Optical shutter for spectroscopy instrument
US6753959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/31
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Spectroscopy apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of a sample having an excitation source (60) for providing spectral light (62) of the sample for analysis. The spectral light (62) is analysed via an optical system (64-66-68) that includes a polychromator (70, 74-80) and solid state multielement array detector (82). The elements (i.e. pixels) of the detector (82) are serially reel by means (84) to provide light intensity measurements as a function of wavelength. A problem is that the elements (pixels) of the detector (82) continue to accumulate change during the serial read-out. This is avoided by providing an optical shutter (72) for blocking the spectral light (62) whilst elements (pixels) of the detector (82) are being serially read. Shutter (72) has a piezoelectric actuator which is preferably a bimorph mounted as a cantilever. It is preferably located adjacent to the entrance aperture (70) of the polychromator. Bimorph structures for the actuator and drive and protective circuit arrangements are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.