Sampling optics for spectroscopic analysis include an array of optical elements as opposed to a single objective as used in conventional systems, achieving enhanced collection, inherent signal integration/averaging and improved measurement uniformity. At the same time, the etendue using the array is substantially the same as the etendue using a single-element objective. The array of closely packed optical elements may have spherical or aspherical surfaces and may be transmissive or reflective. An array of lenses and reflective elements may be arranged together in flow cell configurations and/or for signal amplification involving multiple passes through a sample medium. The array elements may be arranged in hexagonal, linear, radial or other packing geometries and may be implemented as a flat or curved panel. The present disclosure is applicable to remote fiber probes and flow cell geometries to measure solids, liquids, gasses and semi-liquid such as slurries.
An electro-optical adapter module includes a housing; at least one input interface with a connector on the housing, wherein the input interface is designed to be connected to a probe via a cable; an output interface with a connector on the housing, wherein the output interface is designed to be connected to a spectrometric base module; with an, for example, bidirectional, electrical connection from the input interface to the output interface; a first optical connection from the input interface to the output interface for optical input signals, for example, measurement signals; and a second optical connection from the output interface to the input interface for optical output signals, for example excitation signals.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
3.
MULTIPLEXING OF A RAMAN ANALYZER BY USE OF A CARTESIAN ROBOT
A method of performing an optical analysis on multiple vessels using a single optical analysis device includes placing on and in each vessel a protective sheath that will accept a probe head of the optical analysis device. The probe head may be easily inserted into and removed from the protective sheath. A Cartesian robot may move the probe head from vessel to vessel to perform the analyses. The system for the optical analysis include at least two vessels, an optical analyzer, and a Cartesian robot.
A measuring system includes: an optical sensor for measuring a variable of a medium in a process vessel; a retractable fitting for mounting the optical sensor, including a hollow cylindrical housing with a housing wall, which includes a service chamber within the housing, and an immersion tube, which is axially movable within the housing between a service position, in which the immersion tube is withdrawn from the medium, and a process position, in which the immersion tube is in the medium, wherein the optical sensor is disposed in the immersion tube, and wherein the housing wall includes an opening adjacent the service chamber; and a calibration unit movably mounted in the opening between a rest position and a calibration position, wherein the calibration unit is outside the service chamber in the rest position, and wherein the calibration unit is in optical contact with the optical sensor in the calibration position.
A measurement system for a focal distance measurement of an optic includes: a translation stage including a base and platform configured to translate in linear motion relative to each other in an automated manner driven by a linear actuator; a reference material disposed on the translation stage and having a surface opposite the optic to be measured; a measuring device configured to measure a gap between the surface of the reference material and a distal tip of the optic in an automated manner; a spectrometer in optical communication with the optic; and a controller configured to operate the translation stage, the measuring device, and the spectrometer and to determine a focal distance of the optic based on a spectral characteristic of a measurement spectrum and on a final gap between the surface of the reference material and the distal tip of the optic at which the spectral characteristic is determined.
A method of characterizing and monitoring a fermentation process includes acquiring online Raman spectra of a hydrolysis process within a vessel at different times during the pressing process to generate a training data set; acquiring physical samples from pressing process near in time to the acquired Raman spectra; performing offline measurements of the target analyte properties and/or compositions using an assay measurement technique; generating a correlative model of the target analyte such that spectral changes in the training data set correlate with the offline measurements of the target analyte properties and/or compositions; acquiring online Raman spectra of a subsequent run of the pressing process within the vessel at different times during the run to generate a process data set; and applying the correlative model to the process data set to qualitatively and/or quantitatively predict a value of a property and/or composition of the target analyte.
A calibration light source includes: a broad band light source emitting light in a broad spectral range; and a filter receiving light emitted by the broad band light source and providing structured light by imposing an attenuation pattern exhibiting pattern features at multiple spectral reference lines on the received light such that an emission spectrum of the structured light emitted by the calibration light source exhibits distinct, identifiable emission spectrum features corresponding to the pattern features at the multiple spectral reference lines. A method of calibrating at least one spectrometer using the calibration light source is further disclosed.
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
8.
MEASURING HEAD AND MEASUREMENT APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SURFACE-ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSPIC MEASUREMENTS
A measuring head and a measurement apparatus comprising a measuring head for performing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic measurements. The measuring head comprises a housing, an optical device including a window closing off an opening of the housing and a prism extending into the interior of the housing, and a SERS-substrate disposed on an outer side of the measuring head. The SERS-substrate includes a nanostructured layer and a chemically inert, transparent passivation layer. The optical device is evanescently coupled to the SERS-substrate and configured to receive excitation light transmitted to the optical device through the housing, to refract the excitation light towards the SERS-substrate such that an evanescent field extends from the SERS-substrate into a medium adjacent an outside surface of the passivation layer, and to receive Raman scattered light emanating from the medium through the SERS-substrate and to direct the Raman scattered light through the housing.
A flow cell for performing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic measurements of at least one measurand of a medium and a measurement apparatus comprising the flow cell includes: a cell body; a flow channel extending through the cell body and configured to convey the medium; a SERS-substrate disposed on a surface adjacent the flow channel inside the cell body, the SERS-substrate including a nanostructured layer and a transparent, chemically inert passivation layer covering an outside surface of the SERS-substrate adjacent the flow channel; and a transmission window configured to permit excitation light to be transmitted through the transmission window to the SERS-substrate inside the cell body and to permit measurement light including Raman scattered light emanating from the medium inside the flow channel to be received through the transmission window.
A method of Raman spectroscopy for determining concentrations of at least one target component included in a medium including a given combination of multiple components includes: for each component of the medium, providing a reference spectrum of the component; based on Raman peaks included in the reference spectra, identifying Raman peaks that occur within less than a predetermined minimum spectral distance from each other as disturbing peaks; for each component, determining a component spectrum by eliminating each Raman peak included in the reference spectrum of the respective component identified as a disturbing peak; based on the component spectra, determining synthetic spectra of samples of the medium including different concentrations of the components; and based on the synthetic spectra, determining and providing a model for determining concentrations of each target component based on measured spectra of samples of the medium.
A method includes, with a Raman spectrometer: determining a measured spectrum; determining a second derivative of a difference spectrum function corresponding to a difference between the measured spectrum and a product of a scaling coefficient and a reference spectrum of contributions of interfering influences included in the measured spectrum; determining a coefficient value of the scaling coefficient minimizing an error function including a term corresponding to an error of the difference spectrum function due to peaks included in the reference spectrum, the term including a sum of areas enclosed underneath the second derivative in all spectral regions in which the second derivative is positive, and/or a sum of areas enclosed underneath the second derivative in all spectral regions in which the second derivative is negative; and determining a Raman difference spectrum corresponding to the difference between the measured spectrum and a product of the coefficient value and the reference spectrum.
