Synchronous wavelength drive and data acquisition conversion for a sequential spectrophotometer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Generally speaking, and in accordance with the invention a sequential spectrophotometer system is provided having a light source, a scanning type monochromator, a stepper motor means for changing the monochromator wavelength over a light spectrum being scanned, a photomultiplier for measuring the intensity of light absorption or passage through a sample being tested and generating a signal corresponding thereto, data acquisition means for compiling data corresponding to said signals and means for recording such data generally as a function of light measured for each wavelength, the improvement comprising: a method and means to effect the data acquisition conversion at or about each desired wavelength during a respective stepper motor rotor displacement period, i.
e.
, during each corresponding period of diffraction grating vibration or oscillation following a stepper motor disposition thereof to another wavelength position angle-of-diffraction.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved spectrophotometer system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a synchronous wavelength drive and data acquisition means for a sequential spectrophotometer.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a means for effecting data acquisition conversion during a respective stepper motor rotor oscillation period at each predetermined respective rotor step position.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sequential spectrophotometer having a relatively fast scan rate or high speed of data throughput.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sequential spectrophotometer wherein the data acquisition conversion and wavelength drive are synchronized to the line frequency.