Abstract: A method is disclosed of making a mounting or holder for use in analysis in an analytical instrument of samples of similar shape. The method includes obtaining a moulding that includes a protrusion; securing a sample having a lower surface and a side surface to the top of the protrusion of the moulding; introducing a mouldable material into the moulding only up to a level that is along the side surface of the sample and above the lower surface of the sample; allowing the mouldable material to set to form a mounting or holder; and separating the mounting or holder from the sample and the moulding.

Abstract: An infrared imaging microscope, particularly of the type used to carry out FT-IR measurement, has a detector in the form of a small detector array of individual detector elements. The outputs of the detector elements are fed in parallel to processing means which process the output signals. The use of a small array means that the outputs can be processed without the need for complex multiplexing or perhaps no multiplexing at all thus avoiding the reduction in signal to noise ratio which is associated with large scale multiplexing. The small detector array will generally have between 3 and 100 detector elements. Typically the upper limit will be 64 and a preferred arrangement has 16 detector elements.

Abstract: A tool for making a mounting or holder for a tablet-shaped sample which is to undergo analysis in an analytical instrument, the tool comprising a moulding which defines a lower surface and a side wall or walls, and a pin which, in use, extends upwardly above the lower surface of the moulding. The arrangement being such that in use a tablet is mounted on the upper end of the pin and mouldable material is introduced into the moulding so that it locates around the lower part of the tablet.

Abstract: An array of photoconductive elements comprises an array of radiation detectors; an electrical lead connected to the array of radiation detectors; at least one amplifier receptive of an output signal of the array of radiation detectors; a summation device receptive of an output signal of the at least one amplifier; and a positive feedback loop for reducing crosstalk by directing an output signal of the summation device to the at least one amplifier. A circuit processes the outputs of the array of radiation detectors. The photoconductive elements may be operated in a constant voltage mode or a constant current mode.

Abstract: An optical system capable of providing a magnification which can be varied comprises a pair of ellipsoidal mirrors [(20, 21)]which are so mounted and arranged that the focus for radiation reflected from one mirror corresponds substantially with the input focus for the other mirror. The mirrors are preferably mounted so that they are pivotable.

Abstract: An infra-red radiation detector having a Dewar type vessel is provided with a coupler which is coupled to the wall of the vessel. The coupler includes a fiber which can transmit infra red radiation and which terminates close to a detector provided in the Dewar type vessel. No special optical arrangement is required in order to couple an external fiber to the detector and the arrangement is inherently aligned.

Abstract: A carrier for use in the preparation of samples for spectroscopic analysis comprises a generally planar body 10 the upper surface of which is formed with ridges or walls 14 which define compartments 15 into material to be analysed is spread. The surface of the compartments is preferably coated with a reflecting material such as aluminium. This form of carrier greatly facilitates the production of a layer of uniform thickness.

Abstract: Background profiles for spectrometers are obtained by recording a number of background measurements over a period of time and analysing the measured data to create a statistical model of the instrument. The result is a set of stored background profiles with low noise level which are available when a sample measurement is made. The operator does not have to allow time to collect a background measurement as is the case in conventional techniques.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for accurately orienting an optical component (10) with respect to an axis comprises three mounting elements arranged at the apices of a triangle, one of said mounting elements (16) is fixed whilst the other two (18, 29) are each provided on a pivotable mounting member 20. The mounting member (20) is arranged so that it can pivot against the resilience of a pivot mounting so that when a force is applied to the pivotable mounting member it is caused to pivot and thereby adjust the orientation of the component (10).