Abstract:
An apparatus for providing an astigmatically-reduced image with spectroscopic instrument is disclosed which comprises a collimator (18) which collimates electromagnetic radiation; a cylindrical mirror (20) which receives and reflects the collimated electromagnetic radiation; a diffractor (22) having a surface (23) with a plurality of diffraction rulings inscribed thereon for diffracting electromagnetic radiation directed from the collimator (18); and a focuser (24) which collects, focuses and directs diffracted electromagnetic radiation and directs it towards an exit aperture (26). In the preferred embodiment, the cyclindrical mirror (20) comprises a concave cylindrical mirror positioned such that the cylindrical axis is substantially normal to rulings on the diffractor (22). In another preferred embodiment, the cylindrical mirror (20) is convex and is positioned such that the cylindrical axis is substantially parallel to the rulings on the diffractor (22).