Optical chopper
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An optical chopper is a mechanical device which periodically interrupts a light beam. Three types are available: variable frequency rotating disc choppers, fixed frequency tuning fork choppers, and optical shutters. A rotating disc chopper was famously used in 1849 by Hippolyte Fizeau in the first non-astronomical measurement of the speed of light.
"The chopper amplifier allows for either a physical quantity to be measured or on the electrical signal from the transducer. In general it is desirable to chop the signal as close to its source as possible because only the noise that arises after chopping is removed by the process. The rotation of the chopper produces a radiant signal that fluctuates periodically between zero and some maximum intensity." [1]
[edit] References
- ^ Douglas A Skoog "Principles of Instrumental Analysis" fifth edition
[edit] External links
- Explanation of optical choppers from Scitec Instruments, which is a specialist manufacturer of rotating disc optical choppers
- Boston Electronics, a major vendor.
Other optical chopper vendors include:
Signal Recovery, part of Ametek
Electro-Optical Products Corporation (a manufacturer of tuning fork choppers)
New Focus
Terahertz Technologies
SRS
Scitec Instruments Polska
Photon Technology International.
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