Radiation probe and detecting tooth decay
US8027709B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/3577
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A probe assembly for examining a sample, the assembly including a probe, a fiber optic cable for communicating signals to and/or from the probe, an emitter for emitting radiation to irradiate the sample and an electro-magnetic radiation detector for detecting radiation which is transmitted or reflected from the sample. The emitter includes a frequency conversion member which emits radiation in response to being irradiated with input radiation which has a different frequency to that of the emitted radiation. At least one of the emitter or detector is located in the probe. The probe is particularly for use as an endoscope or for imaging teeth. The invention also extends to a method of imaging teeth, and apparatus for imaging diseased teeth, for example, teeth with caries or suffering from periodontal disease.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.