Importance

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Abstract

An infrared source for use in an infrared spectrometer includes an insulator core having a containment cavity, an outlet port in communication with the containment cavity, and an electrically heated infrared element mounted in the containment cavity with a portion thereof facing the outlet port and with the walls of the containment cavity closely spaced to the infrared element. The insulator core is formed of a ceramic fiber material which has excellent resistance to heat and very low thermal conductivity so that very little heat from the infrared element escapes from the insulator core except as infrared radiation through the outlet port. The insulator core is preferably mounted within a central cavity of a metal housing, and may be sealed off from the ambient atmosphere by an infrared transmissive window sealed to an outlet opening in the housing. The electrical supply lines from the infrared element may extend through an opening in the housing which is closed and sealed to inhibit the passage of gases from the ambient atmosphere into the interior of the housing. Where the infrared element is sealed off from the ambient atmosphere in this manner, potentially corrosive gases will be inhibited from reaching the hot infrared element. This containment of the infrared element within the insulator core allows the element to be maintained at a desired temperature for radiating infrared for use in analytical instruments such as infrared spectrometers, while consuming very low amounts of electrical power.

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First Claim