Abstract:
A spectrophotometer is described, comprising a single light source, a single detector, optics for dually and alternatively reading a sample and a reference, and only one moving part. That moving part is a chopper containing multiple pass-through apertures, each filled with a unique bandpass filter to select wavelengths to specifically illuminate the sample or reference. To inform the spectrophotometer whether and when it is reading the sample or the reference, trigger means are provided in at least twice the number of the pass-through apertures.
Abstract:
The present invention is a multiplexer for use with an apparatus for optically analyzing a sample. This multiplexer includes a body portion having a primary inlet port. The light received through the light inlet port is sent through a first fiber optic bundle which may be rotated by a fiber carriage to any of several outlet fiber couplers which may be connected to various samples. A position optical sensor assures proper alignment between the first fiber optic bundle and the fiber couplers by sensing the position of a chopper disc which is mounted to the rotating fiber carriage. Once light is passed through the sample, it is passed back into the multiplexer through inlet fiber couplers. These additional fiber couplers are linked to a second fiber optic bundle leading to a detector fiber coupler which may be connected to a fixed fiber cable.
Abstract:
An apparatus is provided for obtaining spectral information and quantifying the physical properties of a sample. The apparatus comprises a light source and a high-efficiency fiber optic switch means communicating with the light source for directing the light alternatively along at least two channels, the two channels comprising at least one reference channel and at least one sample channel. A sample means communicates with the sample channel for providing an interface between the light and the sample. A fiber optic means comprising a high-efficiency fiber optic switch and/or an optical coupler communicates with the sample channels and the reference channels and directs the light alternatively from the reference and sample channels to a mode scrambler. A wavelength discrimination device separates the light from the mode scrambler into component wavelengths and provides spectral information for the determination of the physical properties of the sample. The apparatus of the present invention provides superior chemometric prediction accuracy, is reliable, durable, and stable over time, and provides outstanding performance in a manufacturing or field environment.
Abstract:
A double-beam spectrophotometer for spectral analysis of a sample in the infrared region is provided in which to eliminate errors in measurement of the absorbance of the sample caused by undesired thermal radiation from the sample itself, first and second sectors are used for division and recombination of beam paths and coordinated such that a detector which receives a beam along the combined beam path produces output signals consisting of components having a frequency f associated with the cycle of operation of the sectors and components having a frequency 2f, those components having frequencies f and 2f are independently derived out of the detector output signals, and the ratio of the components is computed, thereby obtaining the ratio of intensity of sample beam to reference beam independent of the undesired thermal radiation.
Abstract:
A photometer comprising a light source, a rotating plate provided with a plurality of filter means having different wave lengths, a reference plate and a sample means, said rotating plate disposed between said light source and said reference plate and sample means, and a half-mirror and a reflection plate located between said light source and said rotating plate, said half-mirror and reflection plate being disposed so as to form a first light passage adapted to extend to the reference plate, and a second light passage adapted to extend to the sample means, whereby alternate radiation through one of said filter means against the reference plate and the sample means is made by the rotation of said rotary plate.
Abstract:
A luminescence spectrophotometer having an excitation monochromator and a dual channel emission monochromator which receives light through one channel to form a monochromatic calibration beam. The beam is then split into two parts. One part is directed to a first detector having known wavelength response characteristics, and the second part is sent back through the other monochromator channel to a second detector. The ratio of these detector outputs is measured to determine the relative transmission and sensitivity of the luminescence system at each wavelength. Monochromatic light from the excitation monochromator also is split into two parts, with one going to a sample of luminescent material and the other going to the first detector alternately with the first part of the calibration beam. The emitted light from the sample and the second part of the calibration beam are directed to opposite sides of a rotating chopper and then alternately through the second monochromator channel to the second detector. The readings from the two detectors are combined in an electrical circuit to obtain a ratio that is a function of the ratio of luminescent to excitation intensities and is independent of source brightness and detector sensitivity.