Patent ID: 8163241

Claim:
An optical probe for detecting luminescence emitted by a sample comprising: a parabolic optical waveguide; an outer housing configured to hold said optical waveguide having a detachable component; a waveguide mount between said outer housing and said detachable component configured to hold said waveguide in place; a sensing material for detection of at least one analyte; an excitation source comprising an LED configured to pass light through a half-ball focusing lens which focuses light onto said sensing material to excite said sensing material; an emission filter configured to allow emitted light to pass; collection optics to focus emitted light onto a photodetector; and a measuring photodetector that detects emitted luminescence after passing through said collection optics; wherein the excitation source is provided in the direct optical path between the sensing material and the measuring photodetector, the optical probe being adapted for handheld use.