Name: Hollow Wave Guide Ringdown Spectroscopy
Elevator Pitch: Cavity ringdown spectroscopy device that uses a waveguide instead of actuators/modulation for increased sensitivity, selectivity, ruggedness and faster response times
Department: Mechanical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
Please click here for a PDF of the Hollow Wave Guide Ringdown Spectroscopy Executive Summary
Cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS) is one for the most sensitive means of measuring the concentration of trace components (<10ppbv) with a well defined ultraviolet, visible, or infrared absorption spectra in a gas and liquid. In CRDS, laser light is contained in an open cavity over many 1,000’s of bounces utilizing precisely aligned mirrors. These mirrors are typically separated by 10 cm and the distance between them must be precisely modulated on the order of the wavelength of light, approx. 1-10 micrometers. This is usually done with a piezoelectric actuator attached between a mirror and its mount. The piezoelectric actuator is a small lightweight component, but the piezoelectric electronics are relatively large and heavy.
Hollow Waveguide Cavity Ringdown Spectroscopy (HWG-CRDS) is a gas and liquid measurement technique that provides detection sensitivities comparable to CRDS. The HWG-CRDS method introduces a hollow waveguide (HWG) into the cavity, such as a tube with a highly reflective coating on the inside. The HWG is positioned between two mirrors, and the three components form a three dimensional optical cavity. HWG-CRDS eliminates the piezoelectric actuator for mirror actuation and the distance between the mirrors is not modulated because light is contained by the combination of the waveguide and mirrors. This results in a more stable cavity capable of more unique resonant modes per wavelength than is possible in a traditional CRDS cavity and delivers high resolution wavelength scans.
A key feature of this design is the use of permanent rigid mounts for the cavity components which would allow the HWG-CRDS cavity to tolerate high vibration loads. A second benefit is a faster measurement rate with the elimination of cavity modulation. Other benefits include reduced mass, lower volume and reduced power consumption.
Industries using CRDS include chemical production industries, environmental sensing, biomedical, semiconductor fabrication, energy, and other industries. End users are in a variety of industries, university researchers, and government agencies.
The Innovation Center of the Rockies is recruiting a team of industry experts to develop a commercialization strategy and locate team members capable of executing on the plan. We are actively recruiting advisors to participate in discussions aimed at identifying the key customer problem solved by the technology and the appropriate business model to bring it to market.
•Faster speed of response
•Reduced power consumption
Spectroscopy, gas measurement, environmental sensing, industrial gas, optical devices, biomedical
To Indicate an Interest or for More Information: 303.444.2111 or Eric@InnovationCenteroftheRockies.com. Please include a copy of your resume.