Patent Application: US-12457405-A

Abstract:
a system for analyzing the chemical composition of a sample , comprising exciting a portion of the sample to generate atomic spectral emissions ; a spectrometer for determining atomic emission characteristics ; processor for receiving an output from the spectrometer , analyzing said output to determine atomic composition , said processor predicting at least one of an origin of the sample , a treatment applied to said sample , a composition of the sample , and a feedback signal for controlling a process . calibration samples are also provided for standardizing readings from the spectrometer .

Description:
the system may employ a semi - automated sampling device for positioning material in the laser beam at optimum signal angle , as shown in fig1 . “ sticky tack ” may also be used as a medium to hold samples in place . gem sizes down to approximately 2 mm have been effectively analyzed using la - icp / oes - aes . libs might also be applied to analyze stones of about 2 mm . accordingly , a small container may be filled with sticky tack , mounted on an xyz stage with radius tilting capability . the stage is adjusted for position and angle with respect to the laser . however , the sample holder and analysis chamber shown in fig1 is a more mechanically controlled environment . ideally , the ablating laser is directed to hit the target at approximately 90 degrees , producing an ideal , flat bottomed , ablated crater , rather than a conical shape or distorted depression . grazing angles can potentially deflect the beam from the target area and yield erroneous results . a positioning or targeting laser of the hene type , generating a cross hair pattern , can be reflected to the sample with a 45 degree first surface , retractable mirror in order to establish correct alignment with the sample surface . a second mirror at a 45 degree angle in the positioning laser &# 39 ; s path can generate a direct image of the target area . the system may employ an auto - focus positioning system for one or all of the laser ablation focal point establishment , observation , and gross positioning functions . a video or electronic camera may be employed for observation of the process . the holding device is a spring loaded , clamping mechanism that allows for various size gemstones . the supporting end of the holding clamp ( cutlet end ) is a fixed distance from the center post of the device . each spring loaded clamp is capable of 360 degree rotation in 45 degree increments , locking into place with spring loaded ball stops . multiple stones can be loaded around the center post . the entire assembly is mounted on an xyz stage for flexibility in positioning . this entire mechanism is mounted on a circular base , which is designed to allow tilting of the entire stage and therefore the sample stone , so that ablation , if necessary , can be focused on the girdle , pavilion or crown facet areas , as required . the positioning mechanism may be manually operated or automated using servo or stepping motors and associated controls . an automated vision system may be used to control a fully automated positioning and sampling system , to reduce manual effort , increase throughput , and acquire a set of optimal samples for a relatively complete analysis of a stone . the holding device is placed within a shrouded area or enclosure , and a helium or argon purge applied . the area is preferably optically shielded for laser - eye safety , and to reduce background light for the spectrometer . the sample readings are obtained and analyzed in known manner , using typical instrumentation . advantageously , the instrument , and in particular a libs - only embodiment , could be provided as a portable device , allowing field use and non - permanent installation . there has thus been shown and described a novel system and method for analyzing a chemical composition of a sample , preferably a gemstone , to detect trace element composition , and a means for calibrating the detector using an efficient scheme , of which various embodiments may fulfill some or all of the objects and advantages sought therefore . many changes , modifications , variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will , however , become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings which disclose the preferred embodiments thereof . all such changes , modifications , variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention , which is to be limited only by the claims . the following references , are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety as if set forth explicitly herein : themelis , “ beryllium - treated rubies & amp ; sapphires ” themelis , “ flux - enhanced rubies & amp ; sapphires ” periodic table atomic properties of the elements thompson , “ building “ be ”- tter ? 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