Patent ID: 6839136
Filing Date: 2005-01-04
Classification: G01J,G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical spectrum sensitive instrument comprising: a plane grating having an aperture therethrough at a predetermined location; a parabolic reflector positioned with its axis passing at least near said aperture; a light conductor assembly injecting light of multiwavelength spectral content through said aperture toward said reflector for reflection toward said plane grating whereby the spectral content of said injected light is spread and redirected toward said parabolic reflector for reflection back toward said aperture with a spectral portion returned back through said aperture and into said light conductor assembly; a positioner coupled to said plane grating and controlling in response to an input an angle of said plane grating over a range about an axis that maintains said aperture positioned to pass said injected and returning light; and a calibrator automatically and continuously calibrating the instrument by detecting a predetermined spectral content in light returned back through said aperture, and adjusting the angle of the plane grating in accordance with the detected predetermined spectral content.