Optical head probe using a gradient index lens and optical fibers

Abstract

An optical probe head for determining properties of the sample as a function of the depth of the sample, which is made up of a gradient index lens, at least one face of which is in contact with the sample, a number of transmitting optical fibers, preferably made up of a number of concentrically located sets, for inputting radiation into the gradient index lens in at least two optical locations, a mechanism for cycling the input radiation among the transmitting optical fibers, a receiving optical fiber, preferably centrally located, for receiving reflected radiation and a mechanism for processing the reflected radiation to obtain depth-related reflection information.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.