Abstract:
A spectrometer system is disclosed in which the sample-containing chamber is a separately constructed, enclosed modular unit which is readily attachable to, and detachable from, one wall of a housing which constitutes the basic unit of the spectrometer, and which contains an interferometer, one or more detectors, and other portions of the system. Various examples of the essentially unlimited types of sampling modules are disclosed. Also, automatic sample loading and unloading devices are disclosed, which are feasible because of the modular construction. And means of loading and unloading samples without purge loss are disclosed, which are feasible because of the modular construction.
Abstract:
An interferometer spectrometer aligning apparatus and method are disclosed, in which the laser beam generator, which is in the instrument to provide data controlling clock signals, is also used to accomplish initial (and as needed) alignment of the instrument. The laser beam is directed through a target both on its way from the laser generator to the interferometer, and as it is reflected back from the interferometer, thereby validating the perpendicularity of the reflector to the axis of the interferometer. A semi-transparent mirror, i.e., a small beamsplitter, is used in the path of the laser beam ahead of the interferometer beamsplitter, thereby enabling portions of the laser beam to go into both the interferometer and the sample chamber. A second semi-transparent small mirror (beamsplitter) is also used in the path of the laser beam, for the purpose of providing two parallel laser beams both in the interferometer and in the sample chamber, the parallel beams being used for a plurality of optical checking and adjusting tasks.
Abstract:
A dual beam Fourier-type spectrometer is disclosed in which the collimated output beam of a Michelson type interferometer is divided (post-interferometer) by a reflector which (a) reflects the bulk of said beam to the sample and thereafter a first detector, but (b) transmits part of said beam (preferably through apertures in the reflector) directly to a second detector. The relatively small portion of said beam which is transmitted to the second detector preferably passes through a substantial number of very small apertures in the reflector which are spaced in such a way as to maximize the spatial identity of the beams reaching the first and second detectors.
Abstract:
An accessory for optical spectroscopy is disclosed which combines a matched pair of off-axis paraboloid reflecting surfaces having their focal points at a common location on the reflecting surface of a sample. The entering and exiting beams are collimated. Preferably the paraboloid reflecting surfaces have co-linear, anti-parallel axes, and are part of a unitary structure which is rotatable around the collimated optical beam axis to vary the angle of incidence on the sample without altering the optical alignment, thereby allowing the specular reflectance component to be included or excluded, at will.
Abstract:
An optical apparatus is disclosed for measuring and monitoring the thickness of a partially transparent film, or coating, which is either self-supporting or attached to a reflecting substrate. Infra-red radiation strikes the reflecting surface at an angle of incidence which is at or near the Brewster's angle of the film material. The radiation is polarized in its plane of incidence, which must be maintained substantially parallel to any stria in the reflecting surface. The polarization may be provided by germanium plates which receive the radiation at an angle of incidence at or near the Brewster's angle of the germanium.
Abstract:
A multi-pass gas cell that operates with reflected radiation pass through a gas, the reflected radiation transmitted and received by first and second fiber optic ports that are subject to an alignment adjustment, and a mirrored viewing window having a inner reflective surface exposed to an interior of the elongated cell body for reflecting the radiation within the cell body, an outer viewing surface, and a transmittance characteristic that permits a portion of the radiation to pass through the mirrored window, from the inner reflective surface to the outer viewing surface, as a visual indicator of the alignment condition of the reflected radiation relative to the first and second fiber-optic ports.
Abstract:
A multipass system for sampling by Raman spectroscopy enhances the collected signal and provides a system having improved sensitivity. The system incorporates an injection element for inserting collimated excitation radiation into an optical path, an objective lens for focusing the excitation radiation into the sample and for collecting radiation, a blocking filter that is substantially perpendicular to the optical path and that transmits Raman shifted radiation and reflects the excitation radiation, and a mirror for causing the excitation radiation to reflect excitation radiation back and forth between the mirror and the blocking filter multiple times while Raman shifted radiation is passed through the blocking filter for collection and analysis.
Abstract:
An immersion probe (for powder or liquid) is disclosed comprising an ATR element supported at the bottom of a radiation-confining tube. The ATR element has a sample-entering tip which is either conical (preferably) or roof-top shaped. The ATR element causes entering radiation to be reflected twice by its sample-engaging surfaces, where attenuation due to the sample material occurs. The ATR element also acts as a retroreflector, causing the exiting radiation to follow a path parallel to the entering radiation. In order to avoid spurious results due to reflection by the rear surface of the ATR element, its rear surface is cone shaped or rooftop shaped, using a large apex angle.
Abstract:
An infrared microscope is disclosed which provides illumination for reflectance by the sample. This illumination follows a path through the objective toward the sample, and again, after reflection, through the objective toward the detector The reflectance illumination is directed toward the objective and sample by a fully reflective mirror, which injects approximately half of the interferometer beam into the microscope, and permits substantially all of the reflected beam to reach the detector.
Abstract:
A gas cell for use in spectrometric analysis is disclosed, in which a series of pipes provide both the gas chamber and a light guide for infrared radiation which passes through the gas to accomplish the analysis. The light pipe is designed to provide a maximum radiation throughput of a collimated radiation beam. The same pipe provides laminar gas flow into and out of the gas cell. In other words, the gas when moving is not obstructed or restricted by changes in the cross-sectional area of its passageway.