Optically reflective sphere for efficient collection of Raman scattered light

Claim 1

A device for Raman scattered light collection and analysis characterized by: a. an internally optically reflective sphere having an illuminating aperture and a detection aperture therein; b. means for placing a material sample entirely in the center of the sphere; c. means for illuminating the material sample through the illuminating aperture such that light is redirected through the sample with reflection from the sphere; and d. detecting means for detecting Raman scattered light which is directed radially outward from the sample through the detection aperture toward the detecting means.

Claim 2

A device for Raman scattered light collection and analysis characterized by: a. an internally optically reflective sphere having an illuminating aperture and a detection aperture therein; b. means for placing a material sample entirely in the center of the sphere; c. means for illuminating the material sample through the illuminating aperture such that light is redirected through the sample with reflection from the sphere; and d. detecting means for detecting Raman scattered light which is directed radially outward from the sample through the detection aperture toward the detecting means.

Claim 8

A device for Raman scattered light collection and analysis comprising: an internally optically reflective sphere; means for placing a material sample in the center of the sphere; means for illuminating the material sample through a first pinhole in the sphere; a second pinhole diametrically opposite the first pinhole and light source; a first concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said second pinhole; a third pinhole displaced from the first and second pinholes; a second concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said third pinhole, the third pinhole and the second mirror being positioned such that the second mirror receives light from the first concave mirror and reintroduces it through the third pinhole into the sphere directed toward the sample; and means for detecting Raman scattered light from the sample.

Claim 9

A device for Raman scattered light collection and analysis comprising: an internally optically reflective sphere; means for placing a material sample in the center of the sphere; means for illuminating the material sample through a first pinhole in the sphere; a second pinhole diametrically opposite the first pinhole and light source; a first concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said second pinhole; a third pinhole displaced from the first and second pinholes; a second concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said third pinhole, the third pinhole and the second mirror being positioned such that the second mirror receives light from the first concave mirror and reintroduces it through the third pinhole into the sphere directed toward the sample; and means for detecting Raman scattered light from the sample.

Claim 10

A device for Raman scattered light collection and analysis comprising: an internally optically reflective sphere; means for placing a material sample in the center of the sphere; means for illuminating the material sample through a first pinhole in the sphere; a second pinhole diametrically opposite the first pinhole and light source; a first concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said second pinhole; a third pinhole displaced from the first and second pinholes; a second concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said third pinhole, the third pinhole and the second mirror being positioned such that the second mirror receives light from the first concave mirror and reintroduces it through the third pinhole into the sphere directed toward the sample; a fourth pinhole opposite said third pinhole; a mirror positioned outside of the sphere behind said fourth pinhole to receive light from the second mirror and focus the light back through the fourth pinhole onto the material sample; and means for detecting Raman scattered light from the sample.

Claim 11

A device for Raman scattered light collection and analysis comprising: an internally optically reflective sphere; means for placing a material sample in the center of the sphere; means for illuminating the material sample through a first pinhole in the sphere; a second pinhole diametrically opposite the first pinhole and light source; a first concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said second pinhole; a third pinhole displaced from the first and second pinholes; a second concave mirror outside of the sphere behind said third pinhole, the third pinhole and the second mirror being positioned such that the second mirror receives light from the first concave mirror and reintroduces it through the third pinhole into the sphere directed toward the sample; a fourth pinhole opposite said third pinhole; a mirror positioned outside of the sphere behind said fourth pinhole to receive light from the second mirror and focus the light back through the fourth pinhole onto the material sample; and means for detecting Raman scattered light from the sample.

Claim 12

A method of analyzing Raman light scattered by a material sample comprising: placing a material sample entirely at the center of an internally, optically reflective sphere; shining light through the material sample and redirecting light through the sample with reflection from the sphere; and through an aperture in the sphere detecting Raman light scattered and directed radially outward from the sample.

Claim 13

A method of analyzing Raman light scattered by a material sample comprising: placing a material sample entirely at the center of an internally, optically reflective sphere; shining light through the material sample and redirecting light through the sample with reflection from the sphere; and through an aperture in the sphere detecting Raman light scattered and directed radially outward from the sample.