Self-referencing instrument and method thereof for measuring electromagnetic properties

A self-referencing instrument for measuring properties of electromagnetic radiation, comprising:

• a source of the electromagnetic radiation;
• a mounting member to which a sample can be coupled, the mounting member moving the sample such that, in a first position, the electromagnetic radiation impinges on the sample, and, in a second position, the electromagnetic radiation passes through an opening of the mounting member, such that the electromagnetic radiation does not impinge on the sample;
• a detection unit for receiving the electromagnetic radiation and generating signals therefrom, the detection unit receiving the electromagnetic radiation from the sample and generating a sample signal when the sample is in the first position, and the detection unit receiving the electromagnetic radiation from the source and generating a reference signal when the sample is in the second position;
• and
• a processor coupled to the detection unit for processing the reference signal and the sample signal;
• wherein the mounting member can move the sample between the first and second positions such that multiple reference signals can be generated to correspond with multiple sample signals;
• wherein, when the sample is in the first position, the electromagnetic radiation received by the detection unit is transmitted through the sample;
• and
• wherein, when the sample is in the first position, the electromagnetic radiation received by the detection unit is reflected from the sample.