Abstract: Various systems and methods of monitoring laser safety by sensing contact of the system with a sample are provided. The system includes a focusing element for focusing an incident light from a laser light source onto a sample, an optical element having a collection zone for collecting a signal from the sample, a reflected light sensor for sensing a reflected light from the sample, wherein the reflected light sensor is located outside the collection zone of the optical element and on an inner surface of a housing of the system, an electrical circuit operably connected to the reflected light sensor and the laser light source and configured to control power to the laser light source in accordance with the reflected light sensed by the reflected light sensor and a spectral analyzer for processing the signal. Methods and other systems are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: Various systems and methods of monitoring laser safety by sensing contact of the system with a sample are provided. The system includes a focusing element for focusing an incident light from a laser light source onto a sample, an optical element having a collection zone for collecting a signal from the sample, a reflected light sensor for sensing a reflected light from the sample, wherein the reflected light sensor is located outside the collection zone of the optical element and on an inner surface of a housing of the system, an electrical circuit operably connected to the reflected light sensor and the laser light source and configured to control power to the laser light source in accordance with the reflected light sensed by the reflected light sensor and a spectral analyzer for processing the signal. Methods and other systems are also described and illustrated.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for stabilizing an optical, thermal, and mechanical interface between a spectroscopic and/or imaging system and a biological sample. The apparatus includes a window retainer having a retainer surface and a well. The retainer surface surrounds the well. Further, the retainer surface is substantially planar. An optical window is located in the well. The optical window comprises a first and second surface. The second surface is in contact with the window retainer. The first surface is substantially flush with the retainer surface. The apparatus further includes an attachment mechanism coupling the window retainer to the biological sample such that a fluid, gel, adhesive or elastomer interposed between the optical window and the biological sample is trapped in the well.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for stabilizing an optical, thermal, and mechanical interface between a spectroscopic and/or imaging system and a biological sample. The apparatus includes a window retainer having a retainer surface and a well. The retainer surface surrounds the well. Further, the retainer surface is substantially planar. An optical window is located in the well. The optical window comprises a first and second surface. The second surface is in contact with the window retainer. The first surface is substantially flush with the retainer surface. The apparatus further includes an attachment mechanism coupling the window retainer to the biological sample such that a fluid, gel, adhesive or elastomer interposed between the optical window and the biological sample is trapped in the well.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising an optical window transmits both an excitation beam to a sample and scattered light from the sample which is within the angular range of the collection optics. Scattered light from the sample outside the angular range of the collection optics is re-directed back to the sample by reflection from one or more surfaces of the apparatus. As a result, the magnitude of scattered light collected is increased.