A Microprocessor-Controlled Time-Domain Spectrometer

Time-domain spectroscopy, like other complex measurements, can be enhanced by the use of microprocessors in two main areas. One is to provide the required data processing and the other is to simplify the man-machine interface. This paper describes a spectrometer in which a single microprocessor performs both aforementioned tasks. A high-speed floating-point mathematical unit operates as a slave to the microprocessor, thus enabling it to perform various processing functions necessary for spectroscopic measurements. The relative complexity of the measurement is also softened through utilization of the microprocessor as a controller.