A spectrometer including: a laser light source, including a tunable diode laser with a coherent laser output, wherein the laser light source is configured to modulate the frequency of the coherent laser output; a photodetector arranged to receive the coherent laser output; at least one optical element arranged between the laser output and the photodetector; and an evaluation unit electrically connected to the photodetector. The laser light source and/or the first optical element is mounted on a movable carrier, wherein the movement of the carrier is oscillatory and changes the path length of the radiation such that interference signals are suppressed, wherein the suppression occurs due to interference between the radiation emitted from the light source and the change in the path length of the beam path due to the movement on the movable carrier.
A calibration material for calibrating a Raman spectrometer includes: a reference material configured to emit a broadband spectrum of luminescence light in response to receiving excitation light; and an additional material exhibiting a distinct Raman band within a spectral measurement range of the Raman spectrometer. A method of calibrating at least one Raman spectrometer using the disclosed calibration material includes: determining emission spectra of the calibration material at multiple temperatures; and calibrating each Raman spectrometer based on a calibration spectrum of the calibration material determined by the Raman spectrometer; determining a temperature of the calibration material by Raman thermometry; and adjusting a determination of spectral intensity values of intensity spectra performed by the respective Raman spectrometer based on the calibration spectrum, the temperature of the calibration material during calibration, and the emission spectra of the calibration material.
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
A reference material for and a method of calibrating at least one Raman spectrometer are disclosed. The reference material includes quantum dots distributed in a transparent condensed phase material such that light emitted by the reference material in response to receiving excitation light having an excitation wavelength provided by the Raman spectrometer(s) has a predetermined spectral intensity distribution in a spectral measurement range of the Raman spectrometer(s). The method includes designing, manufacturing and providing the reference material, determining an emission spectrum of the reference material, and calibrating each Raman spectrometer by determining a reference spectrum of the reference material and by adjusting a determination of spectral intensity values of intensity spectra performed by the Raman spectrometer based on the reference spectrum and the emission spectrum of the reference material.
The present disclosure includes an optical head for a spectroscopic device configured to produce a beam of light, a reference signal detector, and a signal detector. A mirror reflects the beam of light from the light source toward a multi-sectioned window having a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side includes an AR coating and the top side has a first section including an AR coating and a second section including a beam splitter with transmittance and reflectance. A first beam path for the beam of light is defined by the mirror, the second section of the multi-sectioned window, and the reference signal detector. A second beam path for the beam of light is defined by the mirror, the second section of the multi-sectioned window, a medium contained in the spectroscopic device, an additional mirror, the first section of the multi-sectioned window, and the signal detector.
One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a probe, including a probe body having a center axis defining a proximal end and a distal end and including an aperture in the distal end; a window affixed in the aperture, wherein the window is substantially optically transparent; and a flange adjoining the proximal end of the probe body, the flange including a sealing surface and a sealing edge, wherein the flange separates an in-process portion of the probe from an ex-process portion of the probe, the in-process portion including at least the probe body, the sealing surface and the sealing edge, where at least the in-process portion of the probe consists essentially of an austenitic stainless steel material. Further aspects include a computer product configured to execute a method employing the probe.
Sampling optics for spectroscopic analysis include an array of optical elements as opposed to a single objective as used in conventional systems, achieving enhanced collection, inherent signal integration/averaging and improved measurement uniformity. At the same time, the etendue using the array is substantially the same as the etendue using a single-element objective. The array of closely packed optical elements may have spherical or aspherical surfaces and may be transmissive or reflective. An array of lenses and reflective elements may be arranged together in flow cell configurations and/or for signal amplification involving multiple passes through a sample medium. The array elements may be arranged in hexagonal, linear, radial or other packing geometries and may be implemented as a flat or curved panel. The present disclosure is applicable to remote fiber probes and flow cell geometries to measure solids, liquids, gasses and semi-liquid such as slurries.
A waveguide for conveying light with an input end and an output end to supply for an electromagnetic spectrometer includes: an input end having a convex envelope of a cross-section of the waveguide at the input end, which envelope defines a circular shape or a shape of a regular polygon with n1 corners, wherein n1 is a natural number bigger than 3; an output end having a cross-section that defines a slit shape; and a plurality of filaments, wherein an arrangement of the plurality of filaments defines the cross-sections at the input and output ends, wherein each filament includes a core and a reflective coating covering a lateral area of the core, wherein the core includes an optically transparent material.
H01P 3/16 - Dielectric waveguides, i.e. without a longitudinal conductor
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
H01P 3/10 - Wire waveguides, i.e. with a single solid longitudinal conductor
H01P 5/08 - Coupling devices of the waveguide type for linking lines or devices of different kinds
19.
QUANTIFICATION OF TARGET ANALYTE BASED ON MULTI-LAYER MULTI-VARIANT SPECTRA ANALYSIS FOR SPECTROSCOPIC ANALYZERS
A method of spectroscopic analysis includes: collecting a set of calibration spectra for calibration gas samples by scanning a sample range of wavelengths; calculating a first concentration of a target analyte and first concentrations of background components for each calibration spectrum using a multivariant algorithm; modeling an ideal concentration of the target analyte as a function of the first concentrations using a correlative model; collecting a field spectrum for an unknown field gas sample, wherein the field gas sample includes the target analyte and at least some of the background components; calculating a second concentration of the target analyte and second concentrations the background components for the field spectrum using the multivariant algorithm; correcting the second concentration of the target analyte using the correlative model and second concentrations of the background components; and determining a corrected target analyte concentration in the field gas sample based on the corrected second concentration.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
A photonic crystal waveguide for conveying light with an input end and an output end to supply for an electromagnetic spectrometer includes: an input end having a convex envelope of a cross-section of the waveguide at the input end, which envelope defines a circular shape or a shape of a regular polygon with n1 corners, wherein n1 is a natural number bigger than 3; an output end having a cross-section that defines a slit shape; and a plurality of photonic crystal fibers, wherein an arrangement of the plurality of photonic crystal fibers defines the cross-sections at the input and output ends.
GAS SENSOR FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF AT LEAST ONE GAS IN A GAS MIXTURE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE CONCENTRATION OF AT LEAST ONE GAS IN A GAS MIXTURE WITH A GAS SENSOR
A gas sensor for determining a concentration of at least one gas in a gas mixture includes: at least one intensity modulatable light source; a measuring section, into which the gas mixture to be investigated can be allowed to flow; and an essentially gas-sealed detection cell, wherein the gas sensor is embodied such that light emitted from the light source is radiated into a measuring section, wherein the intensity of the emitted light is modulated with a modulation frequency, which differs from the resonant frequency of a mode of the acoustic resonance of the detection cell by less than 0.5 times, especially less than 0.25 times, the half-width of the mode. Further, a method for determining the concentration of the at least one gas in the gas mixture uses the gas sensor.
