Patent ID: 8675198

Claim:
An annular optical device ( 100 ), comprising: an annular meso-optic ( 1 ) including an annulus ( 11 ) centered about an axis of revolution (A); and a secondary optical structure ( 2 ) substantially coaxial within the annulus ( 11 ) of the annular meso-optic ( 1 ), wherein the secondary optical structure ( 2 ) and the annular meso-optic ( 1 ) are separated by a media ( 12 ) including a media refractive index that is lower than a secondary optical structure refractive index, with the secondary optical structure ( 2 ) being configured to hold a specimen to be radiated by impinging electromagnetic radiation directed into the secondary optical structure ( 2 ) substantially along the axis of revolution (A), wherein scattered radiation from the secondary optical structure ( 2 ) and within the annulus ( 11 ) of the annular meso-optic ( 1 ) is allowed into the annular meso-optic ( 1 ) by the secondary optical structure ( 2 ) if an angle of incidence of the scattered radiation exceeds a predetermined incidence threshold and wherein the annular meso-optic ( 1 ) re-directs the scattered radiation to comprise re-directed radiation that is substantially parallel to the axis of revolution (A).