Two-Channel Detecting Sensor with Signal Cross-Correlation for FTIR Instruments

This paper’s purpose was to demonstrate a performance of a novel approach in a low-noise optical sensor for an FTIR spectrometer. Methods: Compared to the standard FTIR detection setup, our sensor ensures a higher signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower signal standard deviation by reducing the uncorrelated noise components (e.g., thermal and 1/f noises of the detection module). Its construction is based on two-channel detection modules and a processing unit with implemented cross-correlation signal analyses. Each module was built of LWIR HgCdTe photodiodes and low-noise transimpedance amplifiers. Results: the experiments demonstrated a decrease in a signal standard deviation of about 1.7 times with a 10 dB-improvement in the SNR. Conclusion: this result indicates our sensor’s main benefit, especially in registered “weak” and noisy interferograms.