B&W Tek obtains patent for mounting fiber spectroscopic probes onto microscope

Newark, DE--Optical spectroscopy and laser systems producer B&W Tek has garnered a new patent that covers the design of a spectroscopic probe that mounts directly to a standard microscope in order to add spectroscopic function to the microscope with minimal alteration to the microscope's optical path. This marks the company's 18th patent since its establishment in 1997.

When portable Raman spectrometers were originally attached to standard microscopes in order to convert them to Raman microscopes, it created a smaller form factor than traditional Raman microscopes, but at a cost. In order to accommodate the Raman spectrometer attached, modifications had to be made to the optical path of the microscope, which affected the microscope's original functionality.

The company's probe design was able to resolve these issues: The fiber probe is mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope in order to add a spectroscopic function. It consists of minimal optical components and is compact enough that little alteration is necessary for the optical path of the microscope. Using different excitation wavelengths that are easily reconfigurable, the probe and microscope are able to perform micro-sampling, Raman analysis, and fluorescence analysis.

The technology, for example, has allowed archeologists to perform Raman micro-analysis in the field to measure cave art and paintings on the ceilings of ancient churches, says Travis Thompson, Raman product specialist at B&W Tek.

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