Solid-block stationary Fourier-transform spectrometer

Abstract

A solid-block stationary Fourier-transform spectrometer (SBSFTS) is described that is applicable to a wide range of portable, moderate-resolution instrumentation needs that include the detection of temporally variant signatures. The SBSFTS is a low-cost, extremely rugged stationary Fourier-transform spectrometer based on the combination of three standard prism types. The SBSFTS uses a source-doubling, square-and-triangle common-path topology that is mechanically rugged, simple to align, and virtually immune to alignment perturbation. Its alignment stability makes it suitable for use in a variety of hostile operating environments. When coupled to a fiber-optic input, the spectrometer can be constructed in an extremely compact form. Experimental results have demonstrated the design and the performance of the spectrometer.