Abstract:
In atomic absorption spectrophotometer, a reference path may be provided for radiation which excludes the flame. This radiation provides a signal from a detector which varies only with the instrumental drift produced by variations in the radiation source brightness and by variations in detector gain. The signal can be used to compensate for drift in other signals received through a sample path including the flame. In the present invention, radiation passes through the sample path continuously during measurement, and only through the reference path between sample measurements. Movable mirrors shift the radiation between the paths upon externally applied commands. Conveniently, the reference path measurement is made while the flame is stabilized during the change between samples. The reference path measurements are stored and used to correct for drift.
Abstract:
A light chopper for chopping the monochromatic light beam of a spectrophotometer system, has a rotatable shaft driven by a synchronous motor at a frequency proportional to the power line frequency. An aperture bearing disc rotates with the shaft in relation to a photocell/detector array for generating digital timing signals for use by a microcomputer to control the tasks of the spectrophotometer system in synchronism with line frequency. The microcomputer monitors line frequency for responsively programming a programmable divider for generating an index signal for proportionally sequencing the wavelength of the monochromatic beam through a predetermined spectral range.The rotatable shaft is coupled to the synchronous motor via a mechanical pin drive and a set of attracting magnets which are spaced in face confronting relation at the point of coupling for providing compliance and damping between the coupled shaft and synchronous motor, thus minimizing phase jitter of the timing system and permitting rejection of time frequency stray circuit pickup.
Abstract:
An atomic absorption spectrophotometer incorporating discrimination against "background" absorption, i.e., absorption not caused by the resonant line absorption by the element being measured. The device includes a resonant line emitting source (e.g., a hollow cathode lamp) and a continuous spectrum light source (e.g., a deuterium lamp), a monochromator and a detector system. The improvement comprises a specific chopper arrangement which sequentially causes: (a) the resonant line light from the hollow cathode lamp to go to the sample path, (b) this light to go to the reference path, (c) the continuous spectrum light from the deuterium lamp to go to the reference path, and finally (d) the continuous spectrum light to go to the sample path. By comparing the light intensities during intervals (c) and (d) the effect of the background absorption can be determined and compensated for so as to determine the relationship between (a) and (b) free of the effect of such background absorption. The specific improvement includes a sector mirror and disk-shaped mask which are conjointly rotated in the angularly intersecting paths of the radiation from the cathode lamp and the deuterium lamp.
Abstract:
Multi-channel analyzer for the optical comparison of sample fractions separated by liquid chromatography for detecting differences or ratios between, for example, reference and sample, solvent and sample, buffer and sample, or two different samples, having a single light source, a single dispersing element and a single collimating, refocusing optic for each spectrum produced, wherein the reference and sample passing through flow cuvettes are exposed and the ratio or difference between the optical characteristics of the reference and the sample are read.
Abstract:
An atomic absorption spectrophotometer incorporating discrimination against ''''background'''' absorption, i.e., absorption not caused by the resonant line absorption by the element being measured. The device includes a resonant line emitting source (e.g., a hollow cathode lamp) and a continuous spectrum light source (e.g., a deuterium lamp), a monochromator and a detector system. The improvement comprises a specific chopper arrangement which sequentially causes: (a) the resonant line light from the hollow cathode lamp to go to the sample path, (b) this light to go to the reference path, (c) the continuous spectrum light from the deuterium lamp to go to the reference path, and finally (d) the continuous spectrum light to go to the sample path. By comparing the light intensities during intervals (c) and (d) the effect of the background absorption can be determined and compensated for so as to determine the relationship between (a) and (b) free of the effect of such background absorption. The specific improvement includes a sector mirror and disk-shaped mask which are conjointly rotated in the angularly intersecting paths of the radiation from the cathode lamp and the deuterium lamp.
Abstract:
A twin beam photometer using a discharge tube, the radiating flux of which is modulated by magnetic means. The photometer selects from this modulated radiating flux two radiating beams, the distance from each other being determined by the amplitude of the radiating flux. Measuring cells are placed in the track of each radiating beam; the radiation from both radiating beams is received in a radiation detector.
Abstract:
An optical switching mechanism including a vibrator having a pair of parallel reeds which are sustained in vibration at a rate determined by the resonance characteristic of the vibrator, the free ends of the reeds being ganged together by a headpiece. The arrangement is such that as the reeds sway simultaneously from side to side, the headpiece is caused to undergo a translating movement substantially free of an arcuate component. Mounted on the headpiece is a triangular reflecting element whose apex, in the static state of the vibrator, is aligned with a beam of incident radiant energy, whereby as the element, in the dynamic state, shifts to either side of the beam, the beam is deflected by the angled faces of the element in alternate directions.
Abstract:
A light modulator structure employs a cross compound tine tuning fork structure arranged to produce the effect that the ends of the tines have exaggerated rotational motion with respect to each other and this motion is exploited by mirrors secured to the ends of tines to scan over a relatively wide angle a light beam projected to reflect successively from the two mirrors. A similar compound structure is incorporated in a simple scale having no frictionally moving parts. The scale compound cantilever is parallel rather than crossed and substantially eliminates scale pan rotation.