Abstract:
A hand-held instrument is provided to compare information from selected infrared and visible bands in the 0.4 to 2.5 micrometer range, to perform ratioing via a dividing circuit (17) and to directly read out, via a display system (18), ratio values in a continuous digital display. The dual-beam, ratioing radiometer contains two optical trains (10, 12), each having two repeater lenses (L1a, L1b and L2a, L2b) and a cooled lead sulfide detector (D1, D2). One of the trains (10) is pivotal to facilitate measurements at distances ranging from about 1 meter to infinity. The optical trains are intersected by a set of two coaxially-mounted filter wheels (F1, F2), each containing up to five interference filters and slits to pass radiation filtered by the other. Filters with band passes as narrow as 0.01 micrometer are used in the region 0.4 to 2.5 micrometers. The total time for a calibration and measurement is only a few seconds. It is known from previous field studies using prior art devices, that materials, e.g., clay minerals, and carbonate minerals such as limestone, have unique spectral properties in the 2.0 to 2.5 micrometer region. Using properly chosen spectral filters, and ratioing the signals to remove the effect of topography on the brightness measured, the instrument can be used for real-time analysis of reflecting materials in the field. Other materials in the broader range of 0.4 to 2.5 micrometers (and even beyond) could be similarly identified once the reflectance spectrum of the material is established by any means.
Abstract:
Fluorescent materials such as certain metal ores are detected under ambient light conditions by observing the material through a gated aperture which is opened at predetermined intervals for periods of predetermined duration while simultaneously exposing the material to periodic pulses of fluorescent stimulating light. The frequency of the light pulse is synchronized with the frequency of the opening of the gated aperture so that the aperture is open for at least a portion of the period during which fluorescence is produced by the stimulating light pulse. Electro-optic goggles are a preferred type of gated aperture.
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 optical system for a spectroscopic analyzer. The system has a light source, a detector and a sample cell connected in a line, and in the sample cell or between the sample cell and one of the other elements is a light chopper device. The light chopper has a rotating element in the form of a disc-shaped member or members which periodically block light from the light source and pass light during the times it is not blocked. The rotating element is driven by a motor on the outside of the structure.
Abstract:
A spectrophotometer of the two-beam type employing two adjustable monochromators and employing a rotating chopper disc to provide time-sharing operation, such as split-beam operation, dual wavelength operation, or other desired modes of operation. The chopper disc motor is stabilized by a fiber optic feedback system and cooperating electronic system utilizing light beams reflected by the underside of the chopper disc and photo diodes responding to these reflections. The main optical system includes an adjustable lens element coupled to one of the monochromators to compensate for variations in refractive index of the lens element with wavelength. The electronic readout system is gated by the chopper disc stabilizing system to maintain synchronism of the readout signals with the two monochromatic excitation beams.
Abstract:
Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.
Abstract:
An example system for inspecting a surface includes a laser, an optical system, a gated camera, and a control system. The laser is configured to emit pulses of light, with respective wavelengths of the pulses of light varying over time. The optical system includes at least one optical element, and is configured to direct light emitted by the laser to points along a scan line one point at a time. The gated camera is configured to record a fluorescent response of the surface from light having each wavelength of a plurality of wavelengths at each point along the scan line. The control system is configured to control the gated camera such that an aperture of the gated camera is open during fluorescence of the surface but closed during exposure of the surface to light emitted by the laser.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, an infrared (IR) imaging system for determining a concentration of a target species in an object is disclosed. The imaging system can include an optical system including an optical focal plane array (FPA) unit. The optical system can have components defining at least two optical channels thereof, said at least two optical channels being spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels can be positioned to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards the optical FPA. The system can include a processing unit containing a processor that can be configured to acquire multispectral optical data representing said target species from the IR radiation received at the optical FPA. Said optical system and said processing unit can be contained together in a data acquisition and processing module configured to be worn or carried by a person.
Abstract:
The disclosure provides an optical instrument, a method of converting an optical input to a digital signal output, and a spectrometer. In one embodiment, the optical instrument includes: (1) an optical sensor configured to receive an optical input and convert the optical input to electrical signals, and (2) a conversion system having conversion circuitry having multiple parallel signal channels that are configured to receive and modify the electrical signals to analog outputs, an analog switch configured to select one of the parallel signal channels according to an operating mode of the optical instrument, and an analog to digital converter configured to receive and convert the analog output from the selected parallel signal channel to a digital signal output.