William T Wihlborg

US Patent:

55810853, Dec 3, 1996

Filed:

Mar 6, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/399197

Inventors:

John A. Reffner - Stamford CT
William T. Wihlborg - Milford CT

Assignee:

Spectra-Tech, Inc. - Shelton CT

International Classification:

G01N 2135

US Classification:

25033907

Abstract:

This invention is an apparatus and method for infrared spectroscopic or radiometric analysis of microscopic samples of solids or liquids, combining external- or internal-reflection spectroscopy with visible-radiant energy viewing of microscopic samples by integrated video microscopy. This is an accessory to Fourier-transform-infrared spectrometers for the chemical analysis of microscopic samples in specular, diffuse, reflection-absorption (transflection), or internal-reflection spectroscopy. This apparatus combines an all-reflective, infinity-corrected optical system with an integrated, dedicated, video viewing system. The magnification optic is an all-reflecting optic designed to focus a collimated beam of radiant energy onto the sample, collect the reflected radiant energy, and (through the appropriate optics) present that energy to a detector means for spectral analysis. The modified Schwarzchild all-reflecting objective lens also provides a magnified image of the microscopic sample, which is detected by an integrated video imaging system.