Spectrometer with selectable area detector
First Claim
1. Apparatus for analyzing a sample by interacting a beam of radiant energy with the sample, said apparatus including means for detecting the beam of radiant energy after interaction with the sample and for producing an electrical output corresponding thereto, said detecting means comprising:
- A. a first detecting segment for producing an electrical signal in response to radiant energy incident thereon;
B. a second detecting segment for producing an electrical signal in response to radiant energy incident thereon, said second detecting segment extending at least partially around said first detecting segment and being electrically isolated from said first detecting segment; and
C. output selection means operable in a first mode for enabling the electrical signal only from said first detecting segment to contribute to the output of said detecting means, and in a second mode for enabling the electrical signal from at least said second detecting segment to contribute to the output of said detecting means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer utilizes a selectable area infrared detector to optimize performance of the instrument depending upon the nature of the sample being analyzed. The detector includes an inner detecting segment and one or more outer detecting segments which extend at least partially around the inner segment and are electrically isolated therefrom. In those cases where a small area detector provides optimal sensitivity and performance, only the inner detecting segment is enabled to contribute to the output of the detector. In those cases where a larger area detector provides optimal sensitivity and performance, one or more of the outer detecting segments are enabled to contribute to the output of the detector, either alone or in combination with the inner segment. Thus, a single detector in the instrument provides optimal sensitivity and performance for a wide range of applications.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. Apparatus for analyzing a sample by interacting a beam of radiant energy with the sample, said apparatus including means for detecting the beam of radiant energy after interaction with the sample and for producing an electrical output corresponding thereto, said detecting means comprising:
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A. a first detecting segment for producing an electrical signal in response to radiant energy incident thereon; B. a second detecting segment for producing an electrical signal in response to radiant energy incident thereon, said second detecting segment extending at least partially around said first detecting segment and being electrically isolated from said first detecting segment; and C. output selection means operable in a first mode for enabling the electrical signal only from said first detecting segment to contribute to the output of said detecting means, and in a second mode for enabling the electrical signal from at least said second detecting segment to contribute to the output of said detecting means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Apparatus for analyzing a sample by interacting a beam of infrared radiation with the sample, said apparatus comprising:
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A. a source for producing a beam of infrared radiation; B. means for varying the intensity of said beam of infrared radiation; C. means for directing said beam of infrared radiation for interaction with the sample; D. means for detecting the beam of infrared radiation after interaction with the sample and for producing an electrical output corresponding thereto, said detecting means comprising; i. a first detecting segment for producing an electrical signal in response to infrared radiation incident thereon; and ii. a second detecting segment for producing an electrical signal in response to infrared radiation incident thereon, said second detecting segment extending at least partially around said first detecting segment and being electrically isolated from said first detecting segment; and E. output selection means operable in a first mode for enabling the electrical signal only from said first detecting segment to contribute to the output of said detecting means, and in a second mode for enabling the electrical signal from at least said second detecting segment to contribute to the output of said detecting means. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification