Abstract:
In a spectrophotometer, each of a plurality of source optical fibers is selectively receptive of source radiation and carries the radiation to a corresponding selected liquid sample cell. A corresponding return optical fiber returns transmitted radiation from the sample to a polychromator. For selecting a sample, a switching member holds exposed ends of the optical fibers on a circle coaxial with an axle for rotating to selected positions. Respective optical trains in the instrument direct radiation into and out of the selected pair of fibers. The diameter of a source aperture, the spacing of the aperture from the radiation source, and the source area define a source etendue. The optical fibers have a fiber etendue substantially the same as the source etendue.
Abstract:
A concentration measuring apparatus is provided having a fluid sensing means, an optic transmission means, a signal processing means, and an interface means. The fluid sensing means comprises a reflective sensing media in a self-contained cassette. The cassette is operationally associated with a sample chamber. The cassette advances the reflective sensing media by a motor which is driven by the signal processing means. The optic means comprises a fiber optic line which is partially associated with a lamp and partially associated with a photocell. Light having a wave length in a specified range originates from the lamp, passes through a portion of the fiber optic cable and is cast upon the reflective sensing media. The altnerate portion of the fiber optic cable receives the reflected light from the reflective sensing media for transfer to the photocell. A signal is generated by the photocell representative of the change of reflectivity of the light from the reflective sensing media. The signal from the photocell is accepted by the signal processing means. The signal processing means contains an amplifier, an analog to digital converter, a computer and associated controls. The interface means is associated with the signal processing means. The interface means comprises a display, a 4-to-20 milliamp card and remote, explosion-proof switches for operator interaction with the concentration measuring apparatus. Also, the interface means is the link to an outside printer, an outside analog recorder as well as an outside host computer.
Abstract:
An apparatus for predicting milk coagulum cut-time in a cheese making process includes a light source, a sensor or detector for sensing diffuse reflectance of light from said milk and a controller for analyzing the diffuse reflectance and accurately predicting the cut-time to significantly enhance overall yield. More specifically, the apparatus includes an optical probe which may be suspended over the milk or attached to a wall of a fermentation vessel in which the milk is contained. A method for predicting milk coagulum cut-time includes the steps of (a) directing light from a light source toward milk undergoing enzymatic hydrolysis; (b) sensing diffuse reflectance of that light from the milk; (c) analyzing the sensed diffuse reflectance profile and (d) signaling the cut-time. The sensing occurs at between 400 to 6000 nm. Specific mathematical formulae for the analyzing steps are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A system for determining the physical properties of materials through the use of dynamic light scattering is disclosed. The system includes a probe, a laser source for directing a laser beam into the probe, and a photodetector for converting scattered light detected by the probe into electrical signals. The probe includes at least one optical fiber connected to the laser source and a second optical fiber connected to the photodetector. Each of the fibers may adjoin a gradient index microlens which is capable of providing a collimated laser beam into a scattering medium. The position of the second optical fiber with respect to the optical axis of the probe determines whether homodyne or self-beating detection is provided. Self-beating detection may be provided without a gradient index microlens. This allows a very small probe to be constructed which is insertable through a hypodermic needle or the like into a droplet extending from such a needle. A method of detecting scattered light through the use of a collimated, Gaussian laser beam is also provided. A method for controlling the waist and divergence of the optical field emanating from the free end of an optical fiber is also provided.
Abstract:
A fiber optic coupler for use with a diode array spectrophotometer system that optimizes the optical interface between a first fiber optic waveguide employed to couple light from a sample under analysis and a diode array spectrograph. The coupler comprises a fiber optic waveguide connector that secures the first optical fiber waveguide that couples light from the sample under investigation. A slit block is provided that has a relatively thin, rectangular exit aperture having dimensions compatible with the spectrograph. A single waveguide (or plurality of fiber optic waveguides) is coupled between the connector and the exit aperture and is arranged to have a generally round cross section adjacent the connector and a linear cross section adjacent the spectrograph. Improved light throughput is achieved at the fiber optic waveguide-spectrophotometer interface, when compared with conventional fiber optic spectrophotometer designs. The coupler provides for easier assembly at the fiber optic waveguide to spectrophotometer interface and minimizes the total number of optical components in the system. The present invention eliminates misalignment of the fiber-slit interface of conventional designs, and provides better sensitivity and signal to noise. Furthermore, the present invention is simpler, and reduces the total number of optically active components which results in a lower unit cost. The use of fixed parts in the coupler elminates light loss associated with the tedius and difficult manual alignment at the fiber-slit interface. As a consequence, better sensitivity is achieved.
Abstract:
A light absorption analyzer can work in either a reflection or a transmission mode, according to which probe head is fitted to it.Light is caused to be of a desired wavelength for the analysis by passing non-monochromatic light from a high-intensity flash tube source (which is not a point source) to an interference filter. Only parallel light emanating from the filter is focused by a concave parabolic mirror on a point where at least one fibre-optic collector is positioned. This light can then be passed directly to the probe for passage through the sample, since it is only light of a specified wavelength which will have travelled parallel from the filter and will therefore be focused at the point. Some of the light is taken off a reference detector to provide a reference signal for comparison with that derived from a test detetor fed by a return fibre-optic from the probe. A comparator is programmed to give a quantitiative readout of the absorption by the test sample.
Abstract:
A method for detecting diamonds in locations which are not easily accessible comprises irradiating material suspected of containing diamonds by means adapted for access to the location, collecting the resultant scattered Raman radiation by means adapted for access to the location and filtering and sensing the radiation to produce a signal whenever radiation characteristic of diamonds is sensed whereby the absence or the presence of diamonds in the location is indicated.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus are provided for remote in-situ detection and/or monitoring of selected compounds in liquid or gaseous media using one of several methods of Raman spectroscopy. The resulting Raman signal is conducted through optical fibers for recording a Raman spectrum at a distance from the instrument.