Abstract:
An imaging scanner and a method for using the same are disclosed. The scanner includes a variable attenuator adapted to receive a light beam generated by a MIR laser and that generates an attenuated light beam therefrom characterized by an attenuation level. The scanner includes an optical assembly that focuses the attenuated light beam to a point on a specimen. A light detector measures an intensity of light leaving the point on the specimen, the light detector being characterized by a detector dynamic range. A controller forms a plurality of MIR images from the intensity as a function of position on the specimen, each of the plurality of MIR images being formed with a different level of attenuation of the light beam. The controller combines the plurality of MIR images to generate a combined MIR image having a dynamic range greater than the detector dynamic range.
Abstract:
A scanner and an attenuated total reflection (ATR) objective for use in such scanners are disclosed The ATR objective includes first and second optical elements and an input port. The input port receives an input collimated light beam that is focused to a point on a planar face of the first optical element by the second optical element such that substantially all of that portion is reflected by the planar face and no portion of the input beam strikes the planar face at an angle greater than the critical angle. The second optical element also generates an output collimated light beam from light reflected from the planar face that is characterized by a central ray that is coincident with the central ray of the input collimated light beam. A light beam converter receives the first collimated light beam and generates the input collimated light beam therefrom.
Abstract:
A light source having first and second wire-grid polarizers and a laser that emits a beam of linearly polarized light that is characterized by a propagation direction is disclosed. The first wire-grid polarization filter is characterized by a first linear polarization pass direction and a first actuator for causing the first linear polarization pass direction to rotate relative to the beam of linearly polarized light. The second wire-grid polarization filter is characterized by a second linear polarization pass direction and a second actuator for causing the second linear polarization pass direction to rotate relative to the beam of linearly polarized light. A controller sets the first and second linear polarization pass directions to provide linearly polarized light having a specified polarization direction.
Abstract:
A light source having first and second wire-grid polarizers and a laser that emits a beam of linearly polarized light that is characterized by a propagation direction is disclosed. The first wire-grid polarization filter is characterized by a first linear polarization pass direction and a first actuator for causing the first linear polarization pass direction to rotate relative to the beam of linearly polarized light. The second wire-grid polarization filter is characterized by a second linear polarization pass direction and a second actuator for causing the second linear polarization pass direction to rotate relative to the beam of linearly polarized light. A controller sets the first and second linear polarization pass directions to provide linearly polarized light having a specified polarization direction.
Abstract:
A scanner and an attenuated total reflection (ATR) objective for use in such scanners are disclosed. The ATR objective includes first and second optical elements and an input port. The input port receives an input collimated light beam that is focused to a point on a planar face of the first optical element by the second optical element such that substantially all of that portion is reflected by the planar face and no portion of the input beam strikes the planar face at an angle less than the critical angle. The second optical element also generates an output collimated light beam from light reflected from the planar thce that is characterized by a central ray that is coincident with the central ray of the input collimated light beam. A light beam converter receives the first collimated light beam and generates the input collimated light beam therefrom.
Abstract:
An imaging scanner and a method for using the same are disclosed. The scanner includes a variable attenuator adapted to receive a light beam generated by a MIR laser and that generates an attenuated light beam therefrom characterized by an attenuation level. The scanner includes an optical assembly that focuses the attenuated light beam to a point on a specimen. A light detector measures an intensity of light leaving the point on the specimen, the light detector being characterized by a detector dynamic range. A controller forms a plurality of MIR images from the intensity as a function of position on the specimen, each of the plurality of MIR images being formed with a different level of attenuation of the light beam. The controller combines the plurality of MIR images to generate a combined MIR image having a dynamic range greater than the detector dynamic range.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for measuring diffuse and specularly reflected light from a sample to provide a reflection spectrum as a function of wavelength and as a function of position on a sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a MIR light source that generates an illumination beam of linearly polarized light. An illumination system illuminates a location on a specimen with part of the illumination beam. A linear polarization filter characterized by a polarization axis that defines a direction of polarization of linearly polarized light that is reflected by the linear polarization filter, a first detector that measures an intensity of light leaving the linear polarization filter and a light collection system collects light reflected from the location on the specimen and directs that light to the linear polarization filter. A controller measures an output from the first detector for each of a plurality of different polarization axis positions.