Patent ID: 6667808
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
A multifunctional infrared spectrometer system comprising:(a) a source of infrared radiation which provides a beam of infrared; (b) an interferometer which receives the beam from the source and produces a modulated output beam; (c) at least two spatially separated infrared detectors; (d) optical elements transmitting the modulated output beam from the interferometer on a main beam path to a junction position; (e) optical elements defining a first branch beam path from the junction position to a first sample position and then to a first of the detectors, and optical elements defining a second branch beam path from the junction position to a second sample position and then to a second of the detectors; (f) a multi-position mirror element movable between at least two positions, wherein in a first position of the mirror element the beam on the main beam path is passed on the first branch beam path to the first sample position an thence to the first detector and wherein in the second position of the mirror element the main beam is passed on the second branch beam path to the second sample position and thence to the second detector; and (g) further including a third infrared detector spatially separated from the other infrared detectors, and optical elements defining a third branch beam path from the junction position to a third sample position and thence to the third detector, and wherein the multi-position mirror element is movable to a third position in which the mirror element passes the main beam on the third branch beam path to the third sample position and thence to the third detector.