Patent Grant
9848486
This application is related to induction devices and methods of using them. More particularly, certain embodiments described herein are directed to an induction device comprising one or more radial fins or projections.
Induction devices are commonly used to sustain a plasma within a torch body. A plasma includes charged particles. Plasmas may have many uses including atomizing and/or ionizing chemical species.
In some aspects, a device for sustaining an ionization source in a torch comprising a longitudinal axis along which a flow of gas is introduced during operation of the torch, the device comprising a base configured to provide a coil comprising an inner aperture constructed and arranged to receive a body of the torch, and a radial fin coupled to the base, in which the device is configured to provide radio frequency energy to the body of the torch to sustain the ionization source within the torch is described. In certain embodiments, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends away from the aperture formed by the base. In other embodiments, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some examples, the position of the radial fin on the base is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the base. In other examples, the radial fin couples to the base through a fastener. In some instances, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the base. In some configurations, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base. In other configurations, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In further embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In some instances, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In other examples, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In some examples, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In further embodiments, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture formed by the base. In some examples, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In other examples, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some instances, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In further examples, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other examples, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture formed by the base and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some examples, the device comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In some embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In another aspect, a system for sustaining an ionization source, the system comprising a torch comprising a body comprising a longitudinal axis along which a flow of gas is introduced during operation of the torch, and a device comprising a base constructed and arranged as a coil comprising an inner aperture configured to receive a portion of the torch body, the device further comprising a radial fin coupled to the base, in which the device is configured to provide radio frequency energy to the portion of the torch body received by the aperture to sustain the ionization source within the portion of the torch body is provided.
In certain embodiments, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends away from the torch body in the aperture. In other embodiments, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some examples, the position of the radial fin on the base is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the base or removing the portion of the torch body within the aperture. In further examples, the radial fin couples to the base through a fastener. In some examples, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the base. In other configurations, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base. In some examples, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In further examples, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In certain examples, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In some instances, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In certain configurations, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture formed by the base. In other configurations, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In other configurations, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some embodiments, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In other examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In further embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture formed by the base and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In additional examples, the system comprises an injector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to provide sample to the ionization source sustained within the portion of the torch body. In further instances, the system comprises a radio frequency source electrically coupled to the device. In some configurations, the radio frequency source is configured to provide radio frequencies of about 1 MHz to about 1000 MHz at a power of about 10 Watts to about 10,000 Watts. In other configurations, the system comprises a grounding plate electrically coupled to the base of the device. In some examples, the system comprises a detector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to receive sample from the torch. In further examples, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some configurations, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other configurations, the aperture formed by the base comprises a cross-sectional shape other than a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins are sized and arranged to be the same. In some instances, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which the radial fins are arranged on the base such that a larger number of radial fins are present toward a proximal end of the base of the device. In some examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In some embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In an additional aspect, a mass spectrometer comprising a torch comprising a body comprising a longitudinal axis along which a flow of gas is introduced during operation of the torch; a device comprising a base constructed and arranged as a coil comprising an inner aperture configured to receive a portion of the torch body, the device further comprising a radial fin coupled to the base, a radio frequency energy source electrically coupled to the device and configured to provide power to the device to sustain an ionization source within the portion of the torch body in the aperture of the base, and a mass analyzer fluidically coupled to the torch is disclosed.
