Raman spectrometer having hadamard electrooptical mask and diode detector

Abstract

An improved Raman spectrometer device is provided which provides useful spectral information in situations where Raman spectroscopy has heretofore been unworkable. The spectrometer of the invention makes use of a stationary electrooptical masking device in lieu of conventional slit scanning optics, with the mask being computer controlled to provide a multiplexing function, typically employing Hadamard mathematics. The stationary encoding mask permits use of a relatively inexpensive photodiode detector, as compared with photomultiplier tubes conventionally used in Raman instrumentation. Advantageously, unwanted Rayleigh scattered radiation can be completely eliminated, either by blanking those zones of the mask receiving such radiation, or physically locating the device in such orientation that the Rayleigh scattered radiation does not pass through operative portions of the mask.