Flowcells and Raman analysis systems provide improved signal collection dynamics through increased solid-angle geometries and improved numerical aperture for near-diffraction-limited performance. A combined excitation/collection beam passes through a first optical material, a sample conduit and a second optical material. A concave reflective aspheric surface focuses and re-collimates the combined beam to and from a region of the sample within the conduit. The optical materials may comprise separate windows or may integrally form sidewalls the conduit. The reflective surface may be spaced apart from the second window or may be integrally formed with the second optical material. The focused region in the sample may approximate a point or a line, and at least a portion of the interior wall of the conduit may be reflective, causing the combined beam to pass through the sample region more than once to enhance collection efficiency.
The present disclosure includes a method for driving a laser system, wherein the laser system includes: at least one laser diode arranged for light emission; an electronic circuit configured for driving the laser diode by applying an electric drive current; and a power sensor arrangement including at least one power sensor for measuring an optical power output, wherein the method includes: applying and maintaining the electric drive current to the at least one laser diode at a setpoint; determining measurement values of a current optical power output by the power sensor arrangement; comparing the measurement values of the current optical power output with a target optical power output; and adjusting and maintaining the electric drive current at a new setpoint when an absolute value of a difference between the target optical power output and the current optical power output crosses a threshold.
A method for determining an amount of a Raman-invisible gas in a multi-component gas stream includes performing a first and second absolute Raman analysis on the gas stream. A decrease in the absolute Raman bands from the first analysis to the second analysis is attributed to an increase of the Raman-invisible gas in the gas stream. The amount of the Raman-invisible gas is calculated from the difference between the first and second sets of Raman bands. The calculation of the Raman-invisible gas is verified via a measurement and a calculation of a secondary property of the gas stream such as the thermal conductivity of the gas stream or the density of the gas stream.
G01N 9/24 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing the transmission of wave or particle radiation through the material
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
26.
Optical probe for process Raman spectroscopy and method of use
One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a probe, including a probe body having a center axis defining a proximal end and a distal end and including an aperture in the distal end; a window affixed in the aperture, wherein the window is substantially optically transparent; and a flange adjoining the proximal end of the probe body, the flange including a sealing surface and a sealing edge, wherein the flange separates an in-process portion of the probe from an ex-process portion of the probe, the in-process portion including at least the probe body, the sealing surface and the sealing edge, where at least the in-process portion of the probe consists essentially of an austenitic stainless steel material. Further aspects include a computer product configured to execute a method employing the probe.
The present disclosure relates to a device for measuring a first analyte concentration and a second analyte concentration in a measuring medium, the device including: a sample cell; a first light source unit; a first detector unit; a functional element; a second light source unit; a second detector unit; and a control unit adapted to analyze a detected first light for determining a first value representing the concentration of the first analyte in the measuring medium and adapted to analyze a detected third light for determining a second value representing the concentration of the second analyte in the measuring medium. A method of using the device is also disclosed.
G01N 21/17 - Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
28.
Spatially offset Raman probe with coaxial excitation and collection apertures
An optical measurement probe for capturing a spectral response through an intervening material emitting unwanted background radiation includes: a first lens configured to receive light and collimate the light into a collimated excitation beam defining a first aperture; an objective element for focusing the collimated excitation beam to a point or region in a sample through the intervening material, wherein the objective element also receives light scattered by the sample and the intervening material and collimates the scattered light into a collimated collection beam defining a second aperture; and a blocking element within the collimated collection beam for removing the light scattered by the intervening material from the collimated collection beam received from the sample, wherein the second aperture defined by the collimated collection beam is at least two times greater than the first aperture defined by the collimated excitation beam.
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
29.
Friction control and captive sealant for pressed windows
An improved method of sealing a window into an aperture in a body uses a lubricant comprising polymer particles suspended in a volatile, low viscosity, low surface tension carrier fluid. The carrier fluid is applied to one or both of the sidewalls of the window and aperture, and the window is pressed into the aperture such that the carrier fluid evaporates, leaving the polymer particles to fill interstitial surface voids, while enabling the sidewall of the window to make intimate mechanical contact with the sidewall of the aperture. While having broader application, the present disclosure finds particular utility in optical characterization techniques based upon the Raman effect and fluorescence probes used in process monitoring and control.
C10M 169/04 - Mixtures of base-materials and additives
C10M 105/12 - Lubricating compositions characterised by the base-material being a non-macromolecular organic compound containing oxygen having hydroxy groups bound to acyclic or cycloaliphatic carbon atoms monohydroxy
C10M 147/00 - Lubricating compositions characterised by the additive being a macromolecular compound containing halogen
E06B 7/16 - Sealing arrangements on wings or parts co-operating with the wings
C10N 50/00 - Form in which the lubricant is applied to the material being lubricated
30.
Explosion-proof and flameproof enclosure for Raman systems
Raman analysis systems are partitioned to provide for cost-effective flame resistance and explosion resistance, including relatively small enclosures associated with particular subsystems. One or more of an excitation source, spectrograph and/or controller are disposed in separate, flame-resistant or explosion-resistant enclosures. A remote optical measurement probe may also be disposed in a separate flame-resistant or explosion-resistant enclosure. A grating and a detector of the spectrograph may be disposed in separate enclosures, with sealed windows therebetween to deliver a Raman spectral signal from the optical grating to the detector. The sealed window of the detector enclosure may serve the dual purpose of maintaining flame resistance or explosion resistance while maintaining cooling within the enclosure. Wireless interfaces may be used for communications between the enclosures where practical to reduce or eliminate physical electrical feedthroughs.
A method for harmonizing the responses of a plurality of Raman analyzers includes steps of calibrating an intensity axis response of a spectrometer to a reference light source and measuring a laser wavelength of a laser using the spectrometer. The method also includes steps of measuring a fluorescence spectrum induced by the laser at the laser wavelength of a plurality of standard reference material samples using the spectrometer, measuring a temperature of each standard reference material sample while measuring the fluorescence spectrum, and correcting the fluorescence spectrum of each standard reference material sample based on the respective temperature. The method further includes steps of deploying each standard reference material sample in one of a plurality of field calibrator devices and calibrating the intensity axis of one of the Raman analyzers using one of the field calibrator devices and the corrected fluorescence spectrum of the respective standard reference material sample.
A method of characterizing and monitoring a pressing process includes acquiring online Raman spectra of a juice pressing process within a vessel at different times during the pressing process to generate a training data set; acquiring physical samples from pressing process near in time to the acquired Raman spectra; performing offline measurements of the target analyte properties and/or compositions using an assay measurement technique; generating a correlative model of the target analyte such that spectral changes in the training data set correlate with the offline measurements of the target analyte properties and/or compositions; acquiring online Raman spectra of a subsequent run of the pressing process within the vessel at different times during the run to generate a process data set; and applying the correlative model to the process data set to qualitatively and/or quantitatively predict a value of a property and/or composition of the target analyte.
G05B 13/02 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion electric
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for forecasting calibration spectra including a step of providing a machine learning model trained using historical calibration data corresponding to different gas species at different pressures. The computer-implemented method also includes steps of performing a calibration scan of one gas species at one pressure using an analyzer and generating calibration curves for the analyzer corresponding to one or multiple gas species at multiple pressures using the machine learning model and the calibration scan. Thereafter, a spectrum is obtained using the analyzer, and a concentration measurement is generated using the spectrum and at least one of the calibration curves.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
34.
