Transverse Optical Transmission Probe

A transverse optical transmission probe for analyzing a sample comprising:

• a probe body;
• first and second optical fibers in the probe body, each optical fiber having a distal end,
• a probe tip connected to the probe body;
• first and second optical elements in the probe tip that protrude into the sample and define a sample gap therebetween through which the sample passes;
• the first optical fiber configured for transmitting radiation from an instrument to the probe tip and the second optical fiber returning sample affected radiation from the probe tip to the instrument;
• said first optical element configured for receiving the radiation transmitted by the first optical fiber and transmitting the radiation across the sample gap and through the sample to form the sample-affected radiation within the sample gap,
• said second optical element configured for receiving the sample-affected radiation from the sample gap and transmitting the sample-affected radiation to the second optical fiber;
• and
• at least one lensed surface that causes the distal end of the first optical fiber to be imaged onto the distal end of the second optical fiber.