The United States of America As Represented by the Department of Energy

U.S. Department of Energy

Dustin McIntyre

Daniel Hartzler

Steven D Woodruff

An actively Q-switched laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) probe, utilizing an optical fiber, a pump beam transmitted through the optical fiber, a coupler, and a lens for collimating the pump beam. The actively Q-switched laser, coupled to a sensor which provides information to a computer that controls a high voltage pulser providing a pulse to a Pockels cell located within the laser which can selectively cause the laser to pulse, resulting in high energy pulses and a second lens for focusing the output pulse such that it creates a plasma or spark. The light from the spark is captured and directed back through an optical system to remote equipment for elemental and/or molecular analysis.

High power actively Q-switched downhole LIBS analysis systems

One or more embodiments relates to a method of growing ultrasmooth and high quantum efficiency CsTe photocathodes. The method includes exposing a substrate of Cs using an alkali source such as an effusion cell; and controlling co-evaporating growth and co-deposition forming a CsTe growth. The method further includes monitoring a stoichiometry of the CsTe growth.

Downhole laser system with an improved laser output production and data collection

A Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) probe using a dove prism for the laser media. The use of a dove prism allows for the removal of two mirrors over prior art schemes. The use of the dove prism allows for the light from the spark to be analyzed from the return path.

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) probe for simplified light collection and laser operation

A multi-point laser device comprising a plurality of optical pumping sources. Each optical pumping source is configured to create pumping excitation energy along a corresponding optical path directed through a high-reflectivity mirror and into substantially different locations within the laser media thereby producing atomic optical emissions at substantially different locations within the laser media and directed along a corresponding optical path of the optical pumping source. An output coupler and one or more output lenses are configured to produce a plurality of lasing events at substantially different times, locations or a combination thereof from the multiple atomic optical emissions produced at substantially different locations within the laser media. The laser media is a single continuous media, preferably grown on a single substrate.

Multi-point laser ignition device

A laser spark distribution and ignition system that reduces the high power optical requirements for use in a laser ignition and distribution system allowing for the use of optical fibers for delivering the low peak energy pumping pulses to a laser amplifier or laser oscillator. An optical distributor distributes and delivers optical pumping energy from an optical pumping source to multiple combustion chambers incorporating laser oscillators or laser amplifiers for inducing a laser spark within a combustion chamber. The optical distributor preferably includes a single rotating mirror or lens which deflects the optical pumping energy from the axis of rotation and into a plurality of distinct optical fibers each connected to a respective laser media or amplifier coupled to an associated combustion chamber. The laser spark generators preferably produce a high peak power laser spark, from a single low power pulse. The laser spark distribution and ignition system has application in natural gas fueled reciprocating engines, turbine combustors, explosives and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy diagnostic sensors.

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Washington, PA, United States of America

Dustin McIntyre