Kaiser Optical Systems Inc.

Patrick Wiegand

Joseph B Slater

James M Tedesco

Francis Esmonde-White

Darren Schipper

An improved method for integrating curve peaks as compared to techniques such as the trapezoidal rule wherein integration parameters are at fixed x-axis positions. Integration parameters are instead specified relative to a peak center, which allows the peak to shift over time due to hardware changes, temperature fluctuation, pressure changes, etc., while maintaining integration parameters at optimal locations for that peak. As such, the present disclosure finds particular utility in spectroscopy wherein, in the case of Raman spectroscopy, for example, specific wavenumber shift locations may drift over time, leading to inaccurate results based upon absolute integration parameters.

Raman signal position correction using relative integration parameters

Methods and systems for spectrometer dark correction are described which achieve more stable baselines, especially towards the edges where intensity correction magnifies any non-zero results of dark subtraction, and changes in dark current due to changes in temperature of the camera window frame are typically more pronounced. The resulting induced curvature of the baseline makes quantitation difficult in these regions. Use of the invention may provide metrics for the identification of system failure states such as loss of camera vacuum seal, drift in the temperature stabilization, and light leaks. In system aspects of the invention, a processor receives signals from a light detector in the spectrometer and executes software programs to calculate spectral responses, sum or average results, and perform other operations necessary to carry out the disclosed methods. In most preferred embodiments, the light signals received from a sample are used for Raman analysis.

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Pinckney, MI, United States of America

Patrick Wiegand