Abstract:
Fourier spectroscopy is used in the measurement of circular dichroism, the method involving the use of an interference polarization modulator which is characterized by production of negligible amplitude modulation in the absence of dichroism in the optical train that follows the modulator and in the detector. Either linear or circular dichroism in that region of the instrument will convert the polarization modulation into amplitude modulation. The polarization modulation is characterized by a different frequency for each wavelength of the radiation, thus the signals caused by the interaction of the radiation with dichroic sample may all be recorded simultaneously and may subsequently be ''''unscrambled'''' to derive the inverse Fourier transform of the ensemble of frequencies constituting the complete signal, and thus obtaining a transmission spectrum corresponding to the dichroism. The transmission spectrum in turn, in the case of the circular dichroism, may be converted into dichroism by dividing by the ordinary transmission spectrum (corresponding to ordinary absorption) which may be derived by ordinary Fourier spectroscopy.
Abstract:
Embodiments are disclosed relating to a refractively-scanning interferometer comprising an aperture that receives an incident light beam at a receiving angle, a beam splitter configured to split the incident light beam into a first beam and a second beam, a first and a second reflector arranged to reflect the first beam and second beam, respectively, towards a combining optical element, and a refractive Optical Path Difference (rOPD) assembly interposed between the beam splitter and the first reflector, wherein the rOPD Assembly refracts the first light beam an even number of times with induced phase discrepancy being a vector sum of a first phase discrepancy induced by a first refraction and a second phase discrepancy induced by a second refraction, the rOPD Assembly being configured such that the first phase discrepancy is substantially opposite in direction to the second phase discrepancy, a portion of the first and second phase discrepancies cancelling one another out to decrease magnitude of the phase discrepancy.
Abstract:
Systems and methods according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided that can efficiently detect the amplitude and phase of a spectral modulation. Such exemplary scheme can be combined with self-interference fluorescence to facilitate a highly sensitive depth localization of self-interfering radiation generated within a sample. The exemplary system and method can facilitate a scan-free depth sensitivity within the focal depth range for microscopy, endoscopy and nanoscopy.
Abstract:
An optical module includes a first plate-shaped member having a light transmissive optical component which is formed by applying etching to a silicon region, and a second plate-shaped member having light reflective optical components (mirrors) for reflecting light transmitting through the light transmissive optical component. The first and second plate-shaped members are bonded to one another, and an optical path for light transmitting through the light transmissive optical component is along a component forming surface of the first plate-shaped member and a principal surface of the second plate-shaped member. Thereby, realizing an optical module in which it is possible to dispose the light reflective optical component and the light transmissive optical component close to one another, and a manufacturing method for the optical module.
Abstract:
A Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager is presented. An OCT imager according to the present invention can have an auto-alignment process. The auto-alignment process automatically adjusts at least one optical component of a spectrometer of the imager so that the spectrometer is aligned during an imaging session. In addition to the auto-alignment process, OCT spectra are normalized for background spectra and for noise characteristics in order to provide a more accurate and clear OCT image.
Abstract:
A Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager is presented. An OCT imager according to the present invention can have an auto-alignment process. The auto-alignment process automatically adjusts at least one optical component of a spectrometer of the imager so that the spectrometer is aligned during an imaging session. In addition to the auto-alignment process, OCT spectra are normalized for background spectra and for noise characteristics in order to provide a more accurate and clear OCT image.
Abstract:
Fourier Transform Spectroscopy is performed using a birefringent device to vary path difference systematically for all regions of an image simultaneously, so that a separate interferogram is collected for each image region by combining intensity values in multiple images. The optics may allow a theoretical efficiency of 100% in light throughout.
Abstract:
A wedge-type interferometer is disclosed that is supported three-dimensionally by a cast inner shell, which contains a readily removable optical cartridge supporting the fixed and movable wedge-shape prisms of the interferometer. The fixed prism is supported from one side of a centerpiece of the cartridge while the movable prism is supported from the other side of the centerpiece for linear, scanning movement. The cartridge may be mechanically and optically aligned prior to insertion into the inner shell, and is easily removed if additional adjustments are required. A first corner cube mirror is supported by a plate secured to one wall of the inner shell and is aligned by micropositioner adjustment in the X-axis. A second corner cube mirror is supported by a plate secured to another wall of the inner shell and is aligned by micropositioner adjustment in the Y-axis. After alignment, the micrometers are removed, and the inner shell may be mounted in an outer, hermetically-sealed casting.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a photo-counting Fourier spectroscopic apparatus which enables spectroscopic detection of extremely fine emission light seen in a living-body specimen or the like as bioluminescence, chemiluminescence, and fluoroescence from a living-body specimen. A light from a specimen which emits an extremely faint light is guided to an interferometer. A two-dimensional photon counter is used as an interference fringe detector. The two-dimensional photo counting device counts the number of incident photons to form an image. The obtained image is subjected to Fourier analysis to thereby obtain spectral information about the incident light. A double beam interferometer, a triangular common path interferometer, a Michelson interferometer and other interferometers are used.
Abstract:
A refractively scanned interferometer, of the type in which a wedge-shaped prism is moved across one interferometer arm for scanning purposes, in which a similarly shaped fixed prism in the other arm provides optical compensation to avoid aberration problems. The beamsplitter surface is on the fixed wedge-shaped prism, and the two wedge-shaped prisms constitute the only refractive elements in the interferometer arms.