Spectrometric Instrument Beam Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanning interferometers face challenges in launching a reference beam without obstructing the observation beam path or requiring additional optical components, leading to errors in sampling and reduced observation beam power.
Innovation Solution
The reference and observation beams are introduced into the interferometer at a first face of the beamsplitter with an angle greater than the co-planar divergence half-angle of the observation beam, allowing for overlap without additional components and reducing background radiation, with a computer used to correct wavelength errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference beam is launched into the interferometer using conventional methods (periscope mirrors, holes in optics, or dichroic mirrors), then the reference beam can be generated, but the observation beam path is obstructed and additional optical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The reference beam and observation beam are merged into a single optical path by launching both beams through the same face of the beamsplitter. The beams are directed at an angle to each other such that they overlap within the interferometer, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and additional components like periscope mirrors or dichroic mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamsplitter is used to handle both the reference beam and observation beam simultaneously. By launching both beams at an angle greater than the co-planar divergence half-angle, the beamsplitter serves multiple functions: splitting the reference beam, splitting the observation beam, and allowing both beams to coexist in the same optical path without requiring additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If a reference beam is launched using periscope mirrors or holes in collimating optics, then the reference beam can be introduced, but the observation beam power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Both beams are merged into the same optical path through the beamsplitter, allowing the full power of the observation beam to pass through without being blocked by periscope mirrors or having to pass through holes in collimating optics. This eliminates the energy loss associated with those conventional methods.
3Reliability
If a reference beam is launched using dichroic mirrors, then the reference beam can be introduced, but additional optical components are required and observation beam power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reference and observation beams are merged into a single path through the beamsplitter, eliminating the need for dichroic mirrors. This approach uses only the beamsplitter and standard mirrors, reducing the number of specialized optical components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The beamsplitter is used universally to handle both beams, replacing the need for dichroic mirrors which are required in conventional methods. This multi-functional use of the beamsplitter simplifies the overall optical system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables accurate spectral information extraction with increased measurement accuracy and reduced background noise, eliminating the need for additional optical components and maintaining observation beam power.
Implementation Method 1
a beamsplitter for dividing incident optical radiation into a reflected beam and a transmitted beam
Implementation Method 2
each wavelength in the observation beam is modulated at a different frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometric instrument comprising: a scanning interferometer having a beamsplitter for dividing incident optical radiation into a reflected beam, following a reflected beam path and a transmitted beam following a transmitted beam path; a monochromatic optical radiation source for launching a reference beam into the interferometer along a first propagation path to be initially incident on a first face of the beamsplitter; an observation optical radiation source for launching a divergent observation beam into the interferometer along a second propagation path to be initially incident on the first face of beamsplitter and overlap the reference beam at the first face; wherein the radiation sources cooperate to generate a first angle between the directions of propagation of the two beams along respective first and second propagation paths when initially and simultaneously incident at the first face which is larger than a divergence half-angle of the observation beam 64.