Patent attributes
An interferometer for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy includes a fixed assembly including a housing, a beam splitter, and a mirror fixedly positioned relative to each other. A movable assembly includes a housing, a mirror, and a motor coil, fixedly positioned relative to each other. A first flat spring has an opening for providing an unobstructed optical path of radiation therethrough. A first end of the first flat spring is secured to the fixed assembly and a second end of the first flat spring is secured to the movable assembly for providing movement of the movable assembly relative to the fixed assembly via the first flat spring. An optical relationship between the beam splitter, the mirror of the fixed assembly, and the mirror of the movable assembly is maintained independent of a distance between the movable assembly and the fixed assembly.