Single Frequency Infrared IR Detectors

The older, conventional instruments are known as dispersive spectrometers, where the infrared radiation is divided into frequency elements by the use of a monochromator and slit system. Although these instruments are still in use today, the recent introduction of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers has revitalized the field (4). The FT-IR system is based on the Michelson interferometer. The total spectral information is contained in an interferogram from a single scan of a movable mirror. There are no slits, and the amount of infrared energy falling on the detector is greatly enhanced. Together with the use of modem computer techniques, an entirely new breed of instrument has been created. 

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