Licensable Technologies : Engineering : Imaging

Method and Apparatus for Elemental and Isotope Measurements and Diagnostics-Microwave Induced Plasma Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy

Abstract
The present invention relates to a novel system for providing a sensitive technique for elemental measurements using cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) combined with a compact microwave plasma source as an atomic absorption cell. More particularly the system of the present invention combines the high sensitivity of CRDS with a low power microwave plasma source to provide a novel instrument that gives high sensitivity and capability for elemental and hyperfine structure measurements. CRDS, which uses a single laser pulse ringing down inside the cavity over a thousand times, provides several orders of magnitude more sensitive than conventional absorption techniques. Additional benefit is gained from a compact microwave plasma source that possesses advantages of low power and low plasma gas flow rate, which benefit for atomic absorption measurement.

Application(s)
Highly sensitive elemental determination and hyperfine structure analysis.

Advantages
Overall, the instrument provides for better ring-down baseline stability, more flexible design favorable for absorption measurement and has significant mass reduction in instrument design and fabrication. The microplasma source is characterized as having low power and low gas flow rate requirements as well as being easier to operate compared with conventional inductively coupled plasmas.

IP Status: Contact Licensing Executive for Details

Commercialization Strategy: Available for licensing from Mississippi State University

Contact:
Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing
P.O Box 5282
Mississippi State University, MS 39762
Attention: Charles T. Rivenburgh
Telephone:  (662) 325-3521
Fax:  (662) 325-0667

Reference Number: 365

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 100,602

Patents & Applications:
United States National Patent Number 7054008 Issued on 05/30/2006

Posted: 10-05-2004

Contact
John Mott
Technology Transfer Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1663, MailStop C334
(505) 665-0883
jmott@lanl.gov