Visualizing polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons within the near infrared spectrum

摘要

Microscopy techniques may be used to visualize polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons where an optical microscope is combined with an imaging device. The combination of these devices allows for images to be produced when visualized in the near infrared spectrum, such as a wavelength ranging from about 700 nm to about 2500 nm to be passed through the optical microscope.

主权项

1. A method comprising: producing an image of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons with an optical microscope by passing a wavelength ranging from about 700 nm to about 2500 nm therethrough; and capturing the image produced by the microscope with an imaging device; and distinguishing a number of condensed aromatic rings that share two carbons for each polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon within a compound selected from the group consisting of asphaltenes, coke, coke precursors, naphthalene, perylene, coronene, chrysene, anthracene, and combinations thereof.