INSTRUMENTATION FOR ABSORPTION

Abstract

In order to measure ultraviolet spectra, an instrumentation method must be carefully selected. The first consideration is whether to use a hyperspectral source in combination with a singleelement photodiode or a broadband source in combination with a grating spectrometer. Next, all sources of noise are considered in the experiment in order to improve the signal to noise ratio of the measurement. Finally, the source of ultraviolet light is considered as well as the spectrometer used for data analysis given that the hyperspectral source is not chosen. Designing a broadband high speed high resolution instrument is the next step in ultraviolet experimentation. All data analysis options were considered in great detail including the grating spectrometer, the Fourier Transform Ultraviolet interferometer, and the Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer. By carefully examining these instruments, it was apparent that a Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (SHS) was the best option for high speed high resolution instrumentation. The SHS instrument was then simulated, designed, and aligned. The SHS design difficulties are discussed, and recommendations for future work are presented.