Optical probe having and methods for difuse and uniform light irradiation
US6487440B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B23/2469
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A variety of optical probes and methods have utility in the examination of various materials, especially materials in the interior of cavities having restricted access through orifices or passageways. One type of such optical probe is elongated and includes a distal optical window, a divergent light source, a spatial mixer, and a light collector. Light from the light source is mixed in the spatial mixer to achieve uniform diffuse light in the vicinity of the optical window. The light collector receives light from the target through the spatial mixer. The optical probe may be made of two sections, a reusable section and a disposable. The disposable is elongated and contains a mounting section, an inside surface suitable for the spatial mixing of light, and an optical element which helps to seal the reusable probe section from the target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.