Abstract:
A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. A system includes a non-imaging concentrator coupled to an infrared detector enabling optimized detection of a signal in the Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.
Abstract:
A vaariable angle reflection accessory for use in reflection spectrometry characterized by a pair of fixed ellipsoidal reflectors positioned over the sample surface and a pair of rotatable plane mirrors positions at opposite sides of the sample surface. The spectrometer beam is brought to a focus at the first plane mirror, from which it is reflected off the first ellipsoidal reflector to a focus at the sample surface. The reflected beam follows a corresponding path back to the spectrometer. Rotating the mirrors in unison causes the beam angle of incidence on the sample surface to vary over a wide range while maintaining optical alignments and continuing to center the radiation on the same sample area.
Abstract:
A non-imaging optical energy transfer system includes a tapered light pipe and associated field lens as its central energy transfer mechanism. The light pipe/lens combination is located between two separate sections of the system which individually have the same throughput or etendue but otherwise differ in f/#, beam focus, and pupil sizes. The transfer system is disclosed used in combination with a circular variable filter-absorption cell infrared spectrometer and an internal reflection spectrometer, employing a multiple internal reflection crystal.
Abstract:
An optical rotor and a method for colorimetrically measuring material having an irregular or multicolored surface wherein an image of the surface is directed onto the rotor as it is rotated at a high speed in order to produce a continuously rotating image which appears to have a uniform color. In one embodiment, the optical rotor includes two pyramid-shaped mirrors which are mounted with their bases mated. The pyramid-shaped mirrors are surrounded by four concave spherical mirrors which define two apertures so that light beams of an image which are directed into one of the apertures strike the sides of one of the pyramidshaped mirrors at an angle which is a function of the angular position of the pyramid-shaped mirrors about an axis which passes through the peaks and bases of both. Thus, the angular position of the image which appears at the other aperture is a function of the angular position of the two pyramid-shaped mirrors and by rotating the two pyramid-shaped mirrors, a rotating image can be produced which appears to have a uniform color. In the other embodiment, two prisms are disposed in a housing defining opposing apertures so that the angle of incidence of the light beams of an image onto a surface of one of the prisms varies as a function of the angular position of the prism so that a rotating image can be produced at the other aperture by rotating the two prisms.
Abstract:
An apparatus (100) for analysing a specimen (102) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an optical device (104) having reflective or refractive surfaces arranged at a first angle (101) relative to a first axis (103) of the optical device to reflect or refract optical beams emitted from the specimen, the optical beams optically reflected or refracted by the reflective or refractive surfaces to be projected as a distribution of optical points on a plane (105) orthogonal or arranged at a second angle (122) relative to a second axis (107) of the optical device; and an imaging device (106) to process the projected distribution of optical points into at least one image corresponding to a cross-sectional view of a portion of the specimen. A corresponding method for analysing the specimen using the apparatus is also disclosed.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an infrared sensor unit for performing an infrared measurement on an agricultural or horticultural sample. The sensor unit comprises an illumination unit for generating infrared light propagating towards the sample, and a spectrometer for sensing the generated infrared light after interaction with the sample. The illumination unit includes a control unit for tuning the amount of infrared light generated by the illumination unit.
Abstract:
A protective sheath having a closed end and an open end is sized to receive a hand held spectrometer. The spectrometer can be placed in the sheath to calibrate the spectrometer and to measure samples. In a calibration orientation, an optical head of the spectrometer can be oriented toward the closed end of the sheath where a calibration material is located. In a measurement orientation, the optical head of the spectrometer can be oriented toward the open end of the sheath in order to measure a sample. To change the orientation, the spectrometer can be removed from the sheath container and placed in the sheath container with the calibration orientation or the measurement orientation. Accessory container covers can be provided and placed on the open end of the sheath with samples placed therein in order to provide improved measurements.
Abstract:
A light source for near-infrared transmission and reflection spectroscopy can be constructed from a combination of a high power blue or blue-green light emitting diode (LED) and a phosphor element based on an inorganic material. The phosphor element absorbs the LED light and, in response to the LED excitation, emits luminescence that continuously covers the 700 – 1050 nm range. One possible material that can be used for such a near-infrared emitting phosphor element is a single crystal rod of Ti+3 doped Sapphire. An alternative near-infrared emitting phosphor material is a disk or rectangular shaped composite of Ti+3 doped Sapphire powder embedded in a clear optical epoxy or silicone encapsulant. Such a combination of a blue LED for excitation of a phosphor element that emits in a broad wavelength band has been widely used in white LEDs where the emission is in the 400-700 nm range.
Abstract:
A protective sheath having a closed end and an open end is sized to receive a hand held spectrometer. The spectrometer can be placed in the sheath to calibrate the spectrometer and to measure samples. In a calibration orientation, an optical head of the spectrometer can be oriented toward the closed end of the sheath where a calibration material is located. In a measurement orientation, the optical head of the spectrometer can be oriented toward the open end of the sheath in order to measure a sample. To change the orientation, the spectrometer can be removed from the sheath container and placed in the sheath container with the calibration orientation or the measurement orientation. Accessory container covers can be provided and placed on the open end of the sheath with samples placed therein in order to provide improved measurements.
Abstract:
A light source for near-infrared transmission and reflection spectroscopy can be constructed from a combination of a high power blue or blue-green light emitting diode (LED) and a phosphor element based on an inorganic material. The phosphor element absorbs the LED light and, in response to the LED excitation, emits luminescence that continuously covers the 700 – 1050 nm range. One possible material that can be used for such a near-infrared emitting phosphor element is a single crystal rod of Ti+3 doped Sapphire. An alternative near-infrared emitting phosphor material is a disk or rectangular shaped composite of Ti+3 doped Sapphire powder embedded in a clear optical epoxy or silicone encapsulant. Such a combination of a blue LED for excitation of a phosphor element that emits in a broad wavelength band has been widely used in white LEDs where the emission is in the 400-700 nm range.