Understanding Spectrometers from the Source - A Detailed Explanation of the Basic Structure of Spectrum Analyzers
Spectrum analyzers, as one of the most common analytical instruments, have long been popular with manufacturers. With the growing demand in the testing industry in recent years, the number of spectrometer manufacturers has also increased, and the domestic market is now crowded with brands. While models vary, the principles of spectrometers are currently similar across manufacturers. Below is a brief introduction to the basic components of a spectrometer.
First, the light source: a device that provides a continuous or line spectrum with high intensity, stability, and a small luminous area. Common light sources for ultraviolet molecular absorption spectrophotometers include hydrogen lamps and deuterium lamps, tungsten lamps and halogen lamps for visible molecular absorption spectrophotometers, silicon carbon rods and Nernst lamps for infrared molecular absorption spectrophotometers, and hollow cathode lamps for atomic absorption spectrophotometers.
A monochromator is a device that disperses continuous light according to wavelength order and separates it into bands of a certain width. A monochromator generally consists of three parts: a grating or prism, a slit, and a collimator.
The third component is the sample cell, a vessel or device used to hold the sample being measured. Quartz cells are commonly used for UV molecular absorption, glass cells for visible molecular absorption, and liquid, gas, or solid cells made of rock salt for infrared molecular absorption. Atomistic absorption uses an atomizer.
The fourth component is the detector, a device that converts optical signals into electrical signals. Photocells, phototubes, photomultiplier tubes, and photodiode array detectors are commonly used for UV-visible absorption. Thermocouples, Gauleiter cells, and resistance bolometers are commonly used for infrared absorption.
This is generally the signal processing and display system. Signal processing includes signal amplification, mathematical operations, and conversion. The display system includes meter display, digital display, screen display, and result printing. There are significant differences in software for this component between domestic and foreign manufacturers. Due to the late start of domestic spectrometer technology, the accumulation of software technology is still relatively weak.
Generally speaking, this is the basic structure of a spectrometer. The main differences between brands lie in materials and process technology, especially in the detector. Domestic manufacturers are constantly innovating, and I believe that domestic spectrometer manufacturers will develop even more rapidly.
