Patent ID: 6972409
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: G01J,G01N,G02B

Abstract:
1. A mid-infrared attachment for an infinity-corrected, visible light microscope for spectroscopic analysis of a sample, comprising: a source of infrared radiation having mid-IR radiation commingled with at least some near-IR radiation; a mid-IR radiation detection system; viewing means for near-IR radiation; and a radiation director which: reflects a majority of the mid-IR radiation from the source of infrared radiation along the optical path of the visible light microscope to the sample as well as reflecting a majority of sample encoded mid-IR radiation returning back from the sample to the mid-IR radiation detection system; and splits the near-IR radiation from the source of infrared radiations reflecting a portion of the near-IR radiation along the optical path of the visible light microscope to the sample as well as splitting the sample encoded near-IR radiation returning back from the sample transmitting a portion of the sample encoded near-IR radiation to the viewing means for near-IR radiation; wherein said attachment is insertable into the optical path of the microscope and wherein the near-IR radiation is used to observe the area of the sample illumination by the mid-IR radiation.