Real-time monitoring of wine fermentation properties using Raman spectroscopy
A method of characterizing and monitoring a fermentation process includes acquiring online Raman spectra of a fermentation process within a fermenter vessel at different times during the fermentation process to generate a training data set; acquiring physical samples from fermentation process near in time to the acquired Raman spectra; performing offline measurements of the target analyte properties and/or compositions using an assay measurement technique; generating a correlative model of the target analyte such that spectral changes in the training data set correlate with the offline measurements of the target analyte properties and/or compositions; acquiring online Raman spectra of a subsequent run of the fermentation process within the fermenter vessel at different times during the run to generate a process data set; and applying the correlative model to the process data set to qualitatively and/or quantitatively predict a value of a property and/or composition of the target analyte.
The effective coherence length of a single-frequency, solid-state laser is limited to reduce spurious, secondary holograms in conjunction with a holographic recording. The wavelength of the laser is varied or ‘scanned’ with high precision over a very small wavelength range. In an embodiment, the temperature of the laser's resonant cavity optical bench is altered, causing the dimension of the cavity to change and the emission wavelength to move in a controlled manner. The changing wavelength is monitored at high resolution, and a feedback control loop updates the temperature set-point to keep the monitored laser wavelength moving at a desired rate of change through a desired range. As the wavelength of the laser is scanned, the phase of the holographic interference pattern is locked at a position of maximum coherence/contrast within the holographic film aperture.
A method for implementation by a laser spectrometer is provided. The method includes first scanning, by a control unit using a first set of laser spectrometer operating parameters, a first wavelength range by adjusting a wavelength of light of a beam emitted by a laser light source and passing through a sample gas. The first wavelength range encompasses a first spectral feature corresponding to a first constituent. The method also includes at least one second scanning, by the control unit using a second set of laser spectrometer operating parameters, a second wavelength range by adjusting the wavelength of light emitted from the laser light source and passing through the sample gas. The second wavelength range has a second spectral feature corresponding to at least one second constituent. The control unit also determines a first concentration of the first constituent and a second concentration of the at least one second constituent.
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
The present disclosure includes discloses a method for analyzing a multi-component gas sample using spectroscopy in combination with the measurement of extrinsic or intrinsic properties of the gas sample. The results of the spectroscopic analysis and the measurement are combined to quantify a gas component unseen by the spectroscopic analysis.
G01N 21/35 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/359 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using near infrared light
38.
Standard reference material interface for Raman probe
A standard reference material interface for a Raman probe includes a locator including a housing having a first end and a second end, the first end including an attachment portion configured to mate with an attachment portion of the Raman probe. The locator defines a central axis that intersects the first end and the second end. The standard reference material interface also includes a hermetically sealed standard reference material enclosure positioned at the second end of the housing and enclosing a standard reference material. An optical port is positioned within the housing between the Raman probe and the standard reference material relative to the central axis. The optical port includes a window.
An improved method of sealing a window into an aperture in a body uses a lubricant comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) particles suspended in a volatile, low viscosity, low surface tension carrier fluid. The carrier fluid is applied to one or both of the sidewalls of the window and aperture, and the window is pressed into the aperture such that the carrier fluid evaporates, leaving the PTFE particles to fill interstitial surface voids, while enabling the sidewall of the window to make intimate mechanical contact with the sidewall of the aperture. While having broader application, the present disclosure finds particular utility in optical characterization techniques based upon the Raman effect and fluorescence probes used in process monitoring and control.
A light source module may include a base with a support feature protruding from a surface of the base and securing a light source to direct radiation away from the surface. A lens cells may be attached proximate to the surface, optionally by being secured within a sleeve that is attached at one end to the surface. A multi-conductor part may include electrical conductors and a base temperature sensor that contacts the base. The base temperature sensor may be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of conductive elements and further connected to an optical ignition safety protection system configured to interrupt current to the light source if the base temperature sensor indicates that a temperature of the light source is outside of a safe range.
A Raman spectroscopic measurement system for measuring the material composition of a mixed phase fluid having a gas phase dispersed in a liquid phase or vice versa is disclosed, which includes an insert to be inserted into a process. The insert includes a measurement chamber partially defined by a phase separating membrane that enables the gas phase to diffuse into and out of the measurement chamber and facilitates coalescing of the liquid phase which into a collector. A first probe of the measurement system is configured to transmit excitation light into the measurement chamber and to receive a Raman signal emanating from the gas phase therein, and a second probe is configured to transmit excitation light into the drain and to receive a Raman signal emanating from the liquid phase therein. The measurement system further includes a spectrometer to determine the material composition of the fluid from the Raman signals.
An improved method for integrating curve peaks as compared to techniques such as the trapezoidal rule wherein integration parameters are at fixed x-axis positions. Integration parameters are instead specified relative to a peak center, which allows the peak to shift over time due to hardware changes, temperature fluctuation, pressure changes, etc., while maintaining integration parameters at optimal locations for that peak. As such, the present disclosure finds particular utility in spectroscopy wherein, in the case of Raman spectroscopy, for example, specific wavenumber shift locations may drift over time, leading to inaccurate results based upon absolute integration parameters.
A spectrometer includes a light source that emits a beam into a sample volume comprising an absorbing medium. Thereafter, at least one detector detects at least a portion of the beam emitted by the light source. It is later determined, based on the detected at least a portion of the beam and by a controller, that a position and/or an angle of the beam should be changed. The beam emitted by the light source is then actively steered by an actuation element under control of the controller. In addition, a concentration of the absorbing media can be quantified or otherwise calculated (using the controller or optionally a different processor that can be local or remote). The actuation element(s) can be coupled to one or more of the light source, a detector or detectors, and a reflector or reflectors intermediate the light source and the detector(s).
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
The present disclosure includes discloses a method for analyzing a multi-component gas sample using spectroscopy in combination with the measurement of extrinsic or intrinsic properties of the gas sample. The results of the spectroscopic analysis and the measurement are combined to quantify a gas component unseen by the spectroscopic analysis.
G01N 21/35 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/359 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using near infrared light
A spectrometer cell can include a spacer, at least one end cap, and at least one mirror with a reflective surface. The end cap can be positioned proximate to a first contact end of the spacer such that the end cap and spacer at least partially enclose an internal volume of the spectrometer cell. The mirror can be secured in place by a mechanical attachment that includes attachment materials that are chemically inert to at least one reactive gas compound. The mechanical attachment can hold an optical axis of the reflective surface in a fixed orientation relative to other components of the spectrometer cell and or a spectrometer device that comprises the spectrometer cell. The mirror can optionally be constructed of a material such as stainless steel, ceramic, or the like. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.
The present disclosure relates to assistive mechanisms and methods that aid an operator of a spectrometer to make spectral measurements of a sample, the measurements having a desired quality. The method enables quality spectral measurements quickly and simply, without a prior understanding of a sample's spectrum or of the details as to how the spectrum is measured. Data quality is improved, and the time required to collect the data is reduced. While a specific example of sample optic focus is disclosed in detail, the optimization of numerous other parameters is possible.
