Yanan Y Jiang

US Patent:

6483581, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Dec 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/446673

Inventors:

Dor Ben-Amotz - W. Lafayette IN
Yanan Jiang - West Lafayette IN
Edward R. Grant - West Lafayette IN
Ken Haber - West Lafayette IN

Assignee:

Spectra Code, Inc. - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G01J 344

US Classification:

356301, 356328

Abstract:

A hand-held material identification apparatus uses a spectrograph and detector array detecting a Raman spectrum produced by a sample illuminated by a laser source to recognize a variety of materials with a command to recognition time cycle of about one second or less. The width of the spectrum detected by each detector in the array is less than  the excitation source wavelength deviation to permit smoothing of the spectrum detected by the discrete spectral elements to eliminate pixel noise without loss of Raman spectral information. The Raman spectra are produced by materials illuminated by an inexpensive near-infrared multimode laser operated in a pulse mode to deliver between 0. 05 and 0. 5 joules of photon energy, with the Raman spectra being detected before any significant heating of the sample occurs. The identification apparatus qualitatively determines the chemical composition of reinforced and unreinforced copolymers and composites such as ABS, polypropylene, talc-filled polypropylene, polycarbonate, PMMA, polyethylene, and PVC, from samples of different colors and textures with a high degree of success without the need for special positioning or sample preparation.

US Patent:

6870612, Mar 22, 2005

Filed:

Jan 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/346540

Inventors:

Yanan Jiang - West Lafayette IN, US

Assignee:

SpectraCode, Inc. - West Lafayette IN

International Classification:

G01J003/44
G01N021/65

US Classification:

356301

Abstract:

A portable spectral imaging microscope includes a probe head coupled via fiber optic cabling to a laser source and to a spectrograph. The probe head is coupled to a position controller that is mounted on a base suitable for positioning adjacent to a sample. The position controller has five degrees of freedom that permits one to adjust the position and direction of the probe head relative to the sample over a wide range of dimensions and angles. The entire probe head can be easily moved in order to precisely align the objective lens to stationary samples for simultaneous viewing and spectral analysis.