Dual-color laser interferometry for real-time monitoring of silane hydrolysis

Overview

This innovative solution employs dual-color laser interferometry to enable real-time, contactless monitoring of silane hydrolysis in semi-opaque solutions. By utilizing intensity-normalized infrared (IR) absorption, this technology provides high sensitivity and millisecond resolution. It can precisely quantify hydrolyzed silanes using a Michelson interferometer setup, capable of analyzing liquid volumes as small as 1e-6 mL. This method leverages infrared light to non-destructively identify "fingerprints" of hydroxyl- versus alkoxy-bonded silane, ensuring minimal sample perturbation and high acquisition speed.

Technical specifications

• Dual-color IR laser beam: Provides simultaneous monitoring at ~3700 cm-1 and ~950 cm-1 energies.
• Achromatic, asymmetric Michelson interferometer: Enhances sensitivity and stabilizes path length.
• Dichroic mirror and cryogenic detectors: Splits and records light at two specific energies for real-time analysis.
• High-brilliance IR radiation: Enables rapid data acquisition (<1 ms) with intrinsic intensity normalization.
• Spectro-microscopy tool: Generalizes the method to spatially resolve and map complex mixtures.

Technology readiness level

This technology is currently at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment. Future plans include refining the technology with reference specimens and extending its application to nanoscale-FTIR and scanned microscopy for complex solution imaging.