A hybrid FTIR and dispersive spectrometer: walk-through an optimized design

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1630647 (Table of Contents)

Spectroscopy is a widely spread technique to identify chemical compounds in many areas, from biomedical to military applications. Two main types of spectrometers are available, Fourier Transform Spectrometers and Dispersive Spectrometers; while the first one records the self interference of the incoming signal, the second one uses a diffraction grating to disperse the incoming light on a CCD array. Advantages of the FTIR spectrometers are resolution and speed, however they are susceptible to fluorescence noise, reason why they should operate with IR excitation wavelengths. On the other side dispersive spectrometers are limited in resolution by the CCD array, but they can operate at higher wavelengths, hence obtaining a better signal to noise ratio. In this thesis a hybrid spectrometer that tries to combine the advantages of both technologies is designed. The dispersive section has been simulated, accounting all possible sources of optical aberration and signal degradation, and the interferometer section has been built and tested, with a particular care on the moving mirror dynamics. Various drives were explored, to find the one that better fits our design.