OPTICAL-SYSTEM FOR GATHERING SIMULTANEOUS TIME AND SPATIAL DATA FROM TRANSIENT EVENTS

A rotating disk containing multiple slits, which replaces a single field stop in a spectroscopic optical system, is used to provide simultaneous time and spatially resolved spectral information. The rotating disk serves as a spatial Isolation wheel (SIW) and is used to gather data for three-dimensional profiles of absorbance vs. time vs. distance above a carbon filament atomizer. Profiles are obtained for the flameless absorption of Pb with pure Ar sheath gas and with Ar sheath gas containing 0.15% O2. Changes in the appearance temperature of the absorption signal as well as the peak half-width are observed in the presence of O2. The type of information available with the SIW and potential applications are reported. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.