrusion comprising a tapered front face and a slot opening positioned between said base and said tapered front face;
- and
- (c) a perforation extending through said base and said protrusion, wherein said perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through and contact a sample.
A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system, said laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system comprising:
- (a) a laser housing comprising a laser source and a spectrometer;
- and
- (b) a linkage assembly for connecting said laser housing to a sample supply chamber, wherein said linkage assembly comprises a purge head, said purge head comprising—
- (i) a base for connecting said purge head to said linkage assembly;
- (ii) a protrusion protruding from said base for at least partially extending into a sample supply chamber, said protrusion comprising a tapered front face and a slot opening positioned between said base and said front face;
- and
- (iii) a perforation extending through said base and said protrusion, wherein said perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through and contact a sample.
A method for operating a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a laser housing comprising a laser source and a spectrometer connected to a sample supply chamber via a linkage assembly, wherein said linkage assembly comprises a purge head, said purge head comprising—
- (i) a base for connecting said purge head to said linkage assembly;
- (ii) a protrusion protruding from said base for at least partially extending into a sample supply chamber, said protrusion comprising a tapered front face and a slot opening positioned between said base and said front face;
- and
- (iii) a perforation extending through said base and said protrusion, wherein said perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through and contact a sample;
- (b) contacting said sample with said laser when at least a portion of said sample contacts said tapered front face of said purge head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.