Analyzer alignment, sample detection, localization, and focusing method and system
AssigneeSciAps, Inc.
InventorDavid R. Day
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An analysis (e.g., LIBS) system includes a source of radiation, an optical emission path for the radiation from the source of radiation to a sample, and an optical detection path for photons emitted by the sample. A detector fiber bundle transmits photons to the spectrometer subsystem. At least one fiber of the fiber bundle is connected to an illumination source (e.g., an LED) for directing light via at least a portion of the detection path in a reverse direction to the sample for aligning, sample presence detection, localizing, and/or focusing based on analysis of the resulting illumination spot on the sample.
Claims34
An analysis method comprising:
- directing radiation along an emission path to a sample;
- directing photons emitted by the sample along a detection path;
- directing light from an illumination source via at least a portion of the detection path in a reverse direction to the sample creating an illumination spot thereon;
- and
- analyzing the illumination spot on the sample for aligning, detecting the presence of a sample, localizing, and/or focusing.
An analysis system comprising:
- a source of radiation;
- an optical emission path for the radiation from the source of radiation to a sample;
- an optical detection path for photons emitted by the sample;
- a spectrometer subsystem for analyzing said photons;
- a detector fiber bundle for transmitting said photons to the spectrometer subsystem;
- and
- at least one fiber of the fiber bundle connected to an illumination source for directing light via at least a portion of the detection path in a reverse direction to the sample for aligning, sample presence detection, localizing, and/or focusing based on analysis of the resulting illumination spot on the sample.
A handheld LIBS spectrometer system comprising:
- a housing;
- an optic stage moveable with respect to the housing and including a laser focusing lens;
- a laser source mounted in the housing for directing a laser beam to a sample via the laser focusing lens;
- a detection fiber bundle mounted in the housing;
- a first mirror between the laser source and the focusing lens and including an aperture for the laser beam and oriented to redirect plasma radiation passing through the focusing lens for delivery to the detection fiber bundle;
- a spectrometer subsystem in the housing receiving plasma radiation via the detection fiber bundle;
- and
- at least one fiber of the fiber bundle connected to a source of illumination for directing light via the mirror and the focusing lens to the sample for alignment, sample presence detection, localization, and/or focusing of the laser beam.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.