Infrared spectrometer for the measurement of isotopic ratios
US6486474B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/031
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An infrared spectrometer for the determination of isotopic ratios of gaseous compounds includes a broad-band infrared light source, a spectral selector, a sample compartment, an infrared detector, and a processor. The spectral selector selectively transmits a wavelength window of infrared light covering a range of wavelengths in which the wavelength window can be selected alternatively to overlap with a wavelength range primarily absorbed by a compound with a first isotope or by the compound with a second isotope. The sample compartment holds a gas sample and includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The infrared spectrometer can be used to detect isotopic ratios of carbon dioxide, where enhancement of 13CO2 can indicate metabolic activity of an infection, for example by H. pylori, or of specific enzymes. Preferred embodiments use a particular multipass optical cell that includes a field mirror and a multi-segment objective mirror.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.