Laser based analysis using a passively Q-switched laser employing analysis electronics and a means for detecting atomic optical emission of the laser media
Inventors
Woodruff, Steven D • McIntyre, Dustin L.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9297696-B2
Publication Date
2016-03-29
Expiration Date
2033-01-25
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Abstract
A device for Laser based Analysis using a Passively Q-Switched Laser comprising an optical pumping source optically connected to a laser media. The laser media and a Q-switch are positioned between and optically connected to a high reflectivity mirror (HR) and an output coupler (OC) along an optical axis. The output coupler (OC) is optically connected to the output lens along the optical axis. A means for detecting atomic optical emission comprises a filter and a light detector. The optical filter is optically connected to the laser media and the optical detector. A control system is connected to the optical detector and the analysis electronics. The analysis electronics are optically connected to the output lens. The detection of the large scale laser output production triggers the control system to initiate the precise timing and data collection from the detector and analysis.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a device for laser-based analysis using a passively Q-switched laser. It comprises an optical pumping source optically connected to a laser media arranged between a high reflectivity mirror (HR) and an output coupler (OC) along an optical axis, with a Q-switch also positioned between them. The output coupler is optically connected to an output lens along the same axis. The device includes a means for detecting atomic optical emission of the laser media, comprising an optical filter and an optical detector. A control system is connected to this detector and to analysis electronics, which are optically connected to the output lens. The detection of large scale laser output from the laser media triggers the control system to initiate precise timing and data collection for analysis.
The background problem addressed by this invention is that current laser-based analysis systems, such as Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), typically require expensive, complicated equipment. While LIBS offers a lower-cost analysis option, it suffers from the need for precise pulse and timing control, usually achieved by actively Q-switched lasers. Passively Q-switched lasers, which do not inherently provide precise timing, are generally considered unsuitable for LIBS. This invention solves the need for a low-cost, reliable laser-based analysis using a passively Q-switched laser by introducing a means to detect atomic optical emission and control the timing for data collection precisely.
In summary, the core innovation lies in integrating a passively Q-switched laser with detection means that include a filter and light detector to accurately measure the atomic optical emission from the laser media. This detection is used to control timing signals for analysis electronics, enabling reliable laser-based analysis with reduced system complexity and cost. The unique configuration of optical components along the optical axis and the specific arrangements of the Q-switch and laser media provide the foundation for this precise timing mechanism in a passive Q-switch setup.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim detailing a device with multiple inventive features. The following are the main inventive features extracted from the independent claim.
Integrated laser cavity with passive Q-switch and optical detection
The device comprises an optical pumping source, high reflectivity mirror (HR), laser media, a Q-switch, output coupler (OC), output lens, means for detecting atomic optical emission, a control system, and analysis electronics arranged primarily along an optical axis.
Optical pumping source creating excitation energy
An optical pumping source optically connected to the laser media produces a pumping excitation energy that excites the laser media to emit atomic optical emission.
Laser media and Q-switch positioning in the optical cavity
The laser media and Q-switch are positioned between and optically connected to the high reflectivity mirror and output coupler along the optical axis to form the laser cavity.
Means for detecting atomic optical emission comprising optical filter and detector
The device includes a means for detecting atomic optical emission consisting of an optical filter optically connected to the laser media and an optical detector, where the filter filters out at least a portion of the pumping excitation energy, allowing selective detection of atomic optical emissions.
Control system interfacing optical detector and analysis electronics
A control system is connected to the optical detector and analysis electronics, utilizing detection signals to control timing and data collection for analysis.
Bandpass filter characteristics
The optical filter is specifically a bandpass filter that allows transmission of atomic optical emissions while attenuating frequencies outside its pass-band range, enhancing detection specificity.
Together, these inventive features define a device that enables precise control and timing of laser-induced emission detection using a passively Q-switched laser, improving the functionality and cost-effectiveness of laser-based analytical systems.
Stated Advantages
Provides a low cost, reliable laser based analysis system using a passively Q-switched laser.
Enables precision timing and data collection in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy without the complexity of active Q-switching.
Reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for input control signals typically required in active Q-switch systems.
Documented Applications
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for analyzing solids, liquids, or gases by inducing plasma and detecting characteristic atomic emissions.
Other laser-based analytical techniques including Raman spectroscopy and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF).
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