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The United States of America as Represented by the United States

Michael C Hettrick

James H Underwood

An optical system and method comprising a diffraction grating which rotates about its surface normal to change the magnitude of the wavelength diffracted to an image location. At grazing incidence, such a rotation is determined to maintain the diffracted image in focus over a wide range in scanned wavelength. Monochromator and spectrometer embodiments include plane and curved surface gratings with both classical and varied-spaced groove patterns, and a variety of illumination geometries. In the simplest case, a grazing incidence monochromator is constructed in which a self-focusing classical spherical grating scans the value in wavelength which is transmitted between fixed slits located on the Rowland circle of the grating. The diffracted image remains in perfect focus over two octaves in wavelength at high efficiency, with both entrance and exit slits fixed in position, and the radiation aperture is constant.

Grating monochromators and spectrometers based on surface normal rotation

An optical system and method comprising a diffraction grating which consists of diffracting elements spaced from one another by unequal distances. Correction of residual defocusing in the image produced by such a grating is accomplished by translating it along its surface. As one embodiment, a monochromator is constructed on which a self-focusing grating scans the value in wavelength which is transmitted between fixed slits by rotation of the grating about an axis fixed in space. Combined with a translation of the grating along its surface, such a monochromator produces a symmetrical image exactly in focus at the exit slit for all scanned wavelengths.

Varied space diffraction grating and in-focus monochromator

A reflection diffraction grating having a series of transverse minute grooves of progressively varying spacing along a concave surface enables use of such gratings for X-ray or longer wavelength imaging of objects. The variable groove spacing establishes aplanatism or substantially uniform magnification across the optical aperture. The grating may be used, for example, in X-ray microscopes or telescopes of the imaging type and in X-ray microprobes. Increased spatial resolution and field of view may be realized in X-ray imaging.

Aplanatic and quasi-aplanatic diffraction gratings

An optical system for use in a spectrometer or monochromator employing a mirror which reflects electromagnetic radiation from a source to converge with same in a plane. A straight grooved, varied-spaced diffraction grating receives the converging electromagnetic radiation from the mirror and produces a spectral image for capture by a detector, target or like receiver.

Growing community of inventors

Berkeley, CA, United States of America

Michael C Hettrick