Symmetry X System and Method for Absolute Measurements of Reflectance and Transmittance of Specular Samples

A symmetry X system that has been constructed for the absolute measurements of reflectance and transmittance of specular samples in the infrared region is described. The system has been designed so that it can be incorporated into commercial Fourier-transform infrared spectrometers. Although ten mirrors were used in this system, it is disclosed that the geometric mean of two reflectance values is independent of the reflectance difference of the individual mirrors and the optical loss at each mirror. This system achieves spectral measurements with high accuracy and within a short period of time. In particular, the system affords us the self-diagnostic ability for measured spectra, and the simultaneous measurements of reflectance and transmittance under the same geometry enable us to evaluate measurement uncertainties. Although the symmetry X system is used for infrared spectral measurements, the measurement method, design principles, and features are generally applicable to other wavelengths as well.