Fourier transform spectrometer utilizing a birefringent optical component
US5781293A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J3/4531
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A Fourier-transform spectrometer contains a birefringent optical component, removing the need for a Michelson interferometer used in conventional instruments. A suitable birefringent element such as a Wollaston prism, is used to introduce a path difference between two light polarisations. Use of an extended light source so that all areas of the birefringent component are illuminated simultaneously ensures that different positions on the birefringent component correspond to different path differences between the two polarisations. A Fourier-transform of the resulting interferogram at the detector results in the spectral distribution of the input light being obtained. The use of an extended light source permits a Fourier-transform spectrometer with no moving parts to be achieved.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.