Abstract:
A method and apparatus for controlling the reciprocation of a movable mirror of an interferometer used in an interferometric spectrophotometer are disclosed, wherein a frequency dividing ratio corresponding to a desired reciprocating speed of the movable mirror is set and then a pulse signal from an oscillator is divided at a the frequency dividing ratio for producing a frequency-divided signal which in turn is compared with an interference signal from a control interferometer to produce an error signal for controlling the reciprocating speed of the movable mirror based on this error signal until the desired reciprocating speed is reached. Preferably, the frequency dividing ratio can be varied by a central processing unit, for example, so that the user is able to freely change the reciprocating speed of the movable miror to conform to the type of a detector used, thereby enabling a measurement under optimum conditions.
Abstract:
A laser referencing system is disclosed which is used in a refractively scanning interferometer. The interferometer optics comprise a fixed wedge-shaped prism having a beamsplitter surface, a movable wedge-shaped prism, and two corner cube reflectors. A laser clocking beam enters the interferometer on a path below the infrared analytical beam, and leaves the interferometer on a path above the infrared beam. Quadrature control of the laser beams is used to control the ends of the scanning sweeps, eliminating the need for a third, "white light" interferometer beam. ZPD alignment is accomplished by horizontal adjustment of the fixed beamsplitter prism. The interferometer optics are supported three-dimensionally in a cast shell.
Abstract:
A specular reflection analyzer uses opposed parabolic mirror sections to direct a focussed beam at an angle of incidence against a sample surface and to receive a reflected beam at a corresponding angle of reflection. A first collimated beam of light is directed at a constant angle against the first parabolic mirror from a beam diverter movable parallel to the mirror's axis of symmetry and within the first collimated beam of light. Translation of the constant angle beam along a meridian on the surface of the first parabolic mirror changes the angle of incidence of a beam focused on the sample without changing the focal point. The light reflected from the sample is received in a corresponding manner by the second parabolic mirror and transformed into a collimated beam of constant angle to be received by a second beam diverter tracking the first beam diverter. Transfer optics may be used to adapt the apparatus for use in a conventional transmission spectrometer.
Abstract:
A detector comprising a pyroelectric detector, a temperature control mechanism including a thermoelectric heating/cooling element for keeping the temperature of the pyroelectric detector constant, a temperature sensor, and a temperature controller responsive to the detection signal from the temperature sensor for controlling power supply to the thermoelectric heating/cooling element, and control unit provided within the temperature controller for pyroelectric detector. Synchronizing the operation of the pyroelectric detector and the thermoelectric heating/cooling element such that the power supply of the thermoelectric heating/cooling element is turned on and off only when data is not being collected by the pyroelectric detector.
Abstract:
A carriage moves on a track and carries, through a flexible linkage, a chassis to which is fixed a payload including an optical element. A linear actuator controls the linkage so as to correct imperfections in displacement of the payload. A piezo-electric accelerometer delivers a filtered signal to control the linear actuator so as to eliminate the effect on the payload of vibration of the carriage. There are two independent control loops, one for controlling the carriage and the other for controlling the chassis. The device is applicable to controlling the mobile part of an optical delay line or of a telescope in a stellar interferometer.
Abstract:
An interferometer with a cylindrical lens which produces an interferogram imaging the field of view in the redundant coordinate onto a photon noise limited detector comprising a charge-coupled device or CCD having pixels aligned along two dimensions to provide spatial resolution in that dimension of the light source as well as spectral resolution. The CCD is also characterized by greater dynamic range, lower pixel response variation, and is photon noise limited, all of which enhances its use as a detector for a spectrometer.
Abstract:
An interchangeable beam splitter holder includes a retainer which holds the beam splitter, and a front door and rear door which are both hingedly connected to the retainer. The doors are movable between a closed position, in which the doors substantially cover the beam splitter, and an open position, in which the doors are pivoted upwardly so that the beam splitter is exposed. The beam splitter holder also has three adjusting screws with ends which are adapted to abut against pivot points in the interferometer to thereby align the beam splitter. The beam splitter holder also has three spring plungers which abut against surfaces within the interferometer to push the ends of the adjusting screws against the three pivot points in the interferometer. The beam splitter mounting assembly includes a portion of the interferometer which forms a cavity in which the beam splitter is mounted, and three adjustable pivot points against which the beam splitter holder is mounted to register the inserted beam splitter in its proper position. The beam splitter holder compartment protectively stores unused beam splitter holders and covers and protects the solt into the interferometer chamber where a beam splitter holder is placed for use. The compartment includes a base, and a lid which is hingedly connected to the base to close and seal the compartment.
Abstract:
An improved mirror alignment control for dynamically aligning the reflecting mirrors bounding the optical path in an interferometer comprises a closed loop servo control which utilizes a two frequency laser beam to provide phase comparison between beams traversing differing portions of the optical paths in the interferometer to determine alignment of the mirrors, said phase comparison providing a correction signal to direct multi-axial alignment of at least one of the mirrors.
Abstract:
This invention supports a moving mirror in an interferometer, so that movement is restricted to a linear movement perpendicular to the plane of the mirror, and provides a means to impart a motion to the mirror. Two flat springs are connected at their centers with a beam. A mirror is affixed flush against the center portion of one of the springs, and a frame holds the edges of the springs fixed so that the beam and mirror can only move perpendicular to the plane of the springs and mirror. A voice coil is attached to the center of the other spring to impart motion to the beam and mirror.
Abstract:
A double beam interferometer using the refractive scanning method is disclosed which includes a first fixed optical body having a pair of parallel principal surfaces, a second fixed optical body having a pair principal surfaces, one of which faces and is parallel to one principal surface of the first fixed optical body, and the other of which makes a predetermined angle with the one principal surface of the second fixed optical body, a movable optical body having a pair of principal surfaces, one of which faces and is parallel to the other principal surface of the second fixed optical body, and the other of which makes the predetermined angle with the one principal surface of the movable optical body in such a manner that the predetermined angle of the second fixed optical body and the predetermined angle of the movable optical body are formed on opposite sides, driving means for moving the movable optical body on a plane containing the one principal surface of the movable optical body, a semitransparent mirror provided on one of facing principal surfaces of the first and second fixed optical bodies for dividing light from a light source into transmitted light and reflected light, and first and second reflecting mirrors for reflecting the transmitted light and reflected light in a direction opposite to an incident direction, respectively.