Abstract: A method of conveying moieties through an infrared conveyor furnace with controllable point source radiation elements incorporating a clean room internal environment. The method comprises the steps of transporting moieties in an indexed manner through multiple heating zones heated by arrays of lamps; and dividing the lamps of each array into a plurality of groups which are separately controlled to maintain a constant temperature across the surface of the moiety. The method further comprises controlling the lamp groups through the use of a controller utilizing data from FTIR sensors mounted in a fused quartz barrier which is permeable by infrared radiation but which seals the lamp arrays from the heating zones.

Abstract: An infrared conveyor furnace with controllable point source radiation elements incorporating a clean room internal environment. The conveyor transports moieties in an indexed manner through multiple heating zones heated by arrays of lamps. The lamps of each array are divided into a plurality of groups which are separately controlled to maintain a constant temperature across the surface of the moiety. The control of the lamp groups is accomplished through the use of a controller utilizing data from FTIR sensors mounted in a fused quartz barrier which is permeable by infrared radiation but which seals the lamp arrays from the heating zones.