Patent ID: 6930774
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for providing a desired spectral intensity profile to an optical device from a broadband light source, the apparatus comprising: separation means for separating light provided by the broadband light source into radiation having a continuum of wavelengths; a blocking element having a first side and a second side, the first side having a two-dimensional surface with a desired blocking contour configured thereon, the blocking element positioned relative to the separation means so as to receive the radiation separated into the continuum of wavelengths onto the first side thereof and allow a portion of the radiation to pass within the desired blocking contour from the first side to the second side, wherein the portion of the radiation conforms to the desired blocking contour; and recombination means for recombining the portion of the radiation conforming to the desired blocking contour into the desired spectral intensity profile; wherein the recombination means comprise a lens and a light shaping diffuser, the light shaping diffuser is configured to cause the radiation to change from a first cross-sectional dimension to a second cross-sectional dimension, the first cross-sectional dimension of the radiation conforms to a first shape of the blocking element, and the second cross-sectional dimension of the radiation conforms to a second shape of the optical device configured to receive the desired spectral intensity profile.