In one aspect of the present disclosure, improved end optics are disclosed that maximize the numerical aperture focused at a sample point while minimizing unwanted artifacts such as vignetting. The configurations also maintain centering of the excitation/collection beam on the objective if the probe tilts or bends. The disclosed configurations are particularly suited to probes wherein the excitation and/or collection paths between the probe and the laser/analyzer are coupled through multimode fibers, such as in Raman and other forms of laser spectroscopy. The disclosure includes the insertion of one or more additional lenses between the probe head and the focusing objective at the probe tip.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A radiation shield for near-infrared detectors of the type used in Raman spectroscopic systems comprises a chamber enclosing the detector and a cooling device in thermal contact with the chamber and the detector to reduce the level of unwanted radiation to which the detector would otherwise be exposed. The chamber may include a window in optical alignment with the detector, and the window may include one or more coatings to pass wavelengths in a range of interest or block radiation at wavelengths outside of this range. The shield may be enclosed in an evacuated dewar having a window which may also include one or more coatings to favor the wavelength range.
Systems and methods are used to couple an optical sampling probe to a port in a single-use bioreactor bag for in-process monitoring. A combination of re-useable and disposable components maintain precision while reducing costs. A disposable barb with an integral window, received by the port of the reaction vessel, is coupled to a re-useable optic component with a focusing lens. A separate focus alignment tool is used to set the lens position to a precise focal point before placement of the optic component into the barb. The fixture includes a window to simulate the window in a barb component, a target with a known spectral signature, and a probe head coupled to a spectral analyzer. The axial position of the lens is adjusted with respect to the spacer component to maximize the spectral signature from a sample target, whereupon the spacer component is bonded to the lens mount.
Detector data representative of an intensity of light that impinges on a detector after being emitted from a light source and passing through a gas over a path length can be analyzed using a first analysis method to obtain a first calculation of an analyte concentration in the volume of gas and a second analysis method to obtain a second calculation of the analyte concentration. The second calculation can be promoted as the analyte concentration upon determining that the analyte concentration is out of a first target range for the first analysis method.
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
A spectrometer includes a light source that emits a beam into a sample volume comprising an absorbing medium. Thereafter, at least one detector detects at least a portion of the beam emitted by the light source. It is later determined, based on the detected at least a portion of the beam and by a controller, that a position and/or an angle of the beam should be changed. The beam emitted by the light source is then actively steered by an actuation element under control of the controller. In addition, a concentration of the absorbing media can be quantified or otherwise calculated (using the controller or optionally a different processor that can be local or remote). The actuation element(s) can be coupled to one or more of the light source, a detector or detectors, and a reflector or reflectors intermediate the light source and the detector(s).
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
52.
Determination and correction of frequency registration deviations for quantitative spectroscopy
A frequency registration deviation is quantified for a field spectrum collected during analysis by a spectroscopic analysis system of a sample fluid when the spectroscopic analysis system has deviated from a standard calibration state. The field spectrum is corrected based on the frequency registration deviation using at least one spectral shift technique, and a concentration is calculated for at least one analyte represented by the field spectrum using the corrected field spectrum. Related systems, methods, and articles are described.
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
53.
Particle size determination using Raman spectroscopy
The present disclosure is directed to a method of particle size determination for particles suspended within a light-transmissive medium. The method includes directing a monochromatic light source into the medium and collecting from the medium a Raman-scattered light spectrum. The method includes analyzing the Raman spectrum to determine an amount of Tyndall scattering of the Raman spectrum caused by particles within the medium, and thus determine the size and the number of particles mediating the Tyndall scattering.
A first contact surface of a semiconductor laser chip can be formed to a target surface roughness selected to have a maximum peak to valley height that is substantially smaller than a barrier layer thickness. A barrier layer that includes a non-metallic, electrically-conducting compound and that has the barrier layer thickness can be applied to the first contact surface, and the semiconductor laser chip can be soldered to a carrier mounting along the first contact surface using a solder composition by heating the soldering composition to less than a threshold temperature at which dissolution of the barrier layer into the soldering composition occurs. Related systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and the like are also described.
At least one light source is configured to emit at least one beam into a sample volume of an absorbing medium. In addition, at least one detector is positioned to detect at least a portion of the beam emitted by the at least one light source. Further, at least one beam modification element is positioned between the at least one detector and the at least one light source to selectively change at least one of (i) a power intensity of, or (ii) a shape of the beam emitted by the at least one light source as detected by the at least one detector. A control circuit is coupled to the beam modification element. Related apparatus methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.
Methods and systems for spectrometer dark correction are described which achieve more stable baselines, especially towards the edges where intensity correction magnifies any non-zero results of dark subtraction, and changes in dark current due to changes in temperature of the camera window frame are typically more pronounced. The resulting induced curvature of the baseline makes quantitation difficult in these regions. Use of the invention may provide metrics for the identification of system failure states such as loss of camera vacuum seal, drift in the temperature stabilization, and light leaks. In system aspects of the invention, a processor receives signals from a light detector in the spectrometer and executes software programs to calculate spectral responses, sum or average results, and perform other operations necessary to carry out the disclosed methods. In most preferred embodiments, the light signals received from a sample are used for Raman analysis.
Pharmaceutical tablet properties, including surface roughness, gloss and temperature, are determined in real-time using Raman spectroscopy. A plurality of coated pharmaceutical tablets are provided having a distribution of known values of a surface property to be modeled. The Raman spectrum of each coated tablet is acquired to generate a distribution of Raman spectra. A correlative model is then developed based upon the distribution of the acquired Raman spectra relative to the distribution of the known values of the measured property. The Raman spectrum of a pharmaceutical tablet is then acquired during and/or after a coating process, and the value of the surface property of the tablet is determined using the correlative model. The steps associated with model development are carried out off-line, whereas the step or steps associated with acquiring the Raman spectra of the pharmaceutical tablet during (preferable) or after online coating process(es) are carried out on-line using a remote, fiber-coupled probe.
A monolithic optical element and system is used for collimating or focusing laser light from or to optical fibers. The optical fiber terminates in a tip that directly abuts against the first surface of the optical element. The optical element may provide a collimation or focusing function depending upon whether the abutting fiber delivers light for collimation or receives focused light from a collimated beam. The optical element may be a standard or modified barrel or drum lens, with the first and second surfaces being convex curved surfaces having the same or different radii of curvature. The end of the optical element to which the fiber abuts may have a diameter to match the inner diameter of a ferrule for positioning the fiber. A pair of the elements may be used for collimation and focusing in a Raman probehead or other optical detection system.
Frequency registration deviations occurring during a scan of a frequency or wavelength range by a spectroscopic analysis system can be corrected using passive and/or active approaches. A passive approach can include determining and applying mathematical conversions to a recorded field spectrum. An active approach can include modifying one or more operating parameters of the spectroscopic analysis system to reduce frequency registration deviation.
