B&W Tek is awarded patent for mounting fiber spectroscopic probes on to microscope

B&W Tek, Inc., an advanced instrumentation company producing optical spectroscopy and laser systems is pleased to announce its 18th patent since the company’s establishment in 1997. The newest patent has been awarded for 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.

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 innovative probe design from B&W Tek 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.

“We are thrilled to have received our 18th awarded patent,” says Travis Thompson, Raman Product Specialist at B&W Tek. “These types of innovations not only keep B&W Tek on the cutting edge of portable spectroscopy, but also allow us to enable our customers to perform measurements never before thought possible. For example, this technology has allowed archeologists to perform Raman micro analysis in the field to measure things like cave art and even the paintings on the ceilings of ancient churches.”

To view the official United States Patent awarded to B&W Tek, for “Fiber Spectroscopic Probe Mountable On A Microscope” patent number US 8,135,249, contact one of our sales specialists by calling 302-368-7924.

To learn more about B&W Tek, please visit www.bwtek.com