Optical probes and methods for spectral analysis
First Claim
1. A probe head for use with a spectrometer to analyze a material, the probe head comprising:
- a light source arranged to irradiate a sample volume of the material proximate the probe head;
an optical pick-up arranged to receive light emitted from the irradiated sample volume and transmit the emitted light to the spectrometer, a shaft having a longitudinal axis and housing the light source and the optical pick-up, and a reflector positioned within the shaft and having a first reflective surface for reflecting light from the light source through a wall of the shaft and into the sample volume to irradiate the sample volume, and having a second reflective surface for reflecting light emitted from the sample to the optical pick-up.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to spectral analysis systems and methods for determining physical and chemical properties of a sample by measuring the optical characteristics of light emitted from the sample. In one embodiment, a probe head for use with a spectrometer includes a reflector for illuminating a sample volume disposed circumferentially about the light source of the probe head. In another embodiment, a probe head includes an optical blocking element for forcing the optical path between the light source and an optical pick-up optically connected to the spectrometer into the sample. The probe head also includes a reference shutter for selectively blocking light emitted from the sample from reaching the optical pick-up to facilitate calibration of the spectrometer.
177 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A probe head for use with a spectrometer to analyze a material, the probe head comprising:
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a light source arranged to irradiate a sample volume of the material proximate the probe head;
an optical pick-up arranged to receive light emitted from the irradiated sample volume and transmit the emitted light to the spectrometer, a shaft having a longitudinal axis and housing the light source and the optical pick-up, and a reflector positioned within the shaft and having a first reflective surface for reflecting light from the light source through a wall of the shaft and into the sample volume to irradiate the sample volume, and having a second reflective surface for reflecting light emitted from the sample to the optical pick-up. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
a first window formed in the walls of the shaft for transmitting light reflected from the first reflective surface into the sample volume, and a second window formed in the walls of the shaft for transmitting light emitted from the sample volume to the second reflective surface.
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5. The probe head of claim 4, wherein the first window and the second window are generally annular in shape.
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6. The probe head of claim 5, wherein the first window and the second window are each selectively transmissive about their circumferences.
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7. The probe head of claim 1, wherein the first reflective surface is oriented to reflect at least a portion of the light from the light source in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
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8. A probe head for use with a spectrometer to analyze a material, the probe head comprising:
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a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis;
a light source arranged within the shaft;
a reflector arranged within the shaft a longitudinal distance from the light source to reflect at least a portion of the light from the light source in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft to irradiate a sample volume of the material proximate the probe head; and
an optical pick-up arranged within the shaft to receive light emitted from the irradiated sample volume and transmit the received light to the spectrometer. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of spectroscopically analyzing a material comprising:
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inserting a probe head of a spectrometer into the material along an insertion axis, the probe head emitting light at least generally perpendicular to the insertion axis, moving the probe head along the insertion axis within the material to irradiate, with the probe head, a sample volume of the material, the sample volume extending at least partially about the circumference of the probe head, and analyzing light reflected from the sample volume of material.
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16. A probe head for use with a spectrometer to analyze a flowing material, the probe head comprising:
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a light source arranged to irradiate a sample volume of the flowing material proximate the probe head;
an optical pick-up arranged to receive light emitted from the irradiated sample volume; and
a planing element shaped to cause the probe head to skim the surface of the flowing material when in contact with the flowing material. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19)
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20. A probe assembly for use with a spectrometer to analyze a flowing material, the probe head comprising:
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a housing, having arranged therein, two or more probe heads for use with a spectrometer, wherein each of the probe heads are simultaneously able to irradiate and collect spectral information on the flowing material, and include (a) a light source arranged to irradiate a sample volume of the flowing material proximate the probe head, and (b) an optical pick-up arranged to receive light emitted from the irradiated sample volume;
wherein the housing is shaped for disposal of the probe assembly in the path of the flowing material. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification