Patent ID: 6051835
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: G01J

Abstract:
An apparatus for calibrating a spectral imaging system, comprising:a sample;a first source for illuminating said sample with radiation within a first band of wavelengths, wherein said first band of wavelengths excites regions within said sample causing said regions to emit radiation within a second band of wavelengths;an interferometer for spectrally resolving said wavelengths within said second band of wavelengths, wherein said interferometer creates an interferogram of said sample that is superimposed on an image of said sample transmitted by said interferometer;a detector array with a first portion and a second portion, wherein said sample and said interferogram of said sample are imaged on said first portion, wherein said detector array outputs a plurality of signals corresponding to an intensity at each pixel of said array;a slit within an image plane of said spectral imaging system;a second source for illuminating said slit with radiation of at least one predefined wavelength, wherein said interferometer creates an interferogram of said slit, said slit interferogram imaged on said second portion of said detector array; anda processor coupled to said detector array, said processor performing an analysis on said sample interferogram to translate said sample interferogram into chromatic space, and said processor performing said analysis on said slit interferogram to translate said slit interferogram into chromatic space, wherein said processor utilizes said translation of said slit interferogram to calibrate said chromatic space.