Calibration tool for an optical measuring device with an optical fiber probe

• US 7,227,629 B2
• Filed: 06/15/2005
• Issued: 06/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Imalux Corp.
• Original Assignee: Imalux Corp.
• Inventors: Feldchtein, Felix I., Harrington, Stephanie A. S., Breedlove, J. Lloyd
• Primary Examiner(s): Toatley, Jr.; Gregory J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TON, TRI T
• Application Number:
  US11/152,936
• Publication Number:
  US 20050275836A1
• Time in Patent Office: 720 Days
• Field of Search: 356/243.1, 356/51, 356/236, 356/448, 356/364, 356/369, 356 39- 41, 356/479, 356/477, 250/228, 250/340, 250/227.19, 600/331, 600/310
• US Class Current: 356/243.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/27 using photo-electric detection G01N21/31 takes precedence; circuits for computing concentration logarithmic circuits G06G7/24; photometric circuits in general G01J
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/274 Calibration, base line adjustment, drift correction
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/278 Constitution of standards
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/4795 spatially resolved investigating of object in scattering medium in vivo A61B

Abstract

An optical measurement device calibration tool includes an optical probe suitable for calibrating various optical imaging devices, for example, low coherence reflectometers and optical coherence tomography devices. In a preferred embodiment the calibration tool comprises a container containing a calibration substance with stable optical scattering and absorption properties. The calibration substance includes a gel, paste or grease substance and is covered a protective seal, which is at least partially transparent providing optical contact between the optical probe and the calibration substance. The protective seal is covered with a viscous complementary material. Another protective seal made at least partially removable is placed above the viscous complementary material and may serve as a cover for the container. The calibration tool maintains the advantages of calibration tools using liquids and solid states as calibration substance and is more cost-effective and more convenient for calibrating optical measuring devices such as in medical applications.

Claims

1. A calibration tool for an associated optical measurement device with an associated optical probe, comprising:

a container;

a calibration substance with stable optical scattering and absorption properties; and

a first protective seal;

wherein the container is filled at least partially with the calibration substance;

wherein the first protective seal is at least partially transparent; and

wherein the first protective seal has a first surface, which is in optical contact with the calibration substance, and a second surface, which allows for an optical contact with an associated optical probe of an associated optical measurement device.

2. The calibration tool according to claim 1, wherein the calibration substance is viscous.

3. The calibration tool according to claim 1, wherein the first protective seal is pliable.

4. The calibration tool according to claim 3, wherein the first protective seal is made as a polymer membrane.

5. The calibration tool according to claim 1, wherein the calibration substance includes a gel substance.

6. The calibration tool according to claim 1, wherein the calibration substance includes a paste substance.

7. The calibration tool according to claim 1, wherein the calibration substance includes a grease substance.

8. The calibration tool according to claim 7, wherein the grease substance includes a high vacuum grease substance.

9. The calibration tool according to claim 1, wherein the second surface of the first protective seal is covered with a viscous complementary material.

10. The calibration tool according to claim 9, wherein the viscous complementary material includes a gel substance.

11. The calibration tool according to claim 9, wherein the viscous complementary material includes a paste substance.

12. The calibration tool according to claim 9, wherein the viscous complementary material includes a grease substance.

13. The calibration tool according to claim 9, wherein the viscous complementary material includes a wetting agent.

14. The calibration tool according to claim 1, wherein the container is disposable.

15. A calibration tool for an associated optical measurement device with an associated optical probe, comprising:

a container;

a calibration substance with stable optical scattering and absorption properties;

a first protective seal which is at least partially transparent; and

a second protective seal;

wherein the container is filled at least partially with the calibration substance;

wherein the first protective seal has a first surface, which is in optical contact with the calibration substance, and a second surface, which allows for an optical contact with an associated optical probe of an associated optical measurement device;

wherein the second protective seal has a first surface facing the second surface of the first protective seal, and a second surface; and

wherein the second protective seal is made at least partially removable.

16. The calibration tool according to claim 15, wherein the calibration substance includes a grease substance.

17. The calibration tool according to claim 15, wherein the second protective seal is made as a safety cap.

18. The calibration tool according to claim 15, wherein the container is disposable.

19. The calibration tool according to claim 15, wherein the second surface of the first protective seal is covered with a viscous complementary material.

20. The calibration tool according to claim 15, wherein the second surface of the second protective seal serves as a cover for the container.

21. The calibration tool according to claim 15, wherein the container further includes a removable safety cap.