APPARATUS FOR IN-VITRO IMAGING AND ANALYSIS OF DENTAL SAMPLES

摘要

A detection system is provided for the measurement of in-vitro dental samples. The detection system includes an optical detection module that is configured for the detection of optical signals that are emitted in response to the absorption of an incident optical beam, and a control and processing unit that is configured for processing the detected optical signals and generating an image. The system also includes a sample holder may be removed and subsequently replaced without requiring recalibration of the system. In some embodiments, the optical detection module is configured for combined measurement of photothermal radiation and luminescence in response to the absorption of the incident optical beam.

主权项

1. An apparatus for performing in-vitro measurements on a dental sample, the apparatus comprising:
a housing; an optical detection module provided within said housing, wherein said optical detection module is configured to direct an incident optical beam over a measurement region and to detect optical radiation responsively emitted by the dental sample when at least a portion of the dental sample is positioned at or near the measurement region; a control and processing unit provided within said housing, wherein said control and processing unit is configured to control said optical detection module and to generate an image by processing signals provided by said optical detection module in response to the detection of the optical radiation; a sample holder for supporting the dental sample; and an attachment mechanism provided within said housing for removably securing said sample holder in a pre-selected position and orientation relative to the measurement region; wherein said attachment mechanism and said sample holder are configured such that said sample holder can be removed from the apparatus and subsequently secured by said attachment mechanism without requiring recalibration of a relative position and orientation between the dental sample and the measurement region.