Patent ID: 6501542
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
A method comprising the steps of:moving a probe towards an object, wherein the probe provides light to an object from at least one light source, and receives light from the object through at least one light receiver, wherein the light source has a first numerical aperture during at least a portion of the movement of the probe towards the object; moving the probe away from the object, wherein the probe provides light to the object from the at least one light source, and receives light from the object through the at least one light receiver, wherein the light source has a second numerical aperture during at least a portion of the movement of the probe away from the object; determining the intensity of light received by the at least one light receiver during the movement of the probe towards the object and during the movement away from the object; and measuring the optical characteristics of the object, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the object.