Abstract:
A spectroscopic system for the analysis of small and very small quantities of substances makes use for the purposes of energy transfer of cone-shaped aperture changers (14, 15) which are arranged in the object zone (8) between the light source (L) and the sample (9) and, during absorption measurements, also between the sample (9) and the inlet slot (3) of a spectrometer (1). If the form used is a double cone, the aperture changers (14, 15) facilitate an oblique coupling in a capillary tube accepting the sample (9) which acts as a step-waveguide for the coupled radiation.
Abstract:
A non-invasive method and apparatus are described for measuring the oxygen concentration in the infected cells of the nodules of nitrogen fixing plants in the laboratory or field. In many cases, this information can be used to estimate the nitrogenase activity, and therefore the nitrogen fixation rate, in these nodules since recent studies have shown that the oxygen concentration limits and controls nitrogenase activity under most environmental conditions. Using the same apparatus, a method to measure nodule respiration and nodule oxygen permeability is also described. The nodule oxygen concentration in the infected cells of nodules is maintained at very low levels and has not been measurable previously by non-invasive techniques. The fractional oxygenation of plant hemoglobin is measured spectroscopically using one or more modulated light sources, a number of optical fibres to convey the light to and from the nodules, a photodetector to measure the light passing through the nodule and a detection system such as a photodiode coupled to a microcomputer or a lock-in amplifier to process the output signal.
Abstract:
A light collection device for use in a flame emission detection system such as an on-line, real-time alkali concentration process stream monitor is disclosed which comprises a sphere coated on its interior with a highly diffuse reflective paint which is positioned over a flame emission source, and one or more fiber optic cables which transfer the light generated at the interior of the sphere to a detecting device. The diffuse scattering of the light emitted by the flame uniformly distributes the light in the sphere, and the collection efficiency of the device is greater than that obtainable in the prior art. The device of the present invention thus provides enhanced sensitivity and reduces the noise associated with flame emission detectors, and can achieve substantial improvements in alkali detection levels.
Abstract:
The device makes use of at least one photoemitter and at least one photodetector, operating in conjunction with the inspection glass of the oven against which the coffee beans tumble continually throughout the roast; the photodetector is located remotely, and receives its light input through an optic fiber link the transmitting end of which is supported, together with the photoemitters, by a block fitted to the discharge hatch of the oven directly over the inspection glass and invested with a coolant in order to maintain the temperature at the monitoring location within the preferred operating limits specified for the photoemitters and the optic fiber material.
Abstract:
A photometer in which a measuring phase, a reference phase and a dark phase are produced by means of a chopper. These phases are staggered in time, so that a single detector can be provided for all phases. In the photometer the object to be measured is situated between two light conductors, the one light conductor leading to the detector and the other light conductor leading to the chopper input. The chopper output is carried by an additional light conductor to the detector.
Abstract:
Radioactive materials can be safely analyzed by an emission spectroscopic analyzer comprising an exciting device for exciting a radioactive material to be analyzed to emit light. The exciting device is enclosed in a radiation shielding wall. A detecting device detects the emitted light. The detecting device is located outside the radiation shielding wall. A light-transmitting device is provided between the exciting device and the detecting device such that the emitted light impinging on a first end of the light-transmitting device will be received at the detecting device as light having been transmitted through the light-transmitting device and emitted from a second end of the light-transmitting device. The light-transmitting device penetrates a hole made in the radiation shielding wall which has a sealing structure to prevent radiation leakage. The light-transmitting device penetrates the hole with a curvature. A lens system is attached to the second end of the light-transmitting device to permit visual observation of the emitted light therethrough. A fine adjustment device adjusts the position of the first end of the light-transmitting device in relation to the emitted light from the material to be analyzed.
Abstract:
A process photometer which includes an insulated and a non-insulated compartment. The following components are positioned within the insulated compartment which is maintained at a relatively constant, elevated temperature:
(1) a source of chopped radiation directed to a focal point, (2) a means for detecting the chopped radiation's phase and generating a phase pulse, (3) an output optical fiber to convey the chopped radiation from the focal point to a remote sample, the fiber having one end supported by (4) a connector which holds the supported end of the optical fiber stationary at the radiation focal point, (5) a rotatable filter wheel having at least one filter for a radiation wavelength band modulated by each material being monitored, (6) means for rotating the filter wheel a regular, pre-determined distance at regular, pre-determined time intervals, (7) a return optical fiber to relay radiation modified by a material being analyzed from a remote sample cell to a filter on the filter wheel, (8) a radiation detector for radiation which has passed through a filter on the filter wheel, (9) a preamplifier for low noise amplification of output from the radiation detector, (10) a lock-in amplifier for synchronized detection of output from the preamplifier with chopped radiation phase pulse, (11) a means of converting the analog output from the lock-in amplifier to a digital signal, (12) means for maintaining a relatively constant temperature in compartment a), and (13) means for securing components (1) through (12) in the insulated compartment in a manner such that they are held in proper position.
The non-insulated compartment houses a power supply. Means for controlling movement of the filter wheel may be located in the insulated compartment, the non-insulated compartment or external to both compartments.
Abstract:
A compact handy type inspection instrument is provided for conducting readily nondestructive inspection of an inspection object in any working site. The inspection instrument comprises:
a spectroscope assembly containing an optical fiber-arranging member for arranging and holding a light-outputting end of an optical fiber bundle to be flat in a uniform layer thickness, a packaged compact spectroscope which is enclosed in a package having a slit-shaped light inlet window on a side confronting the rectilinear light-outputting end of the optical fiber-arranging member and is constituted of a linear type continuous variable interference filter, a microlens array, and a linear type silicon array sensor assembled in the named order from the side of the light inlet window toward the opposite side, and a positioning means for positioning the rectilinear light-outputting end of the optical fiber bundle to fit to the light input window; and a detection head; incorporated together into a main body casing.