Compact, unitary optimetric systems uses a single device for colorimetric, fluorometric and spectral absorption measurements. The basic element of the unitary systems is a test cell containing filter elements with uniquely fabricated lenses

Haley, F. C.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

August 1968
	
.	 Brief 68-10316 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Optimetric System Facilitates Colorimetric and Fluorometric Measurements 
Photoelectric 
Detector 
fl	 (In-Line With 
s'	 Incident Light) 
Output Filter 
for Colorimeter 
—	
'	 Determinations 
Photoelectric Detector 
(Normal to Incident Light) 
A compact, unitary optimetric system has been 
devised for colorimetric, fluorometric, and spectral ab-
sorption measurements. There are many known sys-
tems that are designed specifically for making colon-
metric measurements or specifically for fluorometric 
measurements. None of these systems is as simple or 
compact as the unitary system, which employs a single 
device for colorimetric, fluorometric, and absorption 
measurements, as required. In conjunction with this
system, a simple technique has been developed for 
fabricating small lenses. 
The basic element of the unitary system is a test cell 
represented in the illustration. The sample to be sub-
jected to measurement is placed in the cell. For a 
fiuorometrjc determination, the detector is positioned 
normal to the incident light from the source. For col-
orimetnic determinations (spectral absorption or trans-
mission measurements), the detector is positioned in 
Am	 (Continued overleal) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19680000316 2020-03-12T06:13:49+00:00Z
line with the incident light through the sample under 
test. In this test cell design, the filter elements with 
lenses are fused into the wall of the cell. 
Small lenses can be used as separate elements in an 
alternative design. A simple technique for making a 
lens is as follows: A platinum wire is formed into a 
ring having a diameter corresponding to the diameter 
of the required lens.. A glob of fused glass is placed in 
the ring which is held perfectly horizontally while the 
glass is allowed to cool slowly to the "solid" state. The 
surface shape of the lens (lens formula) may be cal-
culated very acèurately, as the surface tension of the 
fused glass (which produces a meniscus) is constant 
over the entire area of contact with the platinum ring. 
Small lenses of this character cannot be ground to the 
degree of accuracy achieved by this technique. The 
molten glass can be mixed with appropriate coloring
materials to produce built-in lens-filter combinations. 
A flat ring of platinum or gold is used when an appre-
ciable thickness or lens barrel is desired. The surface 
shapes of the lenses can be controlled by rolling the 
ring or sleeve during cooling of the fused glass. Accu-
rate control of the focal length of the lens may be 
accomplished by using a predetermined weight of the 
glass applied to the ring or sleeve. 
Patent status: 
Title to this invention has been waived under the 
provisions of the National Aeronautics and Space Act 
[42'S U.S.C. 2457 (f)], to the California Institute Re-
search Foundation, 1201 E. California Boulevard, 
Pasadena, California 91109.
Source: F. C. Haley
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
(NPO-10233) 
Brief 68-10316	 Category 01


Optimetric system facilitates colorimetric and fluorometric measurements

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