Abstract: An improved optical system for a fluorescent polarization instrument including a low wattage, low intensity focused light source and a polarizer/liquid crystal combination in the excitation path focusing excitation light of alternate planes of perpendicular polarization onto a fluorescent liquid sample. Emitted light from the fluorescent sample is filtered, polarized and focused onto a photomultiplier for processing. A series of non-reflective baffles are placed around the sample to reduce reflections. Monitoring means monitor the excitation light and maintain a substantially constant intensity level focused on the sample. The low wattage, low intensity light source is provided by a 50 watt tungsten halogen projector lamp.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses an absorption spectrophotometer comprising:a light source for irradiating a test sample; a means for focusing light from the light source to a location within the test sample; and a means for concentrating light transmitted through the test sample onto a beam splitting element which separates the light received into a test beam and a reference beam and directs the test beam through a first interference filter which passes light corresponding to an absorption band of the test sample to a first detector, and directs the reference beam through a second interference filter which passes a band of light outside the absorption band of the test sample to a second detector.