Padetha Dr Tin

US Patent:

59561394, Sep 21, 1999

Filed:

Aug 4, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/905536

Inventors:

William V. Meyer - Lakewood OH
David S. Cannell - Santa Barbara CA
Padetha Tin - Strongsville OH
H. Michael Cheung - Hudson OH
J. Adin Mann - Cleveland Heights OH
Thomas W. Taylor - Cleveland OH
James A. Lock - Cleveland Heights OH
Jixiang Zhu - Bridgewater NJ
Anthony E. Smart - Costa Mesa CA

Assignee:

Ohio Aerospace Institute - Brook Park OH

International Classification:

G01N 2100

US Classification:

356338

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for analyzing a fluid containing light scattering components. The apparatus includes a laser adapted to direct abeam of light into the fluid such as a liquid containing particles, and at least two detectors to receive light scattered by the fluid, which received light is used to calculate a physical property of the fluid. A focusing lens may be used to focus the light beam to a focal waist in the fluid to enhance the degree of spatial coherence of the scattered light. The two detectors are aligned onto the focal waist and are adapted to send a signal to a data processor which correlates the signal received from said two detectors. The two detectors are spaced a substantially equal distance from the focal waist and are oriented at substantially the same angle with respect to the direction of propagation of the incident beam. The data processor is adapted to cross-correlate the signals received from the two detectors. A polarizer can be positioned between the focal waist and the two detectors to aid in positioning the detectors and to enhance the efficiency and speed of the measurement.