Patent ID: 6788415
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A measuring apparatus utilizing attenuated total reflection, comprising:n measuring units comprising a dielectric block, a thin film layer formed on one surface of said dielectric block, and a sample holding mechanism for holding a sample on said thin film layer; a turntable for supporting said n measuring units at intervals of a predetermined angle with respect to a rotation axis thereof; drive means for rotating said turntable intermittently at intervals of an angle equal to m times said predetermined angle (m is an integer); a light source for emitting a light beam; an optical system for making said light beam enter said dielectric block of said measuring unit, situated at a predetermined position when said turntable is stopped, at various angles of incidence so that a condition for total internal reflection is satisfied at an interface between said dielectric block and said thin film; and photodetection means for measuring intensity of said light beam totally reflected at said interface to detect said attenuated total reflection; wherein, when said turntable is stopped, k kinds of processes, including irradiation of said light beam and the detection of the intensity, are respectively performed on said measuring units situated at different positions on said turntable; and wherein said k is 2&lE;k&lE;n and said m is either 1, a number that is neither the common divisor of 1 and said n nor the common multiple, or a sum of 1 and the common multiple of said n.