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01J 3/457 - Correlation spectrometry, e.g. of the intensity
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/35 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/359 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light using near infrared light
An optical head assembly for use in a spectrometer is provided that is configured to characterize one or more constituents within a sample gas. The assembly includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) having a cold side on one end and a hot side on an opposite end, a cold plate in thermal communication with the cold side of the TEC, a hot block in thermal communication with the hot side of the TEC, a light source in thermal communication with the cold plate such that a change in temperature of the TEC causes one or more properties of the light source (e.g., wavelength, etc.) to change, and an optical element in thermal communication with the cold plate positioned to collimate light emitted by the light source through the sample gas (such that properties of the optical element vary based on a change in temperature of the TEC).
G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
H01S 3/131 - Stabilisation of laser output parameters, e.g. frequency or amplitude by controlling the active medium, e.g. by controlling the processes or apparatus for excitation
H01S 3/00 - Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G02B 7/00 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
H01S 5/068 - Stabilisation of laser output parameters
A frequency registration deviation is quantified for a field spectrum collected during analysis by a spectroscopic analysis system of a sample fluid when the spectroscopic analysis system has deviated from a standard calibration state. The field spectrum is corrected based on the frequency registration deviation using at least one spectral shift technique, and a concentration is calculated for at least one analyte represented by the field spectrum using the corrected field spectrum. Related systems, methods, and articles are described.
Methods and systems for spectrometer dark correction are described which achieve more stable baselines, especially towards the edges where intensity correction magnifies any non-zero results of dark subtraction, and changes in dark current due to changes in temperature of the camera window frame are typically more pronounced. The resulting induced curvature of the baseline makes quantitation difficult in these regions. Use of the invention may provide metrics for the identification of system failure states such as loss of camera vacuum seal, drift in the temperature stabilization, and light leaks. In system aspects of the invention, a processor receives signals from a light detector in the spectrometer and executes software programs to calculate spectral responses, sum or average results, and perform other operations necessary to carry out the disclosed methods. In most preferred embodiments, the light signals received from a sample are used for Raman analysis.
A spectrometer includes a light source configured to emit a beam along a beam path through a sample volume comprising an analyte. Also included is at least one detector positioned to detect at least a portion of the beam emitted by the light source, and at least one reflector positioned along the beam path intermediate the light source and the at least one detector having a surface roughness greater than a predefined level such as 20 Å RMS.
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
A laser spectrometer can be operated for analysis of one or more analytes present in a combustible gas mixture. The spectrometer can include one or more features that enable intrinsically safe operation. In other words, electrical, electronic, thermal, and/or optical energy sources can be limited within an hazardous are of the spectrometer where it is possible for an explosive gas mixture to exist. Methods, systems, articles and the like are described.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01J 1/42 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using electric radiation detectors
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
H02H 9/00 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
A sample cell can be designed to minimize excess gas volume. Described features can be advantageous in reducing an amount of gas required to flow through the sample cell during spectroscopic measurements, and in reducing a time (e.g. a total volume of gas) required to flush the cell between sampling events. In some examples, contours of the inners surfaces of the sample cell that contact the contained gas can be shaped, dimensioned, etc. such that a maximum clearance distance is provided between the inner surfaces at one or more locations. Systems, methods, and articles, etc. are described.
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
Background composition concentration data representative of an actual background composition of a sample gas can be used to model absorption spectroscopy measurement data obtained for a gas sample and to correct an analysis of the absorption spectroscopy data (e.g. for structural interference and collisional broadening) based on the modeling.
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
A spectrometer includes a light source that emits a beam into a sample volume comprising an absorbing medium. Thereafter, at least one detector detects at least a portion of the beam emitted by the light source. It is later determined, based on the detected at least a portion of the beam and by a controller, that a position and/or an angle of the beam should be changed. The beam emitted by the light source is then actively steered by an actuation element under control of the controller. In addition, a concentration of the absorbing media can be quantified or otherwise calculated (using the controller or optionally a different processor that can be local or remote). The actuation element(s) can be coupled to one or more of the light source, a detector or detectors, and a reflector or reflectors intermediate the light source and the detector(s).
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
At least one light source is configured to emit at least one beam into a sample volume of an absorbing medium. In addition, at least one detector is positioned to detect at least a portion of the beam emitted by the at least one light source. Further, at least one beam modification element is positioned between the at least one detector and the at least one light source to selectively change at least one of (i) a power intensity of, or (ii) a shape of the beam emitted by the at least one light source as detected by the at least one detector. A control circuit is coupled to the beam modification element. Related apparatus methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.
A monolithic optical element and system is used for collimating or focusing laser light from or to optical fibers. The optical fiber terminates in a tip that directly abuts against the first surface of the optical element. The optical element may provide a collimation or focusing function depending upon whether the abutting fiber delivers light for collimation or receives focused light from a collimated beam. The optical element may be a standard or modified barrel or drum lens, with the first and second surfaces being convex curved surfaces having the same or different radii of curvature. The end of the optical element to which the fiber abuts may have a diameter to match the inner diameter of a ferrule for positioning the fiber. A pair of the elements may be used for collimation and focusing in a Raman probehead or other optical detection system.
A first contact surface of a semiconductor laser chip can be formed to a target surface roughness selected to have a maximum peak to valley height that is substantially smaller than a barrier layer thickness. A barrier layer that includes a non-metallic, electrically-conducting compound and that has the barrier layer thickness can be applied to the first contact surface, and the semiconductor laser chip can be soldered to a carrier mounting along the first contact surface using a solder composition by heating the soldering composition to less than a threshold temperature at which dissolution of the barrier layer into the soldering composition occurs. Related systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and the like are also described.
Validation verification data quantifying an intensity of light reaching a detector of a spectrometer from a light source of the spectrometer after the light passes through a validation gas across a known path length can be collected or received. The validation gas can include an amount of an analyte compound and an undisturbed background composition that is representative of a sample gas background composition of a sample gas to be analyzed using a spectrometer. The sample gas background composition can include one or more background components. The validation verification data can be compared with stored calibration data for the spectrometer to calculate a concentration adjustment factor, and sample measurement data collected with the spectrometer can be modified using this adjustment factor to compensate for collisional broadening of a spectral peak of the analyte compound by the background components. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
A sample cell can be designed to minimize excess gas volume. Described features can be advantageous in reducing an amount of gas required to flow through the sample cell during spectroscopic measurements, and in reducing a time (e.g. a total volume of gas) required to flush the cell between sampling events. In some examples, contours of the inners surfaces of the sample cell that contact the contained gas can be shaped, dimensioned, etc. such that a maximum clearance distance is provided between the inner surfaces at one or more locations. Systems, methods, and articles, etc. are described.
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
73.
