Patent ID: 6870612
Filing Date: 2005-03-22
Classification: G01N,G02B

Abstract:
1. A spectroscopic microscope for evaluating a characteristic of a sample, the microscope comprising: a source of spectral energy, a probe head having an objective lens for directing spectral energy from the source toward said sample, optical transmission elements within the probe head defining an optical path between the source of spectral energy and the objective lens, collection elements within the probe head coupled to the objective lens including an optical filter for receiving energy returned from the sample, an optical image collection device coupled to the collection elements for extracting a visual image of the sample from energy reflected from the optical filter, a spectral collection device coupled to the collection elements for extracting a spectral characteristic of the sample from energy passing through the optical filter, a base adapted to be situated adjacent to the sample and a position controller coupled to the base and the probe head for adjusting the position of the objective lens with respect to the sample, the relative position being ascertained at least in part by observation of the visual image of the sample derived from the optical image collection device.