Abstract:
A light source and a method for its use in an optical sensor are provided, the light source including a resistively heated element. The light source includes a power circuit configured to provide a pulse width modulated voltage to the resistively heated element, the pulse width modulated voltage including: a duty cycle with a first voltage; and a pulse period including a period with a second voltage, wherein: the duty cycle, the first voltage, and the pulse period are selected so that the resistively heated element is heated to a first temperature; and the first temperature is selected to emit black body radiation in a continuum spectral range. Also provided is an optical sensor for determining a chemical composition including a light source as above.
Abstract:
Disclosed are robust packaging systems and methods for optical elements used in optical light pipes. One optical light pipe includes a housing having opposing first and second ends and a body that extends therebetween, an optical element arranged within the housing, and a reflective coating applied about an outer surface of the optical element.