Recently, we were contacted by Paul Schroeder from the University of Colorado. Paul is a PhD Student working on laser spectroscopy in combustion environments at the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
He asked us if we could make a laser-compatible optical cell with large wedge windows. The manufactured cell was to be used for carefully control laboratory validations of absorption spectra for various chemical species. And the cell was to be used in a high temperature environment.
Paul’s adviser is Dr. Greg Rieker. Dr. Rieker is teaching Graduate Design and Advanced Product Design, as well as classes in the thermofluid sciences. Dr. Rieker brings scientific achievements in laser-based sensors for harsh environments stemming from his PhD work at Stanford and postdoctoral work at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), as well as entrepreneurial experience co-founding a company to build tabletop particle accelerators for medical applications. Greg’s research lab at CU focuses on developing sensors to interrogate and control energy systems.
Sandfire has been developing glassware for similar applications for 30 years. Back then, it was with Atomic Energy Canada, now called Nordion. And also with TRIUMF (TRI-University Meson Facility, when 3 universities were involved). Sandfire was manufacturing and supplying scientific glassware to TRIUMF’s radiochemistry and PET (positron-emission tomography) programs. Now, 18 Canadian universities are involved with TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, so the acronym has been dropped.
After much consultation, we came up with a design for Paul and were happy to fabricate his laser cell. And even happier when the very fragile unit made it in one piece to Paul’s Lab. We love challenges and welcome your requests to make your projects a reality.