Dynamic reconstruction of a calibration state of an absorption spectrometer
A reference harmonic absorption curve of a laser absorption spectrometer can have a reference curve shape derived from a reference signal generated by the detector in response to light passing from the laser light source through a reference gas or gas mixture. The reference gas or gas mixture can include one or more of a target analyte and a background gas expected to be present during analysis of the target analyte. A test harmonic absorption curve having a test curve shape is compared with the reference harmonic absorption curve to detect a difference between the test curve shape and the reference curve shape. Operating and/or analytical parameters of the laser absorption spectrometer are adjusted to correct the test curve shape to reduce the difference between the test curve shape and the reference curve shape.
G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G01N 21/3518 - Devices using gas filter correlation techniquesDevices using gas pressure modulation techniques
A spectrometer cell can include a spacer, at least one end cap, and at least one mirror with a reflective surface. The end cap can be positioned proximate to a first contact end of the spacer such that the end cap and spacer at least partially enclose an internal volume of the spectrometer cell. The mirror can be secured in place by a mechanical attachment that includes attachment materials that are chemically inert to at least one reactive gas compound. The mechanical attachment can hold an optical axis of the reflective surface in a fixed orientation relative to other components of the spectrometer cell and or a spectrometer device that comprises the spectrometer cell. The mirror can optionally be constructed of a material such as stainless steel, ceramic, or the like. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.
G01N 21/35 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light
Raman signal amplification apparatus comprises an ellipsoidal reflector providing a first real focus f1, and second real or virtual focus f2, both foci being situated within a sample volume. When an input laser excitation beam having an initial numerical aperture (NA) is focused onto one of the foci, the beam is reflected by the reflector and refocused onto alternating foci, such that the NA of the reflected optical path progressively increases for higher efficiency collection of Raman emissions from the multiple foci. The ellipsoidal reflector may be a half section providing a single real focus f1, with a flat reflector producing a mirror image of the ellipsoidal reflector, such that f2 is a virtual focus occupying the same point as f1. Alternatively, the ellipsoidal reflector may have a first half section with a first real focus f1 and a second half section with a second real focus f2.
H01S 3/30 - Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range using scattering effects, e.g. stimulated Brillouin or Raman effects
Methods and apparatus facilitate dynamic range balancing for multi-component peaks of widely varying magnitude in an optical spectrometer. In a specific embodiment, filters attenuate the C—H stretch region to produce a better fit of a multi-component hydrocarbon Raman spectrum to the dynamic range of a CCD detector. The filter may be translated into and out of the collimated collection beam to achieve a varying degree of attenuation. In certain applications, the filter is insertable into a collimated collection beam within a fiber-optic probe head to collect Raman spectra. The invention may include optical elements to create the collimated collection beam if not already present or not suitable for insertion of the filter. A second filter, an “opaque” or neutral density filter, may be insertable into the collimated collection beam to attenuate a broad spectral response within and outside the spectral range.
Validation verification data quantifying an intensity of light reaching a detector of a spectrometer from a light source of the spectrometer after the light passes through a validation gas across a known path length can be collected or received. The validation gas can include an amount of an analyte compound and an undisturbed background composition that is representative of a sample gas background composition of a sample gas to be analyzed using a spectrometer. The sample gas background composition can include one or more background components. The validation verification data can be compared with stored calibration data for the spectrometer to calculate a concentration adjustment factor, and sample measurement data collected with the spectrometer can be modified using this adjustment factor to compensate for collisional broadening of a spectral peak of the analyte compound by the background components. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.
G01N 21/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
78.
Semiconductor laser mounting with intact diffusion barrier layer
A first contact surface of a semiconductor laser chip can be formed to a target surface roughness selected to have a maximum peak to valley height that is substantially smaller than a barrier layer thickness. A barrier layer that includes a non-metallic, electrically-conducting compound and that has the barrier layer thickness can be applied to the first contact surface, and the semiconductor laser chip can be soldered to a carrier mounting along the first contact surface using a solder composition by heating the soldering composition to less than a threshold temperature at which dissolution of the barrier layer into the soldering composition occurs. Related systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and the like are also described.
A compact Raman analysis system combines a near-infrared (NIR) laser source, a 2D array collecting anti-Stokes Raman spectra, and a probe configured to measure complex solid samples, including pharmaceutical tablets and other large-area targets with reduced background fluorescence at relatively low cost. The system collects spectra from an area of 1-mm or greater, preferably 3-12 mm or more, facilitating the collection of statistically useful data from inhomogeneous and laser-sensitive samples, among other applications. Potential pharmaceutical applications include tablet dosage level measurements, as well as online and at-line quality-control (QC) monitoring opportunities. Other applications include tablet identification as a forensic tool to identify counterfeit pharmaceutical products; granulation and blend uniformity for improved formulation via better process understanding.
A first contact surface of a semiconductor laser chip can be formed to a target surface roughness selected to have a maximum peak to valley height that is substantially smaller than a barrier layer thickness of a metallic barrier layer to be applied to the first contact surface. A metallic barrier layer having the barrier layer thickness can be applied to the first contact surface, and the semiconductor laser chip can be soldered to a carrier mounting along the first contact surface using a solder composition by heating the soldering composition to less than a threshold temperature at which dissolution of the metallic barrier layer into the soldering composition occurs. Related systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and the like are also described.
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
A reference harmonic absorption curve of a laser absorption spectrometer, which can include a tunable or scannable laser light source and a detector, can have a reference curve shape and can include a first, second, or higher order harmonic signal of a reference signal generated by the detector in response to light passing from the laser light source through a reference gas or gas mixture. The reference gas or gas mixture can include one or more of a target analyte and a background gas expected to be present during analysis of the target analyte. The reference harmonic absorption curve can have been determined for the laser absorption spectrometer in a known or calibrated state. A test harmonic absorption curve having a test curve shape is compared with the reference harmonic absorption curve to detect a difference between the test curve shape and the reference curve shape. Operating and/or analytical parameters of the laser absorption spectrometer are adjusted to correct the test curve shape to reduce the difference between the test curve shape and the reference curve shape.
An energy content meter can spectroscopically quantify oxidation products after oxidation of a combustible mixture. The measured oxidation product concentrations or mole fractions can be converted to an energy content of the un-oxidized combustible mixture using a conversion factor that relates oxygen consumption during oxidation of the combustible mixture to the energy content of the combustible mixture.
A valid state of an analytical system that includes a light source and a detector can be verified by determining that deviation of first light intensity data quantifying a first intensity of light received at the detector from the light source after the light has passed at least once through each of a reference gas in a validation cell and a zero gas from a stored data set does not exceed a pre-defined threshold deviation. The stored data set can represent at least one previous measurement collected during a previous instrument validation process performed on the analytical system. The reference gas can include a known amount of an analyte. A concentration of the analyte in a sample gas can be determined by correcting second light intensity data quantifying a second intensity of the light received at the detector after the light passes at least once through each of the reference gas in the validation cell and a sample gas containing an unknown concentration of the analyte compound. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.
