Patent ID: 6043895
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A probe for extending inwardly into a sample environment for the emission and/or collection of radiation through a sample, the probe comprises:a) a hollow extended housing having an inwardly projecting end;b) a radiation emission point and/or a radiation collection point defined at an outer end of the housing;c) a window disposed at a sample point located, along the length of, or at the inwardly projecting end of the extended housing;d) an optical fiber passing through the interior of the housing, fixed at its ends with respect to the window and to the radiation emission point or collection point, and aligned in the housing for optical transmission of radiation from the emission point to the window and/or from the window to the collection point;e) a flexible sleeve formed from a structure having a greater flexibility than the optical fiber and surrounding at least a central portion of the optical fiber to provide a fiber and sleeve cable that cushions the optical fiber; andf) a shield, opaque to a selected radiation wave length band, separating the outside of the optical fiber from the inside of the flexible sleeve.