A FIBER OPTIC PROBE FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ONE OR MORE SUBSTANCES WITHIN A MEDIUM

摘要

A fiber optic probe for detecting the presence or absence of one or more substances within a medium. The probe comprises at least one illuminating optical fiber for guiding excitation light from a light source to be launched from an end face of the illuminating optical fiber. A film or an immersion medium is provided for emitting light when illuminated by the excitation light. The emitted light has a central wavelength that is different than a central wavelength of the excitation light. At least one receiving optical fiber is provided to receive and guide the emitted light. The receiving fiber may be a photonic crystal fiber having an end portion which is a solid segment of glass for improved light collection efficiency. A lens may be provided at the end of the receiving fiber. Detection means are provided for detecting light from the receiving optical fiber.