Light intensity data quantifying intensity of light generated by a light source and received at a detector during a validation mode of an absorption spectrometer can be compared with a stored data set representing at least one previous measurement in a validation mode of an analytical system. The validation mode can include causing the light to pass at least once through each of a zero gas and a reference gas contained within a validation cell and including a known amount of a target analyte. The zero gas can have at least one of known and negligible first light absorbance characteristics within a range of wavelengths produced by the light source. A validation failure can be determined to have occurred if the first light intensity data and the stored data set are out of agreement by more than a predefined threshold amount. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
G01N 21/31 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/3518 - Devices using gas filter correlation techniquesDevices using gas pressure modulation techniques
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
Detector data representative of an intensity of light that impinges on a detector after being emitted from a light source and passing through a gas over a path length can be analyzed using a first analysis method to obtain a first calculation of an analyte concentration in the volume of gas and a second analysis method to obtain a second calculation of the analyte concentration. The second calculation can be promoted as the analyte concentration upon determining that the analyte concentration is out of a first target range for the first analysis method.
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
G01N 21/3504 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using infrared light for analysing gases, e.g. multi-gas analysis
G01N 21/27 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection
88.
Wavelength dependent reflective sample substrates for Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy
A material which is generally transparent in the visible region of the spectrum but reflective at laser wavelengths reduces undesirable, substrate-induced Raman and fluorescence scattering. A substrate provides a surface for supporting the sample, with the material being disposed between the surface of the substrate and the sample. The material is substantially transparent in the visible region of the spectrum but reflective at the laser wavelength, thereby minimizing unwanted Raman or fluorescence scattering that would be produced by the substrate if the material were not present. The substrate will typically be a glass microscope slide or multi-cell well plate. The optical filter material is preferably a multilayer dielectric filter acting as a “hot mirror” that reflects near-infrared energy. An advantage of visible transmission is that it allows back illumination from behind/underneath the slide or well plate, thereby being visible to a microscope's eyepiece or video camera. Methods and article are also disclosed.
A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
3), can include reactive particles, potentially as small as nano-scale, that can optionally be suspended on macro-scale carrier particles. Reactive gases can be converted to non-volatile compounds by being passed through a bed of such scrubber media. Such scrubber media can be used to remove reactive gases from gas mixtures. Potential applications include differential absorption spectroscopy, air pollutant emission controls, and the like. Methods of preparing scrubber media are also described.
A material which is generally transparent in the visible region of the spectrum but reflective at laser wavelengths reduces undesirable, substrate-induced Raman and fluorescence scattering. A substrate provides a surface for supporting the sample, with the material being disposed between the surface of the substrate and the sample. The material is substantially transparent in the visible region of the spectrum but reflective at the laser wavelength, thereby minimizing unwanted Raman or fluorescence scattering that would be produced by the substrate if the material were not present. The substrate will typically be a glass microscope slide or multi-cell well plate. The optical filter material is preferably a multilayer dielectric filter acting as a “hot mirror” that reflects near-infrared energy. An advantage of visible transmission is that it allows back illumination from behind/underneath the slide or well plate, thereby being visible to a microscope's eyepiece or video camera. Methods and article are also disclosed.
A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
A system includes a light source, a detector, at least one pressure sensor, and a control unit. The light source emits light at a wavelength substantially corresponding to an absorption line of a target gas. The detector is positioned to detect the intensity of light emitted from the light source that has passed through the target gas. The pressure sensor detects the pressure of the target gas. The control circuit is coupled to the detector and the light source to adjust the modulation amplitude of the light source based on the pressure detected by the at least one pressure sensor. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
Raman measurement apparatus optimized for gaseous and other low-concentration samples includes a focusing objective that uses only first-surface mirrors instead of lenses, thereby dramatically reducing background noise. In the preferred embodiment, the focusing and collimation functions performed by the objective section are performed by an off-axis parabolic mirror. A spherical first-surface mirror opposing the parabolic mirror re-images the counter-propagating beam back through the same focus for re-collimation by the parabolic mirror. A probe-head section operative to generate the counter-propagating beam has substrates and surfaces arranged such that the excitation beam does not pass through any substrates after it is filtered by the bandpass coating, thereby further decreasing background signals. Additionally, when the objective section includes the opposing spherical mirror, the excitation beam is collected substantially in its entirety and neutralized out of the collection path by the probe-head section.
Concentrations of a target analyte in a gas mixture containing one or more background analytes having potentially interfering spectral absorption features can be calculated by compensating for background analyte absorption at a target wavelength used to quantify the target analyte. Absorption can be measured at a reference wavelength chosen to quantify the concentration of the background analyte. Using a background gas adjustment factor or function, the absorption measured at the reference wavelength can be used to calculate absorption due to the background analyte at the target wavelength and thereby compensate for this background absorption to more accurately calculate the target analyte concentration in real or near real time. Additional background analytes can optionally be compensated for by using one or more additional reference wavelengths.
Low concentrations of complex gas mixture components may be detected and quantified using a gas-chromatograph to separate a gas mixture prior to analysis of one or more eluting components using an absorption spectrometer. Substantial reductions in analytical system complexity and improvements in reliability are achieved compared with other commonly used methods for analyzing such complex mixtures.
Low concentrations of water vapor within a background of one or more olefin gases may be detected and quantified using a differential absorption spectrometer. A dehydrated sample of the gas is used as a background sample whose absorption spectrum allows elimination of absorption features not due to water vapor in the gas. Absorption spectra may recorded using tunable diode lasers as the light source. These lasers may have a wavelength bandwidth that is narrower than the water vapor absorption feature used for the differential absorption spectral analysis.
A method and apparatus for encapsulating optical elements, particularly dichromated gelatin (DGC) holographic optical elements (HOEs), exhibits a very high degree of environmental integrity. In broad terms, the optical element is disposed between opposing plates, and a metal seal soldered to the edge(s) of the plates to seal the optical element therewithin. In the preferred embodiment, the metalization includes chrome and nickel, or alloys thereof, followed by gold or platinum. The metallization is preferably applied using a low-temperature process such as vacuum deposition or sputtering. The metal seal may be in the form of a foil or wire. One or both of the plates are compatible with wavelengths of interest, and the technique may be used in transmissive and reflective configurations.
G03H 1/02 - Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared, or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from themDetails peculiar thereto Details
Indicator light apparatus and methods associated with a laser beam having a primary wavelength enable an operator to see the indicator while wearing protective eyewear tuned to the primary wavelength. The apparatus includes a source of indicator light other than the primary wavelength, a first optical element for co-injecting the indicator light into the laser beam to form a co-propagating beam, and an optical or physical configuration enabling an operator to view light from the co-propagating beam. The first optical element may be some form of beam splitter or combiner, and the configuration enabling an operator to view light from the co-propagating beam uses a diffuser upon which the co-propagating beam impinges. The indicator light is preferably derived from an inexpensive source, such as a diode laser operating in the 670-690 nm range. The invention is useful in many different environments, including stimulate emission systems, wherein one or more optical elements are used to direct the laser beam onto a sample to stimulate an optical emission therefrom. The stimulated emission may be representative of a Raman or fluorescence spectrum, for example.
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