Patent ID: 8724107

Claim:
An annular optical device ( 100 ), comprising: a. an annular meso-optic ( 1 ) including an annulus ( 11 ) centered about an axis of revolution (A); and b. 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 ) comprising 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 re-directed radiation from the specimen is allowed into the annular meso-optic ( 1 ) by the secondary optical structure ( 2 ) if an angle of incidence of the re-directed radiation exceeds the angle of Total Internal Reflectance.