In certain configurations, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends away from the torch body in the aperture. In other configurations, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some embodiments, the position of the radial fin on the base is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the base or removing the portion of the torch body within the aperture. In certain examples, the radial fin couples to the base through a fastener. In other embodiments, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the base. In some instances, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base. In some embodiments, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In further embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In some examples, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In other examples, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In some configurations, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some examples, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture formed by the base. In other examples, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In some embodiments, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other embodiments, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In additional embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture formed by the base and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In additional examples, the system comprises an injector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to provide sample to the ionization source sustained within the portion of the torch body. In certain configuration, the system comprises a radio frequency source electrically coupled to the device. In other configurations, the radio frequency source is configured to provide radio frequencies of about 1 MHz to about 1000 MHz at a power of about 10 Watts to about 10,000 Watts. In some examples, the system comprises a grounding plate electrically coupled to the base of the device. In other embodiments, the system comprises a detector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to receive sample from the torch. In further instances, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In additional examples, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other examples, the aperture formed by the base comprises a cross-sectional shape other than a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins are sized and arranged to be the same. In other embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which the radial fins are arranged on the base such that a larger number of radial fins are present toward a proximal end of the base of the device. In some examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In some embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In another aspect, a system for detecting optical emission, the system comprising a torch comprising a body comprising a longitudinal axis along which a flow of gas is introduced during operation of the torch, a device comprising a base constructed and arranged as a coil comprising an inner aperture configured to receive a portion of the torch body, the device further comprising a radial fin coupled to the base, a radio frequency energy source electrically coupled to the device and configured to provide power to the device to sustain an ionization source within the portion of the torch body in the aperture of the base, and an optical detector configured to detect optical emissions in the torch is provided.
In certain embodiments, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends away from the torch body in the aperture. In other embodiments, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some instances, the position of the radial fin on the base is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the base or removing the portion of the torch body within the aperture. In certain configurations, the radial fin couples to the base through a fastener. In other configurations, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the base. In further configurations, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base. In some examples, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In other instances, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In some configurations, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In other configurations, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In some embodiments, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In other embodiments, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture formed by the base. In additional examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In some examples, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other examples, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some examples, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In additional examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture formed by the base and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other embodiments, the system comprises an injector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to provide sample to the ionization source sustained within the portion of the torch body. In further examples, the system comprises a radio frequency source electrically coupled to the device. In other examples, the radio frequency source is configured to provide radio frequencies of about 1 MHz to about 1000 MHz at a power of about 10 Watts to about 10,000 Watts. In some embodiments, the system comprises a grounding plate electrically coupled to the base of the device. In other embodiments, the system comprises a detector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to receive sample from the torch. In certain examples, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In further embodiments, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the aperture formed by the base comprises a cross-sectional shape other than a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In some instances, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins are sized and arranged to be the same. In other examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which the radial fins are arranged on the base such that a larger number of radial fins are present toward a proximal end of the base of the device. In certain examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In certain embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In an additional aspect, a system for detecting atomic absorption emission, the system comprising a torch comprising a body comprising a longitudinal axis along which a flow of gas is introduced during operation of the torch, a device comprising a base constructed and arranged as a coil comprising an inner aperture configured to receive a portion of the torch body, the device further comprising a radial fin coupled to the base, a radio frequency energy source electrically coupled to the device and configured to provide power to the device to sustain an ionization source within the portion of the torch body in the aperture of the base, a light source configured to provide light to the torch, and an optical detector configured to measure an amount of the provided light transmitted through the torch is described.
In certain configurations, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends away from the torch body in the aperture. In other configurations, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some configurations, the position of the radial fin on the base is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the base or removing the portion of the torch body within the aperture. In other configurations, the radial fin couples to the base through a fastener. In further configurations, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the base. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base. In other embodiments, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In some examples, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In other examples, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In further examples, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some embodiments, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture formed by the base. In some examples, the device of the system further comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In certain configurations, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other configurations, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In certain examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture formed by the base and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some embodiments, the system comprises an injector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to provide sample to the ionization source sustained within the portion of the torch body. In other embodiments, the system comprises a radio frequency source electrically coupled to the device. In further instances, the radio frequency source is configured to provide radio frequencies of about 1 MHz to about 1000 MHz at a power of about 10 Watts to about 10,000 Watts. In some configurations, the system comprises a grounding plate electrically coupled to the base of the device. In other configurations, the system comprises a detector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to receive sample from the torch. In certain embodiments, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. In some examples, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In certain examples, the aperture formed by the base comprises a cross-sectional shape other than a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins are sized and arranged to be the same. In other embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which the radial fins are arranged on the base such that a larger number of radial fins are present toward a proximal end of the base of the device. In certain examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In certain embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In another aspect, a chemical reactor system comprising a reaction chamber, a device comprising a base constructed and arranged as a coil comprising an inner aperture configured to receive a portion of the reaction chamber, the device further comprising a radial fin coupled to the base, and a radio frequency energy source electrically coupled to the device and configured to provide power to the device to sustain an ionization source within the portion of the reaction chamber in the aperture of the base is provided.
