Luminescence based fiber optic probe for the detection of rare earth elements
Inventors
Ahern, John C • Ohodnicki, Jr., Paul R • Baltrus, John P • Poole, Jacob Lorenzi
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11170986-B2
Publication Date
2021-11-09
Expiration Date
2037-10-17
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Abstract
The disclosure relates to an apparatus, method and process for detecting rare earth elements. The system includes an LED powered by a first power source and a focusing lens in optical communication with the LED. A shortpass filter is in optical communication with the focusing lens; and a fiber bifurcated cable in optical communication with the shortpass filter. The system includes a probe tip in optical communication with the fiber bifurcated cable and a sample; a first aspheric lens in optical communication with the fiber bifurcated cable. A longpass filter is in optical communication with the first aspheric lens and a second aspheric lens in optical communication with the longpass filter. The system includes a spectrometer connected to a power source, where the spectrometer is in optical communication with the second aspheric lens.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus, method, and process for detecting rare earth elements (REEs) using a portable fiber optic-based probe system. The system includes components such as an LED light source, focusing lens, shortpass and longpass filters, a fiber bifurcated cable, a probe tip functionalized with coatings or sensitizers, aspheric lenses, and a spectrometer all optically connected to detect luminescent signals from rare earth elements in various samples. This setup enables rapid, in-field detection of low concentrations of REEs in process streams.
The problem being solved addresses the challenges in REE detection caused by the heavy consolidation of REE mine control, market insecurities, and the need to diversify supply chains through recycling. Existing conventional detection methods rely on laboratory-based inductively-coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) requiring weeks for results, and portable systems are costly or not optimized for detection limits. The invention provides a portable, cost-effective device with rapid turnaround, improving the practical detection limits of REEs through optical optimization and the use of sensitizers, thereby enabling real-time analysis critical for recovery cost-management.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes three independent claims defining variations of an apparatus for detecting rare earth elements with inventive features focused on optical components, probe tip functionalization, and signal processing elements.
Optical filtering and fiber bifurcated cable configuration
The apparatus employs a light source providing luminescent signals, a shortpass filter reducing low energy emissions from the light source, and a fiber bifurcated cable in optical communication with both the shortpass filter and the sample, enabling light transmission and collection through separate fiber arms for improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Functionalized probe tip enhancing detection limits
The probe tip is functionalized with a coating that enhances detection limits for rare earth elements, which can include immobilized sensitizers in silica-based sol-gels, sorbent materials for rare earth ions, plasmonic nanoparticles, or other functional layers to increase luminescent signal intensity and lower detection thresholds.
Use of specific optical components for excitation and emission separation
The system includes a longpass filter in optical communication with the fiber bifurcated cable and spectrometer to reduce high energy signals from the light source and isolate luminescent signals. Additional focusing lenses, such as aspheric lenses and focusing lenses, are included to optimize light transmission and collection efficiency.
The claims broadly cover apparatuses featuring an LED light source with optical filtering and fiber bifurcated cable arrangement, a functionalized probe tip to enhance rare earth element detection, and spectrometric analysis components configured for improved luminescence signal acquisition and processing.
Stated Advantages
Provides fast turnaround of results with field-portability enabling immediate detection of rare earth elements in process streams.
Offers cost savings compared to conventional ICP-MS and expensive laboratory equipment, requiring less operator expertise and maintenance.
Achieves improved signal-to-noise ratio through effective optical separation of excitation and emission pathways using shortpass and longpass filters along with fiber bifurcation.
Uses sensitizers and functionalized probe tips to increase luminescent signals, lowering detection limits for more sensitive and efficient REE detection.
Documented Applications
Field-based rapid detection and analysis of rare earth elements in coal byproducts and other industrial process streams such as metallurgical, power, and gasification plants.
Screening of high-value ores and process streams for recovery of rare earth elements to inform timely decision-making and cost management in recovery operations.
Use as a portable screening tool supplementing or replacing conventional laboratory ICP-MS or large table-top luminescence equipment by providing immediate in-field results.
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