Patent ID: 6704109
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: G01F,G01N,G02B

Abstract:
An optical apparatus for investigating a fluid stream, comprising:a) an optical probe adapted to be inserted into the fluid stream; b) a light emitting diode (LED) light source which emits light at first wavelengths capable of causing natural fluorescence of the fluid stream at second wavelengths greater than said first wavelengths; c) a short pass filter adjacent said LED light source and adapted to block light at wavelengths greater than said first wavelengths; d) a dichroic mirror angled relative to said LED and adapted to reflect said light at said first wavelengths and to pass light at said wavelengths greater than said first wavelengths; e) a first optical fiber optically coupled to said optical probe; f) a lens adapted to focus light reflected by said dichroic mirror onto said first fiber optic, said lens being angled relative to said LED; g) a long pass filter adapted to block light at said first wavelengths, said long pass filter receiving and passing light at said second wavelengths received by said probe as a result of said natural fluorescence of the fluid stream; and h) a fluorescence detector which receives light passed by said long pass filter.