ATR objective and method for sample analyzation using an ATR crystal
US5093580A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 1990 |
| Grant date | Mar 3, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/55
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical system, apparatus and method includes a visible energy source and a radiant energy source, means to direct visible or radiant energy at preselected but variable angles of incidence through an ATR crystal to a sample at a sample plane and means to collect encoded radiant energy reflected or emitted from the sample through the ATR crystal to a detector at preselected but variable angles of reflection or emission. The optical system, apparatus and method may further include a lens or other optical element selectively positioned in the optical path to change the focus of the optical path to initially survey the sample on a movable stage at a focal plane spaced from the sample plane. The survey mode permits easy identification of a surface area of interest on the sample to permit that area of interest to be moved into contact with a surface of the ATR crystal at the sample plane for subsequent accurate analysis thereof. The optical system, apparatus and method may have three modes of operation (namely a survey mode, a viewing mode or an analysis mode) passing visible or radiant energy to and from a sample or reference material through an ATR crystal.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.