Patent ID: 6597452
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
An optical instrument for diffracting light into a selected wavelength, said optical instrument comprising:a) a light entrance and light exit surrounded by a substantially ply reflective surface; b) a first incident light path emanating outwardly from the light entrance; c) a second incident light path being substantially parallel to a first incident light path axis; d) a collimating mirror transverse to said first incident light path axis to direct collimated light along the second incident light path, said substantially planar reflective surface being located in said second incident light path to direct collimated light along a third incident light path; e) a substantially planar diffraction grating to receive the collimated light traveling along the third incident light path and diffract light to travel back along said third incident light path; wherein the diffracted light is redirected by said substantially planar reflective surface toward said collimating mirror along said second incident light path, said collimating mirror focusing the diffracted light back along said first incident light path to a light exit juxtaposed to said light entrance and wherein the diffraction grating is mounted for rotation to permit selection of the light output wavelength or spectral band.