Characterization of a Fourier transform interferometer
Document ID: 364
Senior Honors Thesis
1 The Pennsylvania State University, Department of Electrical Engineering, University Park, PA, U.S.A.
Abstract
A MIDAC Fourier Transform Interferometer's (FTIR) capability to identify the existence of certain chemical species has been verified. Based on the Michelson interferometer, MIDAC's Plane Mirror Interferometer is capable of providing high-resolution spectra in the infrared region, typical wavelengths of 2µm through approximately 14µm. However, the instrument used here was modified to cover the 8 to l lµm region. The FTIR advantage is that it operates in the infrared region, known as the "molecular fingerprint region" where the absorption/emission spectra of a given molecular species provide a unique identification. Consequently, the instrument can be used to identify the existence of various organic and inorganic molecules in the environment. In addition to being able to identify chemical species, spectra generated by the FTIR can be used to determine their concentration level. The FTIR provides a valuable method for companies and/or regulatory agencies ( e.g., Environmental Protection Agency) to monitor the emissions of many pollution sources and determine whether or not compliance with regulated emission levels or discharge rates has been achieved.
| Citation: | B. S. Kayyali, "Characterization of a Fourier transform interferometer", The Pennsylvania State University, Senior Honors Thesis, December 1996, 41 pages |