Mid infrared transmitting fiber optic based otoscope for non contact tympanic membrane thermometry

An otoscope for measuring the temperature of a tympanic membrane on the basis of mid-infrared radiation emitted by the tympanic membrane, comprising:

• (a) a speculum;
• (b) a waveguide for conducting the mid-infrared radiation from the tympanic membrane, said waveguide having:
• (i) a distal end for receiving the mid-infrared radiation from the tympanic membrane, and
• (ii) a proximal end;
• (c) an optical mechanism for directly observing a position of said distal end of said waveguide relative to the tympanic membrane to determine a distance of said distal end of said waveguide from the tympanic membrane;
• (d) a positioning mechanism for moving said waveguide within said speculum to position said distal end of said waveguide at a desired said distance from the tympanic membrane;
• and
• (e) a radiometer optically coupled to said proximal end of said waveguide, said radiometer including a mid-range infrared sensor.