SBIR Phase I: Atmospheric Pressure Microplasma Emission Spectrometer

This SBIR Phase I proposal will develop a miniature atmospheric pressure plasma spectrometer using a source which generates a highly confined, high-density discharge (kW/cm3). The source would be based on a high frequency ring resonator structure and would utilize low cost widely available IC power amplifiers and drivers, would have extremely low cost in moderate volume production (<$50), and would consume <2 W rf power, allowing for portable operation. The compact size of this discharge should allow straightforward coupling to fiber optic spectrometers, and intense optical emission. This innovative source will integrated to form new generation of highly portable and low cost plasma emission spectrometers, similar in operational principle to $100,000, 3-5kW power consumption benchtop units at orders of magnitude lower cost, size and portability. This program will add substantially to the scientific knowledge base and lead to fundamental understanding of the physics and engineering of these high-power-density, small and highly non-equilibrium plasmas. The source technology to be developed here will enable the miniaturization of a variety of chemical and gas analysis technology. This technology, by dramatically lowering the cost (10-100x), form factor (100x), and portability of the analytical equipment will provide economic benefits to customers in industrial settings, enhance worker and workplace safety, and allow for wider environmental monitoring.