Dual-Gratings Imaging Spectrometer

Common dispersive-type spectroscopic instruments include prism-type and grating-type, usually using a single dispersive element. The continuous imaging band is always limited by the dispersion angle. When it is necessary to image two wavebands with an ultra-spectral resolution that are far apart, the imaging is difficult due to the large diffraction angle. To broaden the spectral coverage of the imaging spectrometer, in this paper, we propose a dual-gratings imaging spectrometer with two independently rotating gratings. In this proposed system, two very far apart wavelength bands can be imaged in the adjacent areas by adjusting the angle of the dual gratings. This greatly expands the spectral coverage of the imaging spectrometer. Currently, the only application area considered for this instrument is solar applications. In this article, we present the optical system of the dual-gratings imaging spectrometer, illustrate several advantages of the new structure, and discuss new problems caused by the dual-gratings, which are referred to as overlap between two spectra and double image offset. We deduced the calculation process of the dual grating rotation angle, the relationship between the final acquired image and the slit, the relationship between the angle change between the dual gratings and the double image offset, and the relationship between the MTF upper limit reduction and the spatial frequency. This article also summarizes the shortcomings of this structure and studies the applicable fields under these shortcomings. At last, we simulate a dual-gratings imaging spectrometer system, compare this scheme with two traditional schemes, and conclude that this instrument has certain practical significance.

Nanometre-scale infrared chemical imaging of organic matter in ultra-carbonaceous Antarctic micrometeorites (UCAMMs)

Aims. The composition of comets and asteroids sheds light on the formation and early evolution of the solar system. The study of micrometeorites containing large concentrations of carbonaceous material (i.e. ultra-carbonaceous antarctic micrometeorites, UCAMMs) allows for unique information on the association of minerals and organics at surface of icy objects (comets) to be obtained. Methods. In this work we map the organic matter of UCAMMs collected in the Antarctic snow, at sub-wavelength spatial scales using the Atomic Force Microscope InfraRed (AFMIR) technique. The sample preparation did not involve any chemical pretreatment to extract organic matter. The AFMIR measurements were performed on a limited spectral coverage (1900–1350 cm−1) allowing chemical functional groups to be imaged at spatial scales relevant to the study of micrometeorites. Results. The AFMIR images reveal the variability of the functional groups at very small scales and the intimate association of carbon- and oxygen-bearing chemical bonds. We demonstrate the possibility to potentially separate the olefinic and aromatic C=C bonding in the subcomponents of the UCAMM fragment. These variations probably originate in the early mixing of the different reservoirs of organic matter constituting these dust particles. The measurements demonstrate the potential for analysing such complex organic-matter – mineral association at scales below the diffraction limit. The development of such studies and extension to the full infrared range spectral coverage will drive a new view on the vibrational infrared analysis of interplanetary material.