In certain configurations, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and extends away from the aperture. In other configurations, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. In some embodiments, the position of the radial fin on the base is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the base or removing the portion of the reaction chamber within the aperture. In certain examples, the radial fin couples to the base through a fastener. In other examples, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the base. In additional examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base. In some embodiments, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In certain examples, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In further embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In some examples, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In other examples, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. In some examples, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture formed by the base. In further embodiments, the device of the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In some instances, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other instances, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber. In further examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In some configurations, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reaction chamber and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other configurations, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture formed by the base and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In certain embodiments, the system comprises an injector fluidically coupled to the reaction chamber and configured to provide a reactant to the ionization source sustained within the reaction chamber. In further examples, the system comprises a radio frequency source electrically coupled to the device. In some instances, the radio frequency source is configured to provide radio frequencies of about 1 MHz to about 1000 MHz at a power of about 10 Watts to about 10,000 Watts. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a grounding plate electrically coupled to the base of the device. In other embodiments, the system comprises a detector fluidically coupled to the reaction chamber and configured to receive reactant products from the reaction chamber. In some configurations, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape or a shape other than a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins are sized and arranged to be the same. In some arrangements, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which the radial fins are arranged on the base such that a larger number of radial fins are present toward a proximal end of the base of the device. In certain examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In certain embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In an additional aspect, a material deposition system comprising an atomization chamber, a device comprising a base constructed and arranged as a coil comprising an inner aperture configured to receive a portion of the atomization chamber, the device further comprising a radial fin coupled to the base, a radio frequency energy source electrically coupled to the device and configured to provide power to the device to sustain an ionization source within the portion of the atomization chamber in the aperture of the base, and a nozzle fluidically coupled to the atomization chamber and configured to receive atomized species from the chamber and provide the received, atomized species towards a substrate is described.
In some configurations, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to a longitudinal axis of the atomization chamber and extends away from the aperture. In other configurations, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the atomization chamber. In further configurations, the position of the radial fin on the base is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the base or removing the portion of the atomization chamber within the aperture. In some embodiments, the radial fin couples to the base through a fastener. In other embodiments, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the base. In further instances, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base. In some embodiments, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In other examples, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In further examples, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base when the base is not coiled. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In other embodiments, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In some instances, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomization chamber. In additional examples, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture formed by the base. In further embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In other examples, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomization chamber and extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In certain examples, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the atomization chamber. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomization chamber and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the atomization chamber and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In additional embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture formed by the base and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In other embodiments, the system comprises an injector fluidically coupled to the atomization chamber and configured to provide a reactant to the ionization source sustained within the atomization chamber. In further instances, the system comprises a radio frequency source electrically coupled to the device. In other examples, the radio frequency source is configured to provide radio frequencies of about 1 MHz to about 1000 MHz at a power of about 10 Watts to about 10,000 Watts. In some configurations, the system comprises a grounding plate electrically coupled to the base of the device. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a detector fluidically coupled to the atomization chamber and configured to receive reactant products from the atomization chamber. In further examples, the aperture formed by the base comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape or a cross-sectional shape other than a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In some examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which each of the plurality of radial fins are sized and arranged to be the same. In other embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the base, in which the radial fins are arranged on the base such that a larger number of radial fins are present toward a proximal end of the base of the device. In certain examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In certain embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In another aspect, a device for sustaining an ionization source in a torch comprising a longitudinal axis along which a flow of gas is introduced during operation of the torch, the device comprising a plate electrode comprising an inner aperture constructed and arranged to receive a body of the torch, and a radial fin coupled to the plate electrode, in which the plate electrode is configured to provide radio frequency energy to the body of the torch to sustain the ionization source within the torch is described.
