Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to addressing the complexity, sample geometry, and even pressure feedback issues associated with mechanical-only mechanisms. In particular, by utilizing one or more bellows capsules in an attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) instrument as a pressure vessel that can expand, contract, and tilt in all directions, the mechanisms disclosed herein can substantially apply uniform pressure to an interposed sample surface to include non-orthogonal sample surfaces, and thus conform to any sample geometry within such instruments. The result of the novel arrangements described herein is to provide a user with a convenient and simple interface for operating the interrogating ATR optical instrument.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to addressing the complexity, sample geometry, and even pressure feedback issues associated with mechanical-only mechanisms. In particular, by utilizing one or more bellows capsules in an attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) instrument as a pressure vessel that can expand, contract, and tilt in all directions, the mechanisms disclosed herein can substantially apply uniform pressure to an interposed sample surface to include non-orthogonal sample surfaces, and thus conform to any sample geometry within such instruments. The result of the novel arrangements described herein is to provide a user with a convenient and simple interface for operating the interrogating ATR optical instrument.

Abstract: A mounting system allowing rapid removal and replacement of optical components within an instrument includes a base unit connected to the instrument, and a carrier unit which includes an optical component. The carrier unit is magnetically attracted to the base unit, with mounting nubs extending from one of the base and carrier units being received in depressions defined in the other of the units. Preferably, the magnets on the base and carrier units are aligned, and V-groove depressions receive hemispherical surfaces presented by the mounting nubs. When the base and carrier units are generated using precision manufacturing methods, the optical component on the carrier unit can maintain a predefined alignment upon the base unit (and the instrument) with sub-micrometer precision between successive mountings and removals of the carrier unit, thereby avoiding the need to realign the optical component within the instrument every time the carrier unit is removed and replaced.