PARTICLE SENSOR WITH FIBER OPTIC CONDUCTOR

摘要

The new particle sensor (10) is used for assaying particles (59) and includes a light source (11) comprising one or a plurality of light-emitting laser diodes (15). Light rays (29) from each diode (15) propagate along a flexible conduit (23) or "light pipe (27)", preferably a separate fiber optic strand (27a). The sensor (10) has a low voltage power source (19) and drives the diodes (15) at 1-5VDC. Light rays (29) from one or bundled fiber optic strand(s) (27a) is focused by a focusing lens (31) to provide an intense light beam (45) for small-particle detection. For improved design flexibility, the light source (11) may be mounted independently of the light beam long axis (43).