In some examples, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends away from the aperture of the plate electrode. In other examples, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In certain embodiments, the position of the radial fin on the plate electrode is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the plate electrode. In some configurations, the radial fin couples to the plate electrode through a fastener. In other configurations, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the plate electrode. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode. In other embodiments, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In some examples, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle. In certain embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle. In some examples, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In certain embodiments, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In some examples, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In other examples, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture of the plate electrode. In some embodiments, the device comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In other embodiments, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends inward within the aperture of the plate electrode. In certain examples, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In other embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture of the plate electrode. In further examples, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture of the plate electrode. In some examples, the system comprises a second plate electrode comprising an inner aperture constructed and arranged to receive a body of the torch, and a radial fin coupled to the second plate electrode, in which the second plate electrode is configured to provide radio frequency energy to the body of the torch to sustain the ionization source within the torch. In certain examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In certain embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
In an additional aspect, a system for sustaining an ionization source, the system comprising a torch comprising a body comprising a longitudinal axis along which a flow of gas is introduced during operation of the torch, and a plate electrode comprising an inner aperture constructed and arranged to receive a body of the torch and a radial fin coupled to the plate electrode, in which the plate electrode is configured to provide radio frequency energy to the body of the torch to sustain the ionization source within the torch is provided.
In certain examples, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends away from the torch body in the aperture. In other examples, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In additional examples, the position of the radial fin is adjustable without decoupling the radial fin from the plate electrode or removing the portion of the torch body within the aperture. In some examples, the radial fin couples to the plate electrode through a fastener. In other examples, the radial fin is integrally coupled to the plate electrode. In further embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode. In other embodiments, at least two of the radial fins comprise the same angle. In some instances, each of the plurality of radial fins is angled at substantially the same angle. In other examples, at least two of the plurality of radial fins are angled at a different angle to the base. In further embodiments, at least two of the plurality of radial fins have a different cross-sectional shape. In some examples, the radial fin comprises at least one aperture in the fin. In certain configurations, the aperture is configured as a through hole that is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In other configurations, the fin aperture is angled toward the aperture. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, wherein at least two of the radial fins comprise an aperture in the fins, in which the apertures in the two radial fins are constructed and arranged differently. In other configurations, the radial fin is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and extends inward within the aperture of the plate electrode. In additional configurations, the radial fin is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the torch. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and each of the plurality of fins extends inward within the aperture of the plate electrode. In other embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, in which each of the plurality of radial fins is oriented non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the torch and at least one radial fin extends inward within the aperture formed by the base. In additional embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, in which at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends away from the aperture of the plate electrode and at least one radial fin of the plurality of radial fins extends inward within the aperture of the plate electrode. In some instances, the system comprises an injector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to provide sample to the ionization source sustained within the portion of the torch body. In other configurations, the system comprises a radio frequency source electrically coupled to the device. In some embodiments, the radio frequency source is configured to provide radio frequencies of about 1 MHz to about 1000 MHz at a power of about 10 Watts to about 10,000 Watts. In certain examples, the system comprises a grounding plate electrically coupled to the base of the device. In other embodiments, the system comprises a detector fluidically coupled to the torch and configured to receive sample from the torch. In certain instances, the aperture of the plate electrode comprises a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In other instances, the aperture of the plate electrode comprises a cross-sectional shape other than a substantially circular cross-sectional shape or a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the system comprises, a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, in which each of the plurality of radial fins are sized and arranged to be the same. In some configurations, the system comprises a plurality of radial fins coupled to the plate electrode, in which the radial fins are arranged on the plate electrode such that a larger number of radial fins are present on one side of the aperture. In other embodiments, the system comprises a second plate electrode comprising an inner aperture constructed and arranged to receive a body of the torch, and a radial fin coupled to the second plate electrode, in which the second plate electrode is configured to provide radio frequency energy to the body of the torch to sustain the ionization source within the torch. In some examples, the system comprises a spacer configured to engage adjacent radial fins on adjacent turns of the base. In some embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in the same plane. In other embodiments, the spacer is configured to retain the adjacent fins in a different plane.
Additional features, aspects, examples and embodiments are described in more detail below.
