Abstract:
A dual beam spectrophotometer includes a radiation chopper, a monochrometer, and a diffraction grating moved by a stepper motor. The chopper includes a gate pulse generator which produces gate pulses G.sub.S and G.sub.R corresponding to periods during which radiation from the source passes through a sample cell and a reference cell respectively. A stepper motor drive circuit produces pulses to step the stepper motor which are synchronized with the chopping cycle by means of the G.sub.R and G.sub.S pulses. The stepper motor is arranged to step an equal number of times in each half of a chopping cycle. A further condition which is preferably satisfied is that the first pulse of a sequence should start in the opposite half of the chopping cycle from that in which the first pulse started in a previous chopping cycle. At low stepping rates the motor will step twice in one chopping cycle and then pause for several cycles before again stepping twice.
Abstract:
A wide field of view is scanned to determine spectral and positional infotion of a point source of optical radiation. The wide field of view is optically scanned by a scanner having an instantaneous narrow field of view to sequentially direct radiation from successive scanned portions of the field onto a detector included in an image plane of radiation. An optical dispersion means for the radiation is provided in a first optical path that includes the scanning means and the detector. A second optical path between the source and detector includes the scanning means, but does not include the dispersion means. The dispersion means and the scanning means cause a convolution of spectral energy from the source in the image plane, resulting in a displacement of the relative occurrence times, during a scan, of a wavelength of the radiation as it impinges on the image plane via the two optical paths. A processing circuit measures the displacement, amplitude and spectral content to provide a visual indication of the angular position of the radiation source. The use of two optical channels also provides a simplified cross correlation system for comparison of spectral sources with respect to a reference.
Abstract:
A wavelength driving device for use in monochromators, wherein at least two wavelength driving cams of different peripheral contours are provided, which alternatively operate for different portions of the whole wavelength range to be covered by the device. The device is also provided with means which enables easy correction of deviations of dispersion of the prism from the design value.
Abstract:
An adjustable filter regulator for a microspectrophotometer including adjustment means connected to a scale for controlling the setting of the interference filter wherein the filter is moveably connected to a servomotor; follower circuit, differential amplifier, and signal transmitter.
Abstract:
The position of a diffraction grating in a spectral device is controlled by an arm fixed to a rotatable table supporting the grating. The arm rests against a cam receiving a straight line motion in a direction parallel to the light beam impinging on the grating and passing beyond the rotation axis of the rotatable table.
Abstract:
A tracking accuracy control system for a spectrophotometer utilizing stepper motors for controlling the wavelength drive and chart drive system. An exact ratio between the wavelength drive motor and chart drive motor is maintained under variable speed conditions by utilizing an error signal which normally operates the reference beam attenuator, this error signal being transmitted through an absolute value circuit to produce a voltage whose magnitude is the absolute value of the error signal. This absolute value is then transmitted through a fast attack, slow release hold-over circuit to control a voltage controlled oscillator in such a way as to reduce wavelength scan speed in an amount proportional to the error while simultaneously controlling chart speed in an exact ratio to the scan speed. The output of the voltage controlled oscillator is a pulse train having a frequency proportional to the magnitude of the absolute value of error signal.
Abstract:
Apparatus for automatically fine tuning a monochromator wherein an electrical oscillator drives an electromechanical transducer which varies the monochromator wave length and a detector responsive to the radiation beam from the monochromator controls a D.C. amplifier which servo controls the bias to the transducer.
Abstract:
In the spectrometric apparatus disclosed herein, a monochromator provided with a stepping motor drive is controlled in a sequence of scanning operations by a memory which can be loaded by means of simple punch cards. The memory holds a plurality of multi-bit digital words, each word comprising a first portion which can designate a rate of scan and a second portion which can designate a destination value, stated in terms of wavelength. Each stored digital word also includes a plurality of control bits which affect the operation of the spectrometric apparatus and which can also be used for controlling apparatus external to the monochromator, e.g. a strip chart recorder.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a device to produce, starting from a slit scanned in its transverse direction, alternately two slits scanned at a certain angle to each other in their transverse directions in the same image plane. Starting with the slit scanned in its transverse direction, the device in accordance with the invention produces two slits scanned at a certain angle to each other in their transverse directions in the same image plane. This slit scanned in its transverse direction may be generated, for example, by means of a device comprising a straight, equilateral, transmitting polygonal cylinder placed behind a stationary slit which is arranged to rotate about its axis of symmetry parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slit. The two slits scanning in the same image plane at a certain angle to each other in their transverse directions are generated by means of the device built in accordance with the principles of the present invention by dividing the light alternately in time between two alternative ray paths. The device including a rotating glass disk with reflecting areas being used for the division and the ray paths have such optical characteristics that the timing of the scanning slits is not affected by wobble in the bearings of the rotating glass disk.
Abstract:
An optical apparatus for displaying spectral images is disclosed, the device including two reflecting planes fixed at right angles to each other but displaceable with respect to an image plane to permit a scanning of an optical image. Both reflecting planes are at a 45* angle with the image plane, and the line of intersection of the two reflecting planes oscillates in a direction which is transverse to the line of intersection of the reflecting planes, whereby the image is scanned sinusoidally past an opening in the image plane. A light-sensitive element behind the opening transforms the light into an electrical signal which corresponds in amplitude to the light intensity and which can be displayed on an oscilloscope. A sensing means tracks the swing movement, generating a signal which may be used as one coordinate axis of the oscilloscope display. A phase correction network is located between the sensing means and the oscilloscope so that the correct phase relationship between the oscillating swing and the display may be obtained.