This course teaches the fundamentals of Fourier transform spectroscopy instrumentation (Michelson interferometer-based spectrometers). The first part provides an introduction to the design of Fourier transform spectrometers, which include the optical, mechanical and the electrical design elements. Discussions include the designs and/or appropriate selections of light sources, photo-detectors, optics, and interferometer drive systems, signal processing electronics and post-processing algorithms. The second part focuses on hardware and procedural optimizations that are done to improve experimental results in various applications. Understanding and identification of the limiting source(s) of noise enable smart and justifiable approaches to increase signal-to-noise ratio.

This course teaches the instrumentation fundamentals of popular UV – IR spectrometers including the Fourier transform spectrometer, monochromator, spectrograph, filter-based spectrometer and tunable laser spectrometer. The course aims at providing attendees with quantitative and objective methods to compare key performance metrics of the various spectrometers mentioned above. The metrics include signal-to-noise ratio, sensitivity, detection limit, dynamic range, spectral bandwidth and resolution. You will learn the design trade space of each instrument and tradeoffs between the instruments. Practical considerations including cost, ruggedness and operation requirements are also discussed. Real-world examples encompassing UV – IR spectrum and various spectroscopy applications are included.