Refractively scanned interferometer
First Claim
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1. A scanning spectral analysis interferometer, of the type wherein an interference pattern is generated by comparing light components traveling along, respectively, a first fixed-length path and a second variable-length path, comprising:
- a first stationary reflector determining the length of the first path;
a second stationary reflector at the end of the second path;
a single wedge-shaped prism intersecting the second path; and
means for moving the prism across the second path to cause path length scanning.
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Abstract
An interferometer, preferably of the Michelson type, is disclosed, in which the reflectors associated with the interferometer arms are stationary, and scanning is accomplished by displacement of a single wedge-shaped refractive element in one of the arms. The reflectors are preferably retro-reflectors rather than flat mirrors in order to minimize the effects of chromatic dispersion. A Moire scale may be used to measure the position of the wedge-shaped refractive element.
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15 Claims
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1. A scanning spectral analysis interferometer, of the type wherein an interference pattern is generated by comparing light components traveling along, respectively, a first fixed-length path and a second variable-length path, comprising:
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a first stationary reflector determining the length of the first path; a second stationary reflector at the end of the second path; a single wedge-shaped prism intersecting the second path; and means for moving the prism across the second path to cause path length scanning. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. An interferometer for use in spectral analysis comprising:
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a beamsplitter for directing radiation from a source in optical paths along two diverging arms of the interferometer; a first stationary reflector at the end of one interferometer arm; a second stationary reflector at the end of the other interferometer arm; a single refractive element which intersects one of the interferometer arms and which is movable to vary the optical path length in that arm; and means for causing translational motion of said refractive element across the optical path. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A Michelson fourier transform interference spectrometer comprising,
two stationary reflectors; - and
scanning means comprising an uncompensated moving wedge of refractive material which varies the light path length to and from one of the stationary reflectors. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification