Probe assemblies for Raman spectroscopy
First Claim
1. A Raman spectrometer probe comprising:
- an input fiber through which radiation can propagate to irradiate a sample;
a collection fiber through which radiation scattered by the sample can be coupled to a detector;
an optical head assembly defining an input path and an output path, wherein the input path comprises at least one light directing element that receives excitation radiation from the input fiber and directs it to the sample and the output path further includes at least light collecting element that collects radiation scattered by the sample and couples the scattered radiation into the collection fiber;
a sampling tube defining collinear input and output beam paths for transmitting light to a sample and collecting light scattered by the sample; and
a removable end cap adapted to mate with the sampling tube and including a fluid impervious window.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Raman spectroscopy probe assemblies are disclosed for use with portable and/or handheld analyzers. The probes are also adaptable to sample liquids, and/or powders, tablets and/or other solids and are capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. The probes include an optical head assembly, associated optical fibers and replaceable sampling tubes. In one aspect of the invention, a simple orthogonal optical head assembly is disclosed that does not require collinear optical paths. The orthogonal arrangement of input and captured light paths also reduces the need for precise alignment of the optical components. The orthogonal optical head assemblies of the present invention are well suited to accommodate the shutoff mechanisms of the present invention. In another aspect of the invention, sampling tubes, and replaceable end caps for such tubes, are disclosed that facilitate hand measurements of substances.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A Raman spectrometer probe comprising:
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an input fiber through which radiation can propagate to irradiate a sample;
a collection fiber through which radiation scattered by the sample can be coupled to a detector;
an optical head assembly defining an input path and an output path, wherein the input path comprises at least one light directing element that receives excitation radiation from the input fiber and directs it to the sample and the output path further includes at least light collecting element that collects radiation scattered by the sample and couples the scattered radiation into the collection fiber;
a sampling tube defining collinear input and output beam paths for transmitting light to a sample and collecting light scattered by the sample; and
a removable end cap adapted to mate with the sampling tube and including a fluid impervious window. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. A Raman spectrometer probe comprising:
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an input fiber through which radiation can propagate to irradiate a sample;
a collection fiber through which radiation scattered by the sample can be coupled to a detector;
an optical head assembly defining an input path and an output path, wherein the input path comprises at least one light directing element that receives excitation radiation from the input fiber and directs it to the sample and the output path further includes at least light collecting element that collects radiation scattered by the sample and couples the scattered radiation into the collection fiber;
a sampling tube defining collinear input and output beam paths for transmitting light to a sample and collecting light scattered by the sample; and
a removable end cap adapted to mate with the sampling tube and including a calibration material. - View Dependent Claims (4)
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5. A Raman spectrometer probe comprising:
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an input fiber through which radiation can propagate to irradiate a sample;
a collection fiber through which radiation scattered by the sample can be coupled to a detector;
an optical head assembly defining an input path and an output path, wherein the input path comprises at least one light directing element that receives excitation radiation from the input fiber and directs it to the sample and the output path further includes at least light collecting element that collects radiation scattered by the sample and couples the scattered radiation into the collection fiber;
a sampling tube defining collinear input and output beam paths for transmitting light to a sample and collecting light scattered by the sample, and including a sampling tube lens disposed therein for focusing the excitation radiation; and
a removable end cap adapted to mate with the sampling tube, wherein the removable end cap is sized such that radiation is focused by the sampling tube lens in a region at the distal end of the removable end cap. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7)
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8. A Raman spectrometer probe comprising:
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an input fiber through which radiation can propagate to irradiate a sample;
a collection fiber through which radiation scattered by the sample can be coupled to a detector;
an optical head assembly defining an input path and an output path, wherein the input path comprises at least one light directing element that receives excitation radiation from the input fiber and directs it to the sample and the output path further includes at least light collecting element that collects radiation scattered by the sample and couples the scattered radiation into the collection fiber;
the input and output paths of the head assembly are substantially orthogonal and the head assembly further comprises a dichroic mirror that directs the excitation radiation to the sample by reflection and transmits scattered radiation returning from the sample to the output path; and
the optical head assembly further comprising a beam energy dump for absorbing radiation from the input path that is not reflected by the dichroic mirror. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification