Oscillating reflector with ultrasonic resonator, interferometer with an oscillating reflector and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer

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The invention describes a novel oscillating reflector in which the reflecting surface is an integral part of a resonator, particularly an ultrasonic resonator (such as a sonotrode). This provides much higher oscillation frequencies compared to traditional setups where a separate mirror is driven by mechanical or piezoelectric actuators. The design enables significant improvements in time and spectral resolution when used in interferometers and especially in rapid-scan Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, allowing the detection of much faster molecular processes than before.

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• High-resolution, rapid-scan FTIR spectrometers for chemical and biological analysis
• Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy for studying ultra-fast kinetic processes (e.g., combustion, biochemical reactions)
• Real-time monitoring of industrial chemical reactions requiring high time resolution
• Research in physics and materials science for observing molecular changes on short timescales
• Quality control and diagnostics in pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, or materials manufacturing where precise IR measurements are required.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Achieves much higher oscillation speeds and thus significantly enhances time resolution (down to microseconds) in FTIR spectroscopy.
• Enables more accurate and reliable detection of rapid molecular processes that were previously inaccessible with conventional mirror systems.
• Reduces mechanical complexity by using the resonator's surface directly as the mirror, eliminating alignment challenges and minimizing losses.
• Provides the potential for much higher spectral resolution due to longer effective pathlengths obtained from multiple reflections within the interferometer.
• Facilitates easier, more robust, and more cost-effective spectrometer and interferometer designs.
• Expands the applicability of FTIR and interferometric techniques to new areas of science and industry requiring fast and precise measurements.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention provides a reflector (1) adapted to oscillate comprising a resonator (10), an energy beam reflecting surface (20), and a means for inducing oscillations in the resonator (10). The reflecting surface (20) of the reflector (1) adapted to oscillate is provided by a surface of the oscillating resonator (10) itself. Furthermore, an interferometer (100) with a reflector (1) adapted to oscillate according to the invention is provided as well as an infrared Fourier transform spectrometer (200) with an interferometer (100) according to the invention.