Patent ID: 7873397
Filing Date: 2011-01-18
Classification: A61B,G01J,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of performing Raman spectroscopy, comprising the steps of: illuminating a target with light from a light source, with at least some of the light penetrating the target; collecting, with collection optics, at least a portion of the light that penetrates the target from a region on the target's surface not directly illuminated by the step of illuminating, wherein at least a majority of the light collected by the step of collecting is light that penetrates the target; analyzing, with Raman spectroscopic instrumentation, a spectrum of at least a portion of the light collected by the step of collecting; and wherein the light that illuminates the target is in a pattern that partially but not completely surrounds the region from which the portion of the light that penetrates the target is collected.