Patent ID: 7623238
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
1. A system comprising means for maintaining the location on a sample at which a beam of electromagnetic radiation is caused to impinge, said system comprising: two mounting arms; a source for providing a beam of electromagnetic radiation to a small location on a sample; a sample support positioned between said mounting arms; said mounting arms projecting from said sample support stage at equal but oppositely directed acute angles; and a detector; said source being mounted to one of said mounting arms and said detector being mounted to the other of said mounting arms such that in use a beam of electromagnetic radiation from said source is directed to interact with a sample placed on the support therefore, and reflect into said detector; said system further comprising at least one motor driven component which comprises a motor; said at least one motor driven component being mounted to one or the other of said mounting arms and positioned such that in use the beam of electromagnetic radiation from said source, which beam is directed to interact with a sample placed on the support therefore and reflect into said detector, interacts with said motor driven component; said system being distinguished by the presence of a securing means for damping vibrations caused by the operation of said motor, said securing means comprising a stationary support which is separate from, and in addition to said two mounting arms, to which separate support said motor is also attached, with the result being that vibrations caused by operation of said motor are damped and therefore cause less change in the locus of said beam of electromagnetic radiation as it progresses from the source to the detector, than result when said motor driven component is not so attached to said stationary support.