Chemical species optical analyzer with multiple fiber channels

An analyzer for measuring properties of multiple chemical samples, comprising:

• a source simultaneously projecting multiple polychromatic light beams corresponding to the chemical samples;
• an AOTF system transmitting a time sequence of selected spectral portions of the light beams, the AOTF system including an AOTF crystal disposed in the light beams;
• sample cell means for exposing each chemical sample to its corresponding light beam to modify the corresponding light beam as a function of the properties of the chemical sample;
• detector means for detecting the light beams after modification by the chemical samples and after transmission by the AOTF system, the detector means providing detector outputs as a function of the properties;
• and
• computing means, receiving the detector outputs, for computing a measurement of each of the properties as a function of the time sequence of the corresponding detector output;
• wherein the AOTF crystal has dimensions adequate to permit shared use of the AOTF crystal with the multiple light beams.

An analyzer for measuring properties of multiple chemical samples, comprising:

• a source projecting light simultaneously along multiple light paths corresponding to the chemical samples, a cross-section of the light forming a light spot elongated along a first axis;
• a filter transmitting a time sequence of selected spectral portions of the light, the filter being stationary relative to the source, and the filter including a filter element positioned at the light spot and so sized as to have a long axis substantially aligned with the first axis;
• sample cell means for exposing each chemical sample to light traveling along the corresponding light path to modify the light as a function of the properties of the chemical sample;
• and
• a detection device detecting the light after modification by the chemical sample and after transmission by the filter, the detection device providing detector outputs as a function of the properties.