Spectral Analysis of Light

Abstract

Information from a light beam after its interaction with a solid is obtained from an analysis of the change in its intensity spectrum. Usually monochromators or interferometers are applied to perform this analysis. These instruments will be discussed in the current chapter. It is often useful to “preprocess” the light on its way from the light source to the analyzer or from the analyzer to the detector. Optical elements like reflectors, lenses, filters, polarizers, etc., are appropriate for this process. Light pipes or fiber optics are convenient means to guide the light. Thus, before discussing in detail spectrometers and interferometers we will review some useful optical elements.