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Method and apparatus for sensing or determining one or more properties or the identity of a sample

  • US 4,885,709 A
  • Filed: 01/16/1987
  • Issued: 12/05/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/17/1986
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of sensing or determining a characteristic feature of a sample, the method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) selectively utilizing electromagnetic radiation whose optical character is changed by said sample due to an optical effect which is at least one of optical interference, absorption, or scatter;

    (b) causing said electromagnetic radiation to be directed to said sample whereby the optical character of said radiation is changed as a result of the relevant transmission or reflection by said sample, the selection of said radiation being such as to include at least three discrete components selected from a spectral range so that at least one of said components is subjected to said optical effect so that said optical character is changed;

    (c) measuring the relevant transmittance or reflectance of said sample for each of said components to derive respective measured values;

    (d) correlating said measured values with different known values of relevant transmittance or reflectance, said different known values representing different values of known characteristic features of a known material or materials; and

    (e) selecting the known values having an optimum correlation with said measured values, the selected known values representing the characteristic feature of the sample which is sensed or to be determined.

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