Certain embodiments of the devices and systems are described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that certain dimensions or features of the components of the systems may have been enlarged, distorted or shown in an otherwise unconventional or non-proportional manner to provide a more user friendly version of the figures. In addition, the exact length, width, geometry, aperture size, etc. of the induction device, the plasmas generated and other components herein may vary.
Certain embodiments are described below with reference to singular and plural terms in order to provide a user friendly description of the technology disclosed herein. These terms are used for convenience purposes only and are not intended to limit the devices, methods and systems described herein. Certain examples are described herein with reference to induction devices. While the exact parameters used to power the induction devices may vary, the induction device can be electrically coupled to an RF generator that provides radio frequencies, for example, from 10 MHz to 90 MHz, more particularly between 20 MHz and 50 MHz, for example about 40 MHz. The RF generator output power is typically about 500 Watts to 50 kW. Two or more induction devices may be present with each induction device electrically coupled to a common RF generator or electrically coupled to separate RF generators.
In some embodiments, the RF generator used with the induction devices described herein may be a hybrid generator as described in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/894,560 filed on Oct. 23, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The induction devices can be used in many different instruments and devices including, but not limited to, ICP-OES or ICP-MS or other similar instruments as described herein. In certain embodiments, generator operation can be controlled with a processor or master controller in or electrically coupled to the generator to control the generator, e.g., to enable or terminate the plasma generation. Certain embodiments are also described below that use an induction device to generate and/or sustain an inductively coupled plasma. If desired, however, the same induction device can be used (either alone or with another device) to generate and/or sustain a capacitively coupled plasma, a flame or other atomization/ionization devices that can be used, for example, to atomize and/or ionize chemical species. Certain configurations are provided below using inductively coupled plasmas to illustrate various aspects and attributes of the technology described herein. The radial fins described can extend inward toward a torch within an induction device comprising the radial fins, can extend outward away from a torch within an induction device comprising the radial fins, or certain fins may extend inward and other fins may extend outward.
In certain examples, the induction devices described herein can be used to sustain a high-energy plasma to atomize and/or ionize samples for chemical analysis, to provide ions for deposition or other uses. To ignite and sustain the plasma, RF power, typically in the range of 0.5 kW to 100 kW, from a RF generator (RFG) is inductively coupled to the plasma through the induction device. Referring to
Referring again to
In certain examples, the fin may include one or more through-holes or apertures. Referring to
In certain embodiments, the induction devices described herein may comprise a base structure coupled to a plurality of fins. Referring to
In some embodiments, the spacing of the fins along the length of the base may differ. For example and referring to
In certain configurations, the shape of all the fins need not be the same shape. Referring to
In certain instances, the length of the fins may vary. Referring to
In other configurations, the width of the fins may vary from fin to fin. Referring to
In certain examples, the fin-to-fin lateral spacing may be variable within the induction device. For ease of illustration, one embodiment is shown in
In certain embodiments, one or more fins may be angled at a different angle relative to other fins present in the induction device. Referring to
In certain embodiments, black and white line drawings produced from photographs of a coiled induction device are shown in
In certain embodiments, the number of turns shown in the induction device 1210 is about three. More particularly, there are about three total turns formed by coiling the base of the induction device 1210. To increase or decrease the number of turns, the overall length of the base of the induction device can be altered with increased length permitting more turns and decreased length permitting fewer turns. It may be desirable, however, to use fewer turns than possible. For example, if an induction device has a length suitable to permit about five turns, it may be desirable to coil the device to include fewer than five turns. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, as the number of turns increases, the length of the plasma can increase. In addition, the spacing between turns may be the same or may be different. For example, the spacing between a first turn and a second turn may differ from the spacing between a second turn and a third turn. Spacing can be controlled, for example, by positioning the fins at desired positions and/or by altering how tightly coiled the base is in the induction device or can be adjusted using one or more of the spacers, e.g., fin spacers, described herein.
In certain configurations, the fins present on the induction device generally do not reduce the inductance of the load coil because eddy current cannot flow along the gaps between the fins. This permits an increase in fin length to provide for better heat dissipation while at the same time avoiding any increase in eddy currents. Mechanical stresses can be distributed in the induction device, making it more stable when subject to heat. For example, between adjacent turns of the induction device, there can be no localized connections that are subject to higher mechanical stress, which may cause asymmetrical distortion of the induction device. While the induction device can be produced as separate components that are coupled to each other using a weld, solder, adhesive or other materials, in some examples the induction device may be fabricated using a single metal sheet, e.g., laser cut from a single sheet of material such as, for example, 125 mil thick aluminum or copper sheets. The lack of welded or soldered joints can increase the long-term reliability for improved electrical connectivity.
In certain embodiments, the induction devices described herein may be used to sustain a low flow argon plasma. For example, the induction device may permit an argon plasma gas flow of less than 15 Liters/minute, more particularly less than 14, 13, 12, 11 or 10 Liters/minute or, in certain instances, even less than 5 Liters/minute of argon plasma gas. The power provided to the induction device may be similar to that used with conventional helical induction coils, though it may be desirable to alter the electrical parameters to analyze certain species and/or when using low flow conditions.
In certain embodiments, the base of the induction device may generally be flat or small compared to the length of the fins, e.g., as shown in
In certain examples, the exact geometry of the aperture formed by coiling of the base of the induction device can vary. As shown in
In certain configurations, when the induction device is coiled the resulting fin angle may be the same or may be different for different fins. In general, the fin angles will be different (with respect to the longitudinal axis of a torch inserted through the aperture formed by the coil) as the coiling results in different fin angles. For example, the coiling of the base may result in a slight tilting of the fins such that the fins are positioned at a non-orthogonal angle to the longitudinal axis of the torch. A side view of a single turn is shown in
In some embodiments, the base of the induction device may be sized and arranged similar to that of a plate electrode. For example and referring to
Another configuration of an electrode comprising a plurality of fins is shown in
In certain configurations, the angle of fins present on base plates need not be the same. Referring to
In certain examples, the induction devices described herein may be used with a torch configured to sustain an inductively coupled plasma within the torch. An embodiment showing a coiled induction device comprising a plurality of radial fins is shown in
In some embodiments, one or more plate electrodes comprising fins may be electrically coupled to a generator and used to sustain a plasma. In certain examples, the planar nature of the plate electrodes permits generation of a loop current in the torch body which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torch body. The fins may provide for increased surface area to improve heat dissipation and permit the plates to have larger dimensions than where fins are not present. The plate electrodes may be spaced symmetric from each other where more than two plate electrodes are present, or the plates electrodes may be asymmetrically spaced from each other, if desired. An illustration of two plate electrodes each with radial fins is shown in
In certain instances where plate electrodes are used, the plate electrode may comprise one or more apertures or through-holes in addition to the fins. For example and referring to
In certain examples, the induction devices described herein can be used to sustain an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) that is present in an optical emission system (OES). Illustrative components of an OES are shown in
In certain embodiments, the induction devices described herein can be used in an instrument designed for absorption spectroscopy (AS). Atoms and ions may absorb certain wavelengths of light to provide energy for a transition from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. An atom or ion may contain multiple resonance lines resulting from transition from a ground state to a higher energy level. The energy needed to promote such transitions may be supplied using numerous sources, e.g., heat, flames, plasmas, arc, sparks, cathode ray lamps, lasers, etc., as discussed further below. In some examples, the induction devices described herein can be used to sustain an ICP to provide the energy or light that is absorbed by the atoms or ions. In certain examples, a single beam AS device is shown in
In certain embodiments and referring to
In certain embodiments, the generators described herein can be used in a mass spectrometer (MS). An illustrative MS device is shown in
In certain embodiments, the mass analyzer 2230 of the MS device 2200 may take numerous forms depending on the desired resolution and the nature of the introduced sample. In certain examples, the mass analyzer is a scanning mass analyzer, a magnetic sector analyzer (e.g., for use in single and double-focusing MS devices), a quadrupole mass analyzer, an ion trap analyzer (e.g., cyclotrons, quadrupole ions traps), time-of-flight analyzers (e.g., matrix-assisted laser desorbed ionization time of flight analyzers), and other suitable mass analyzers that may separate species with different mass-to-charge ratio. In some examples, the MS devices disclosed herein may be hyphenated with one or more other analytical techniques. For example, MS devices may be hyphenated with devices for performing liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and other suitable separation techniques. When coupling an MS device with a gas chromatograph, it may be desirable to include a suitable interface, e.g., traps, jet separators, etc., to introduce sample into the MS device from the gas chromatograph. When coupling an MS device to a liquid chromatograph, it may also be desirable to include a suitable interface to account for the differences in volume used in liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. For example, split interfaces may be used so that only a small amount of sample exiting the liquid chromatograph may be introduced into the MS device. Sample exiting from the liquid chromatograph may also be deposited in suitable wires, cups or chambers for transport to the ionization devices of the MS device. In certain examples, the liquid chromatograph may include a thermospray configured to vaporize and aerosolize sample as it passes through a heated capillary tube. Other suitable devices for introducing liquid samples from a liquid chromatograph into a MS device will be readily selected by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. In certain examples, MS devices can be hyphenated with each other for tandem mass spectroscopy analyses.
