Patent ID: 6809811
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: G01J,G01N

Abstract:
A shield for protecting an optical probe, comprising:a shell partially enclosing an interior region, said shell comprising: a base portion engaging an end portion of said optical probe; a forward housing joined to said base portion; an opening through said forward housing providing a clear aperture for a focused beam of light directed through said optical probe, said beam of light defining an optical axis; a light collection means disposed at an angle to said optical axis and disposed about an axis oriented to intersect a point of focus of said beam of light; a plenum disposed about and hermetically sealed to a perimeter of said shell; a gas input means hermetically engaged to said plenum; a plurality of spaced orifices disposed along said perimeter, said orifices passing through said shell into said plenum placing said plenum in fluid communication with said interior region; and means for moving a quantity of gas from said gas input means into said interior region and out through said opening.