Abstract:
A for traceably determining an unknown optical path length of a sample in an optical measuring device comprises the steps of: providing a drop analyser connected to a standard spectrophotometer; providing a certified reference material contained in first and second closed high accuracy cuvettes; measuring absorbance of the certified reference material to obtain a first absorbance measurement for the first specified path length; measuring absorbance of the certified reference material for a second path length to obtain a second absorbance measurement; using a dropping device to drop a specified volume of the solvent on an optical surface so that the path length of the specified volume can be determined by reference to the first and second absorbance measurement; and using the dropping device to drop the same volume of sample as the specified volume of solvent on the optical measuring device.
Abstract:
A multiple angle and redundant visibility sensor includes a plurality of optical transmitter/receiver pairs, each pair cooperatively coupled so as to transmit and receive in conically controlled beams along a common optical axis such that each transmitter faces, and directs optical energy directly into, its receiver pair. The plurality of pairs are staggered in angular orientation with respect to each other, with a common volume of intersection through which the approximate center of each optical axis passes. Each transmitter propagates a substantially conical beam of light which passes through an aerosol media which causes molecular scattering of the light. A single transmitter outputs optical energy at any given time, and the receiver intercept the appropriate scattered energy at different scattering angles depending on the relative axial orientation with respect to the scattering volume and the incident radiation. Automatic calibration is effected by measuring the transmission properties through the forward beam, or between cooperating pairs of transmitters and receiver elements. The various scattered energies are then compared to this direct path intensity to obtain the appropriate angular scattering coefficients. Redundant transmit/receive pairs increase the system reliability as well as data validity.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for the optical remote measurement of the pressure of the air at a distance by laser excitation in which backscattered radiation is caused by means of a laser generator with very fine spectral line and by excitation of an absorption spectral line of molecular oxygen, the backscattered energies are measured at two different distances, the ratio of these energies is determined, a coefficient of absorption is derived therefrom depending on the temperature and the molecular density of oxygen and the density and so the pressure are calculated. An absorption spectral line is excited belonging to a Schumann-Runge band of molecular oxygen and the absorption spectral line is very wide with respect to the Rayleigh diffusion spectrum.
Abstract:
Spectroscopic measurements of stable isotopes are performed using a tunable lead salt diode laser. The design of the system is based upon the optimization of isotopic spectral lines from two different path lengths in an absorption cell using a single gaseous sample. A short path cell to measure the more abundant species and a long path cell to measure the less abundant species are used. A micrometer adjustment of a path length is used for equalizing spectral line intensities to obtain a measure of isotope enrichment or of absolute isotopic concentration.
Abstract:
Apparatus and method for measuring the absorbance of fluid samples. The length of the light path through the sample is adjusted to optimize the amount of light absorbed by the sample, and the absorbance of the sample is calculated from the length of the path and the amount of light absorbed. Accurate measurement of the absorbance of the fluid may be made by taking measurements at two different path lengths, since light level changes due to fouling of the optical windows or other slow changes in the optical train are independent of the path length, while that of the fluid varies proportionally with the path length. A preferred form of probe includes a cylindrical cell having an exposed variable path length sensing portion at one end and an actuator for varying the spacing at the other end, and a cylindrical cell insertion tube having seals and a large valve mechanism to permit removal of the probe without loss or escape of the fluid being measured.
Abstract:
Spectroscopic measurements of stable isotopes are performed using a tunable lead salt diode laser. The design of the system is based upon the optimization of isotopic spectral lines from two different path lengths in an absorption cell using a single gaseous sample. A short path cell to measure the more abundant species and a long path cell to measure the less abundant species are used. A micrometer adjustment of a path length is used for equalizing spectral line intensities to obtain a measure of isotope enrichment or of absolute isotopic concentration.