Abstract:
An fixed grating, detector-array type analyzer rapidly multiplexes multiple channels. The analyzer comprises a light source, a detector array-type spectrograph, and an optical multiplexer. The multiplexer can select from one of a plurality of channels. Further, the multiplexer can convolute light passing through it with a reference spectrum for calibration and wavelength drift compensation. Rapid multiplexing is achieved using a fiber optic slit array which "perpendicularly multiplexes" the plurality of channels.
Abstract:
An improved optical system is disclosed for rapid, accurate spectral analysis of the reflectivity or transmissivity of samples. A concave holographic diffraction grating oscillated at high speed is utilized to provide a rapid scanning of monochromatic light through a spectrum of wavelengths. The grating is positively driven at very high speed. The rapid scan by the grating enables the reduction of noise error by averaging over a large number of cycles. It also reduces the measurement time and thus prevents sample heating by excessive exposure to light energy. A filter wheel having opaque segments is rotated in the optical path and is synchronous with the grating. The filter wheel is divided into two arcuate segments separated by the opaque segments arranged approximately 180 degrees apart. One arcuate segment of the wheel transmits only first order light. The other arcuate segment transmits only second order light. Separate photodetectors are employed during infrared analysis of samples for detecting first order and second order wavelength transmissions and an electronic decoder apparatus is utilized for switching between detectors.
Abstract:
An electro-optical system for rapid, accurate spectral analysis of the reflectivity or transmissivity of samples. A concave, holographic diffraction grating is oscillated at high speed to provide a rapid scanning of monochromatic light through a spectrum of wavelengths. The grating drive system is an electrically driven mechanical oscillator which utilizes the back EMF of the oscillator motor to maintain oscillation at the desired amplitude and frequency. A passive optical shutter mounted to the grating alternately blocks the light entering and exiting the monochrometer as the grating is oscillated. The resultant dark period is utilized by the system to provide a reference offset value and to control cooling of the detectors. A unique phase-locked loop circuit is employed to provide sample commands at precisely determined intervals to correctly correlate the spectral data with the output of the monochrometer. Source and exit optics are employed to optimally shape the light passing through the system. A unique detection head is provided to allow measurement of light transmission or reflectance with only slight modification of the system. An optical fiber is used to divert light from the beam at or near the sample. This light is electronically detected and the electronic detection signal is used to adjust the gain of the sample signal so as to compensate for atmospheric bands, temporal variations, and system response. This provides a true double (dual) beam operation.
Abstract:
An apparatus uses a rapid and efficient method for conducting fluorescence measurements, such as immuno assay, of a plurality of samples of a substance using pulsed or continuous light energy, front-end fluorescent optics, a mechanism which allows for lateral and tranverse scanning of rows and columns of wells, and spectra emission analysis of the spectra from the excited samples.
Abstract:
An improved optical system is disclosed for rapid, accurate spectral analysis of the reflectivity or transmissivity of samples. A concave holographic diffraction grating oscillated at high speed is utilized to provide a rapid scanning of monochromatic light through a spectrum of wavelengths. The grating is positively driven at very high speed by a unique cam drive structure comprising identically shaped conjugate cams. The rapid scan by the grating enables the reduction of noise error by averaging over a large number of cycles. It also reduces the measurement time and thus prevents sample heating by excessive exposure to light energy. A filter wheel having dark segments for drift correction is rotated in the optical path and is synchronous with the grating. Source optics is employed to optimally shape the light source for particular applications. The system optics further includes a unique arrangement of lenses, including cylindrical lenses, to obtain the best light source shape which results in maximum light throughput. Fiber optics are also employed and arranged to meet the optimum requirements of the system for light collection and transmission through portions of the optical system.