Sample clamp for a spectroscopic instrument
A sample clamp as well as systems incorporating the sample clamp with a spectrometer and methods of using these systems are described. The sample clamp includes a first jaw connected to a second jaw by a hinge oriented in the direction of a first axis. The sample claim also includes a substantially cylindrical space oriented longitudinally in the direction of the first axis, defined by a first inner surface of the first jaw and a second inner surface of the second jaw, and configured for clamping a cylindrical object therein. Additionally, the sample clamp includes a conduit oriented in the direction of a second axis and optically connecting the cylindrical space to a first outer surface of the first jaw.
1 . A sample clamp comprising:
a first jaw comprising a first inner surface and a first outer surface;
a second jaw comprising a second inner surface and a lip, wherein the lip contacts the first jaw and the second jaw, thereby providing a light barrier spanning a gap between the first jaw and the second jaw;
a hinge oriented in a direction of a first axis (X), the hinge connecting the first jaw to the second jaw;
wherein a clamping space defined between the first inner surface and the second inner surface is configured for clamping a cylindrical object longitudinally extending in the direction of the first axis;
a conduit extending in a direction of a second axis (Y) for optically connecting the clamping space to the first outer surface; and
an adaptor configured to couple the sample clamp to a spectrometer at more than one tilt angle (α) with respect to the spectrometer.
2 . The sample clamp according to claim 1 further comprising a tensioner holding the first jaw and second jaw in a closed position.
3 . The sample clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the adaptor is configured to couple the spectrometer to the sample clamp at more than one distance along the second axis (Y).
4 . The sample clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the adaptor is configured to detachably attach the sample clamp to the spectrometer.
5 . The sample clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are constructed of light opaque materials.
6 . The sample clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the conduit is positioned approximately equidistant from a first end and a second end of the first jaw.
7 . The sample clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the conduit is positioned approximately equidistant from a top and a bottom of the first jaw.
8 . A system for analysis of a cylindrical object comprising:
the spectrometer and the sample clamp according to claim 1 .
9 . The system according to claim 8 , wherein the spectrometer is attached to the sample clamp.
10 . The system according to claim 8 , wherein the spectrometer is a Raman spectrometer.
11 . The system according to claim 8 , wherein the spectrometer includes a focusing lens that focuses light to a focal point in the clamping space.
12 . A method of analyzing a cylindrical object comprising:
clamping the cylindrical object in the clamping space of the system according to claim 8 ;
sending excitation light from the spectrometer through the conduit and into the cylindrical object;
directing sample light from the cylindrical object through the conduit to the spectrometer; and
analyzing the sample light using the spectrometer.
13 . The method according to claim 12 , wherein cylindrical object is a container containing a sample placed therein prior to clamping the sample.
14 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the container is a syringe.
15 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the container is a tube.
16 . The method according to claim 13 , wherein the container is a cylindrical vial.