Abstract: A fiber optic probe and optical coupler assembly, and methods for making the assembly and reproducibly aligning a plurality of optical fibers therein. The coupler is used with a probe that includes a housing or probe body, a probe tip, at least one light-transmitting fiber, at least one light-receiving fiber spaced apart from the light-transmitting fiber, and (if desired), in-line devices such as filters and lenses positioned in optical communication with the fibers. The coupler includes at least one aligning pin that helps maintain the transmitting and receiving fibers in precise, reproducible relative alignment therein; thus, the coupler can be cut to install filters and other in-line devices, then readily re-assembled for use with the cut ends precisely and accurately realigned. The coupler is simple and rugged, and can be manufactured and assembled without the need for high-precision machining or optical alignment procedures.

Abstract: A fiber optic Raman probe and optical coupler assembly, and a method for making the assembly and reproducibly aligning a plurality of optical fibers therein. The probe includes a housing or probe body, a probe tip with a window for protecting the interior of the housing, at least one light-transmitting fiber, at least one light-receiving fiber spaced apart from the light-transmitting fiber, an optical coupler, and (if desired), in-line devices such as filters and lenses positioned in optical communication with the fibers. The coupler assembly includes aligning means that helps maintain the fibers in precise, reproducible relative alignment of the fibers; thus, the assembly with the fibers can be cut to install filters and other in-line devices, then readily re-assembled with the cut ends accurately re-aligned, for use. The probe is simple and rugged, and can be manufactured and assembled without the need for high-precision machining or optical alignment procedures.

Abstract: A multiplexed spectrophotometry apparatus, including a rotary multiplexer fitted with a plurality of fiber terminals, a spectrophotometer mounted to the multiplexer and rotatable therewith, and a programmable on-board computer. The spectrophotometer includes precision optics, a charge coupled device (CCD) detector, electronics, and a cooling system, all contained in a compact, streamlined housing that is shaped to promote the radiation of heat from the spectrophotometer and thereby prevent excessive heating during operation of the apparatus. The spectrophotometer is mounted directly to the multiplexer so that any selected terminal can readily be brought into precise, reproducible alignment with the spectrophotometer input. All components of the apparatus are contained in a compact housing adapted for either rack-mounted or bench-top use.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe and optical coupler assembly for light scattering measurements, and a method for making the assembly and aligning a plurality of optical fibers therein. The probe includes a probe body with a window across its tip for protecting the interior, at least one light-transmitting fiber, at least one light-receiving fiber, and (if desired), in-line devices such as filters and lenses positioned in optical communication with the fibers. A fiber optic coupler maintains the relative alignment of the fibers, which can be cut to install filters and other in-line devices. The coupler allows the cut ends to be re-aligned quickly and accurately without the need for time-consuming procedures or costly precision alignment equipment. The probe is simple, rugged, requires no high-precision machining or optical alignment procedures in assembly, and is economical to manufacture.