Abstract: A hand-held portable modular spectrometer unit. The unit includes a detachable head containing a light source and optical components for detecting spectral information from light reflected from or transmitted through a target and a processor for converting the detected spectral information into digital information. The unit also includes a plug-in rechargeable power supply and a control module for controlling the components in the measurement head. The controller includes a computer processor for analyzing the digital information produced by the measurement head and a display monitor for displaying spectral information produced by the control unit. In preferred embodiments the plug-in rechargeable power supply is a 12-volt off-the-shelf power-tool rechargeable battery unit. In preferred embodiments several measuring heads are available.

Abstract: A spectroscopic detection system and method for quantitative measurements of non-volatile residues. A sample to be analyzed is spread out on the inside surface of a cup portion of a unique detector cup. The cup portion mates with a detector portion to create an enclosed reflecting volume. A small port in the detector portion permits entrance of light which diffusely reflects multiple times from the inside surface of the enclosed reflecting volume and which is partially absorbed by the sample depending on the spectral absorption characteristics of the sample. A light detector in the detector portion detects light after multiple reflections from the surfaces of the detector and cup portions and multiple passes through the sample on the surface of the cup portion. Light detected by the light detector is spectrally analyzed to determine the spectral characteristics of the sample.