Method and apparatus for in-process liquid analysis by laser induced plasma spectroscopy
First Claim
1. A laser-induced plasma spectroscopic apparatus for analysing a liquid comprising:
- an optical structure to direct a beam of laser pulses to a surface of the liquid to generate a plasma that emits elemental radiation that corresponds to at least one compositional element of the liquid;
a detector structure for detecting said emitted elemental radiation; and
a cell assembly which establishes a substantially laminar flow of the liquid past the detector structure, said laminar flow sufficient to prevent said beam of laser pulses from perturbing a region on said surface within a focal volume of said detector structure, said cell assembly including a controller to control a liquid surface level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of liquids, including molten metals, using laser-induced plasma spectroscopy. The apparatus preferably comprises a high power pulsed laser focused on the surface of a liquid stream flowing in a measurement cell, and an optical spectrometer-detector assembly, which receives, detects and analyzes the radiation emitted by the high temperature plasma thereby excited. The measurement cell, and optional pump, establish laminar flow of the liquid flow, thereby permitting the laser to repeatedly sample a fresh un-perturbed surface, while also ensuring that bubbles formed in the liquid are removed from the focal volume Preferably, a blower prevents aerosols and matter ejected from the sample responsive to the incident energy from interacting with subsequent laser pulses, and from accumulating on the optic.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A laser-induced plasma spectroscopic apparatus for analysing a liquid comprising:
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an optical structure to direct a beam of laser pulses to a surface of the liquid to generate a plasma that emits elemental radiation that corresponds to at least one compositional element of the liquid;
a detector structure for detecting said emitted elemental radiation; and
a cell assembly which establishes a substantially laminar flow of the liquid past the detector structure, said laminar flow sufficient to prevent said beam of laser pulses from perturbing a region on said surface within a focal volume of said detector structure, said cell assembly including a controller to control a liquid surface level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 7, 8)
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3. A method of laser-induced plasma spectroscopic analysis of a liquid, comprising the steps of:
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establishing a substantially laminar flow of the liquid;
directing a beam of laser pulses to a surface of the liquid to generate a plasma that emits elemental radiation that corresponds to at least one compositional element of the liquid; and
detecting the emitted elemental radiation using a detector;
wherein said laminar flow is sufficient to prevent said beam of laser pulses from perturbing a region on said surface within a focal volume of said detector. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 9, 10)
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Specification