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

Patent · Sun Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:867376

Cremers, David A ^[1]; Radziemski, Leon J ^[2]; Loree, Thomas R ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos, NM
2. Las Cruces, NM

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.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4925307
• OSTI ID: 867376
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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