Abstract:
A portable analysis spectrometer (10) for field mineral identification is coupled to a microprocessor (11) and memory (12) through a bus (13) and A/D converter (14) to display (16) a spectrum of reflected radiation in a band selected by an adjustable band spectrometer (20) and filter (23). A detector array (21) provides output signals at spaced frequencies within the selected spectrometer band which are simultaneously converted to digital form for display. The spectrum displayed is compared with a collection of spectra for known minerals. That collection is stored in memory and selectively displayed with the measured spectrum, or stored in a separate portfolio. In either case, visual comparison is made. Alternatively, the microprocessor may use an algorithm to make the comparisons in search for the best match of the measured spectrum with one of the stored spectra to identify the mineral in the target area.
Abstract:
A dispersive optical spectrometer is disclosed which comprises light detection means, dispersion means for separating light radiation into spectral components and for directing the spectral components toward the light detection means, means for admitting light radiation into the entrance focal plane and for directing the light radiation toward the dispersion means, the light radiation admitting means including a plurality of spaced-apart apertures, and light transmission means for transmitting light radiation from a light source to one or more of the apertures. In a preferred embodiment, the apertures form a two-dimensional, rectilinear array for producing non-overlapping spectra.
Abstract:
An adjustable geometry measuring attenuator for an optical null spectrophotometer. The attenuator has two opaque plates mounted to provide a wedge shaped aperture which is movable across the reference radiation beam. At each end of the wedge the plates are mounted by rollers on a pair of parallel tracks whose spacing and hence the relative positions of the two plates can be adjusted by rotation of links connecting the tracks of each pair. This rotation is achieved by means of a string which is fixed relative to the pair of tracks at the narrow end of the wedge and passes over a pulley on the pair of tracks at the wide end of the wedge. A control knob on the instrument calibrated in terms of percentage ''''back-off'''' or the lower transmittance limit attached to the end of the string leading from the narrow end of the wedge and when this end of the string is moved the spacing of the plates is altered whilst keeping the wedge angle the same. Another control knob on the instrument calibrated in terms of scale expansion is attached to the end of the string leading from the wide end of the wedge and when this end of the string is moved the angle of the wedge is altered.
Abstract:
Two members having parallel edges defining a slit between them are each mounted on a pair of equal-length parallel flat springs extending away from the edges with their flat faces normal to the plane of the slit so that the edges move in that plane as the springs deflect. The slit width is adjusted by effecting such movement. For this purpose two flexible connections made of springy material are rigidly attached at one end to each member and have their other ends connected to a common adjustment member whose movement is colinear with the connections. The flexible connections may be flat strips rigidly connected to the adjustment member, or preferably wires having a common loop which loosely engages the adjustment member, the loop being springloaded against the latter by a spring connected between each slit-defining member and the fixed plate on which they are mounted.
Abstract:
Malfocus of an emission spectrometer caused by changes in length of the instrument chassis due to ambient temperature changes is corrected by adjusting the optical system responsive to strain gauge measurement of the length changes.
Abstract:
A radiation gate or window for a spectrometer, in which two such gates are relatively rotatable at the input and output ends of a ray path traversing a dispersive system, has a multiplicity of zones of different conveying characteristics (transparent and opaque or reflective) forming a plurality of identical sets which are mutually transposed, by an angle representing an aliquot fraction of a circle, with reference to a common center. In one embodiment the zones are bounded by identical, angularly offset spirals originating at the center of rotation, the spacing between adjacent spirals diminishing progressively with increasing distance from the center.