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US 2004/0105607 A1Published application
Method and apparatus for continuous measurement of the refractive index of fluid
AssigneeUniversity of South Florida
InventorsAndres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Eric Toby Steimle, Robert H. Byrne
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method are herein disclosed which utilize a ratio based on a varied angle of incidence of light on an optical fiber analysis system. By calculating the ration of light incident on the sample element, variations in the system parameters which can provide deleterious effects are obviated.
Claims24
An apparatus for determining the refractive index of a fluid comprising:
- a. a light source means;
- b. a detection means;
- said detection means located at a position remote from said light source means, whereby an optical pathway is defined by the spatial relationship of said light source means and said detection means;
- c. an optical element;
- said optical element located intermediate said light source means and said detection means and in communication with said optical pathway, said optical element being adapted to change the optical pathway such that it travels in a non-linear pathway throughout the extent of said optical element;
- and
- d. a light altering means;
- said light altering means located between said light source means and said optical element, said light altering means adapted to change the angle of the optical pathway prior to its entry into the optical element.
5 more elements
A method of determining refractive index comprising;
- a. providing a light source means;
- b. providing a detection means;
- said light source and said detection means located at positions remote from each other and defining an optical pathway;
- c. providing an optical element;
- said optical element being located at a point intermediate to both said light source means and said detection means and in communication with said optical pathway, said optical element adapted to interact with said optical pathway;
- and
- d. providing a light altering means;
- said light altering means being located between said light source means and said optical element, wherein said light altering means changes the geometry of said optical pathway.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.