Apparatus and method for the spectrochemical analysis of liquids using the laser spark

Patent · Tue May 15 00:00:00 EDT 1990

OSTI ID:6881295

Cremers, D A; Radziemski, L J; Loree, T R

This patent describes a method and apparatus for the qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic investigation of elements present in a liquid sample using the laser spark. A series of temporally closely spaced spark pairs is induced in the liquid sample utilizing pulsed electromagnetic radiation from a pair of lasers. The light pulses are not significantly absorbed by the sample so that the sparks occur inside of the liquid. The emitted light from the breakdown events is spectrally and temporally resolved, and the time period between the two laser pulses in each spark pair is adjusted to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the emitted signals. In comparison with the single pulse technique, a substantial reduction in the limits of detectability for many elements has been demonstrated. Narrowing of spectral features results in improved discrimination against interfering species.

• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (USA)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 4925307
• Application Number: PPN: US 6-606037A
• OSTI ID: 6881295
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400102* -- Chemical & Spectral Procedures
440800 -- Miscellaneous Instrumentation-- (1990-)
47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DESIGN
DETECTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
LASER RADIATION
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
LIQUIDS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RADIATIONS
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROSCOPY