# US 2015/0146201 A1 · Optical probe with extended working distance > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2015/0146201 A1 - Document ID: US20150146201A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/875,671 - Filed: 2013-05-02 - Published: 2015-05-28 - Earliest claimed: 2013-05-02 - Inventors: Michael Burka; Stephen McLaughlin; Malcolm C. Smith; Jie Zhang - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20150146201A1 ## CPC - G01J 3/0218: {using optical fibers} - G01J 3/021: {using plane or convex mirrors, parallel phase plates, or particular reflectors} - G01J 3/0221: {the fibers defining an entry slit} - G01J 3/44: Raman spectrometry; Scattering spectrometry {; Fluorescence spectrometry} - G01N 21/65: Raman scattering - G02B 6/262: {Optical details of coupling light into, or out of, or between fibre ends, e.g. special fibre end shapes or associated optical elements} - G01J: MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY (light sources F21, H01J, H01K, H05B; investigating properties of materials by optical means G01N) - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) - G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS ## Abstract A side-looking optical probe for a Raman spectroscopy system is provided. The probe includes: a base for mounting the probe to an optical assembly of the system; and a prism mounted to the base, the prism configured for receiving signal light from a sample and providing the signal light to the system. A method of fabrication and a spectrometer are provided. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A side-looking optical probe for a Raman spectroscopy system, the probe comprising: a base for mounting the probe to an optical assembly of the system; and a prism mounted to the base, the prism configured for receiving signal light from a sample and providing the signal light to the system. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the prism comprises a right angle prism. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the prism comprises an optical glass including a refractive index, n, that is at least 1.4. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the prism comprises a hard coat disposed thereon. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, further comprising at least another optical element. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The probe as in claim 5, wherein the optical element comprises a focusing lens. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the prism is further configured for illuminating the sample. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the base is adapted for clamping to the optical assembly. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the base is configured with one of a snap-on, clamp-on, screw-on, slide-and-lock-on arrangement for mating with the optical assembly. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the prism comprises sapphire. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The probe is in claim 1, wherein the prism comprises borosilicate glass. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the prism comprises fused silica. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The probe as in claim 1, wherein the prism comprises an optical glass. ### Claim 14 A method for fabricating a side-looking optical probe for a Raman spectroscopy system, the method comprising: selecting a base for mounting the probe to an optical assembly of the system; and mounting a prism to the base, the prism configured for receiving signal light from a sample and providing the signal light to the system. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The method as in claim 14, further comprising selecting a prism that includes at least one of sapphire, borosilicate glass, and fused silica. ### Claim 16 (depends on 14) The method as in claim 14, further comprising disposing a hard coat onto the prism. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The method as in claim 14, further comprising selecting a prism that exhibits a refractive index, n, that is at least 1.4. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) The method as in claim 14, wherein the prism comprises an optical glass. ### Claim 19 A Raman spectroscopy system, comprising: a Raman spectrometer comprising a laser light source and a signal analyzer, the light source configured for illuminating a sample and the analyzer configured for analyzing signal light; a fiber optic assembly configured for receiving light from the light source and receiving signal light from a sample; and and a side-looking probe optically mounted to the fiber optic assembly, the side-looking probe comprising a prism configured for receiving signal light from the sample and providing the signal light to the spectrometer. ### Claim 20 A method of using a Raman spectroscopy system, the method comprising: selecting a Raman spectroscopy system that comprises a side-looking probe, the probe comprising a prism mounted to a fiber optic assembly, the prism configured for receiving signal light from a sample and providing the signal light to the system; and analyzing a sample with the system. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The method as in claim 20, wherein the analyzing comprises at least one of illuminating the sample with light from the system and receiving signal light with the system. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) The method as in claim 20, further comprising orienting the side-looking probe to provide a substantially side-looking measurement.