In certain embodiments, the systems and devices described herein may include additional components as desired. For example, it may be desirable to include a photosensor in an optical path of the plasma so the system can detect when the plasma has been ignited.
In some examples, the induction devices described herein can be used in non-instrumental applications including, but not limited to, material deposition devices, vapor deposition devices, ion implantation devices, welding torches, molecular beam epitaxy devices or other devices or systems that use an atomization and/or ionization source to provide a desired output, e.g., ions, atoms or heat, may be used with the generators described herein. Such systems can include similar induction devices as described herein, nozzles, assist gases and other components to facilitate deposition of species into a surface. In addition, the induction devices described herein can be used in chemical reactors to promote formation of certain species at high temperature. For example, radioactive waste can be processed in a reaction chamber using devices including the induction devices described herein.
In certain examples, the induction devices described herein may be used in kit form and may include two or more individual induction devices which can be coupled to each other to provide a single induction device with a desired number of turns. Referring to
In certain instances, adjacent fins on adjacent coil turns can be fixed in position using one or more removable spacers that engage the adjacent fins. Referring to
In some instances, a three hole spacer can be used to fix the spacing between adjacent fins. Referring to
In some configurations, the spacer may be used to fix the position of adjacent radial fins in an offset position. For example and referring to
In some instances, the spacers described herein may be present in block form to permit an end user to couple two or more spacers together to provide a desired spatial separation between adjacent coils. For example and referring to
In certain embodiments, the spacers described herein, e.g., those illustrative ones shown in
Certain specific examples are described below to illustrate further some of the novel aspects, embodiments and features described herein.
Referring to
The aluminum finned induction device of
ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry) measurements were performed using numerous metal species, a conventional copper helical induction coil and a finned induction coil (referred to in
The finned, aluminum induction device was ran continuously for 1 hour (see
The mass spectrometry signal from various metal species (Ce, Be, CeO, In, Ce++ and U) was monitored over about an hour using the finned aluminum induction device to determine stability. The plasma argon gas flow rate was 11 Liters/minute. As can be seen in the graph of
When introducing elements of the examples disclosed herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. It will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that various components of the examples can be interchanged or substituted with various components in other examples.
Although certain aspects, examples and embodiments have been described above, it will be recognized by the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure, that additions, substitutions, modifications, and alterations of the disclosed illustrative aspects, examples and embodiments are possible.
This application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/932,418 filed on Jan. 28, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5298714 | Szente | Mar 1994 | A |
| 20020037653 | Herchen | Mar 2002 | A1 |
| 20040065645 | Welch | Apr 2004 | A1 |
| 20090084502 | Hayashi | Apr 2009 | A1 |
| 20090145581 | Hoffman | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| 20110162802 | Okamura | Jul 2011 | A1 |
| 20110272386 | Morrisroe | Nov 2011 | A1 |
| 20120000609 | Do | Jan 2012 | A1 |
| Entry |
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| ISR/WO for PCT/US2015/12564 dated Apr. 29, 2015. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170280546 A1 | Sep 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61932418 | Jan 2014 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15087643 | Mar 2016 | US |
| Child | 15444809 | US | |
| Parent | 14603480 | Jan 2015 | US |
| Child | 15087643 | US |
