HIGH TEMPERATURE ATR PROBE

摘要

The invention provides an ATR probe (10), comprising an elongate body with a head (100) at one end, which probe is adapted for use with hot sample fluids and has particular benefits when utilising infra-red radiation in the mid-infra-red region ("MIR") of the spectrum; generally accepted as extending over the wavelength range from 3-1 Oµm. In order to address difficulties which arise when conventional ATR materials are utilised to construct such probes, the ATR probe of the invention comprises a hollow waveguide (60,70) disposed in a region of the body exposed to relatively high temperatures, and a solid fibre (20,30) disposed in a region of the body exposed to relatively low temperatures. The waveguide and the fibre are arranged to sequentially convey infra-red radiation to and/or from the probe head. The hollow waveguide preferably comprises a light pipe. Also provided is a diamond ATR head constructed and configured to be utilised at high temperatures, and which enhances the chemical resistance of the ATR probe as a whole to potentially corrosive materials comprised in the sample fluids.