Optical probes and methods for spectral analysis

摘要

The present invention relates to spectral analysis systems and methods for determining physical and chemical properties of a sample by measuring the optical characteristics of light emitted from the sample. In one embodiment, a probe head (100) for use with a spectrometer includes a reflector (118) for illuminating a sample volume (150) disposed circumferentially about the light source (140) of the probe head. In another embodiment, a probe head (501) includes an optical blocking element (550) for forcing the optical path between the light source (540) and an optical pick-up (590) optically connected to the spectrometer into the sample. The probe head also includes a reference shutter (520) for selectively blocking light emitted from the sample from reaching the optical pick-up facilitate calibration of the spectrometer.