A high throughput rapid scanning dispersive spectrometer for longwave infrared absorption spectroscopy

A rapid-scanning spectrometer was constructed to capture several hundred wavenumber wide spectral scans at greater than 1 kHz repetition rate in the longwave infrared. The system, made from commercial-off-the-shelf components, exceeds scan width and repetition rate limitations present in other infrared diagnostics while maintaining better than 10 cm(-1) spectral resolution through its high throughput (f/2) design. Instrument design and construction is discussed in detail, and validation of the spectrometer's ability to capture time resolved spectra in the 800-1400 cm(-1) region at 1.2 kHz was demonstrated through the measurement of organophosphorus chemical nerve agent simulant destruction inside high explosive fireballs.