In situ microscope imaging system for examining subsurface environments

摘要

A microscope imaging system comprises a tube including a bore and a sidewall having an aperture; an optically transparent window positioned in the aperture; a light source for generating first light signals which are directed at diffuse angles through the window; an imaging system mounted in the bore for detecting second light signals which enter the bore through the window; and a first lens system for focusing the second light signals onto the imaging system. The system may also include a focusing system for changing the distance between the imaging system and the first lens system, and a fluid delivery system for ejecting a chemical indicator reagent from the probe as it is being deployed through the ground. The reagent is dispersed from the tube in the vicinity of the optical window so that it comes into direct contact with the soil outside the tube near the window. The reagent reacts with a chemical or biological constituent of interest that may be present in the soil to produce a detectable optical response when exposed to a suitable light source.