Patent ID: 6287869
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An analytical instrument, comprising:a. a holder for holding a sample to be analyzed;b. a source of radiation producing a narrow band of wavelengths, comprising:i. a hollow cathode having an inner surface at least partially surrounding an opening;ii. an anode spaced from the cathode;iii. a hermetic envelope enclosing a buffer gas and the opening;iv. a first mirror having a high reflective surface, wherein the high reflective surface is at least partially within the hermetic envelope;v. a second mirror having a partially transmitting surface, wherein the partially transmitting surface is at least partially within the hermetic envelope;vi. an optical axis defined by the first mirror and second mirror and extending through the opening; andvii. a source of electric power connected to the anode and cathode forming an optical gain medium within the opening;c. at least one element for causing the radiation to be incident on the sample; andd. a detection system for detecting selected radiation resulting from interaction between the incident radiation and the sample.