Abstract: A system and method for determining bias in a spectrometer is described. One embodiment includes a method for determining bias in a spectrometer system, the method comprising over-scanning a grating in a near-zero-response wavelength range; and determining a bias based on the over-scanning. This methodology allows for over-scanning a grating in a near-zero-response wavelength range as a substitute for using shutters or other mechanisms to block light from entering a detector in the system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining bias in a spectrometer is described. One embodiment includes a method for determining bias in a spectrometer system, the method comprising over-scanning a grating in a near-zero-response wavelength range; and determining a bias based on the over-scanning. This methodology allows for over-scanning a grating in a near-zero-response wavelength range as a substitute for using shutters or other mechanisms to block light from entering a detector in the system.

Abstract: A system and method for optical spectroscopic measurements is described. One embodiment includes a measurement head for optical spectroscopic measurements, the measurement head comprising an illumination source configured to illuminate a sample, a collection optic configured to view the sample, and an internal reference, wherein the internal reference can be illuminated by the illumination source and viewed by the collection optic.

Abstract: A system and method for optical spectroscopic measurements is described. One embodiment includes a measurement head for optical spectroscopic measurements, the measurement head comprising an illumination source configured to illuminate a sample, a collection optic configured to view the sample, and an internal reference, wherein the internal reference can be illuminated by the illumination source and viewed by the collection optic.

Abstract: A method of identifying non-conforming groups of items within a package, the package containing a plurality of groups of items, comprises obtaining a reference signal corresponding to a package containing conforming groups of items, obtaining a signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items in the package, comparing the signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items with the reference signal, determining whether any of the plurality of groups of items is nonconforming, and segregating the package based on whether the package contains a nonconforming group of items.

Abstract: An inspection system for verifying package contents comprises a spectrometer having an input for receiving light energy and a light energy aggregator. The light energy aggregator comprises a light energy input terminal, a light energy output terminal, where the light energy output terminal is coupled to the spectrometer input, and at least two sample probes coupled to the light energy input terminal. Each of the sample probes is configured to direct light energy from a source to the light energy input terminal.

Abstract: A method of identifying non-conforming groups of items within a package, the package containing a plurality of groups of items, comprises obtaining a reference signal corresponding to a package containing conforming groups of items, obtaining a signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items in the package, comparing the signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items with the reference signal, determining whether any of the plurality of groups of items is nonconforming, and segregating the package based on whether the package contains a nonconforming group of items.

Abstract: An inspection system for verifying package contents comprises a spectrometer having an input for receiving light energy and a light energy aggregator. The light energy aggregator comprises a light energy input terminal, a light energy output terminal, where the light energy output terminal is coupled to the spectrometer input, and at least two sample probes coupled to the light energy input terminal. Each of the sample probes is configured to direct light energy from a source to the light energy input terminal.