Patent ID: 7068362
Filing Date: 2006-06-27
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for determining a beam attenuation coefficient of a medium, comprising: a signal source that generates a generated optical beam; a first arrangement that collimates the generated optical beam to form a projected optical beam; a retroreflector that directs the projected optical beam; a second arrangement that receives the projected optical beam from the retroreflector and that focuses the projected optical beam to form a focused optical beam; a detector that detects a portion of the focused optical beam in order to produce an electrical signal so that the beam attenuation coefficient can be determined; a synchronizer that causes the signal source to generate the generated optical beam in a pulsed pattern and that causes the detector to detect the portion of the focused optical beam in concert with the pulsed pattern; wherein the signal source comprises a light emitting diode (LED) and wherein the synchronizer comprises: