Abstract: Systems and methods for measurement and inspection of a specimen are provided. One system includes a contact image sensor configured to inspect a surface of the specimen, an area imaging device configured to form an image of a front side of the specimen, a reflectometer configured to measure an intensity of light reflected from the front side of the specimen, and a processing device configured to detect defects on the surface of the specimen and to determine a characteristic of a structure on the front side of the specimen. One method includes inspecting a surface of the specimen with a contact image sensor to detect defects on the surface of the specimen, forming an image of a front side of the specimen, and measuring an intensity of light reflected from the front side of the specimen to determine a characteristic of a structure on the front side of the specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-clearing objective for directing a beam towards a sample and clearing away debris from an optical viewing path adjacent to the sample. The self-clearing objective includes an optical element and a substantially transparent fluid flowing between the optical element and the sample such that at least a portion adjacent to the sample is substantially cleared of debris. The optical element and the fluid cooperatively direct the beam towards the sample. This self-clearing objective may be coupled with various measurement devices to measure various characteristics of samples having debris that prevents clear optical measurements. Additionally, the measurement device may be integrated with or coupled to various sample processing systems so that the relevant process may be clearly monitored.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe is disclosed for delivering laser radiation from a medical laser system to a treatment site. The probe includes a handpiece having an axial channel. The axial channel includes an intermediate mating region of reduced diameter. A tip piece having a fiber located therein is mounted on the front end of the handpiece. The input end of the fiber is mounted in a ferrule which is received in the reduced diameter mating region of the handpiece. A tail piece which includes an optical fiber is mounted at the rear end of the handpiece. The delivery end of the fiber in the tail piece is mounted in a ferrule and is also received in the mating region of the handpiece. The two ferrules are spring biased together to maximize coupling efficiency.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to an apparatus for selectively intercepting and redirecting a beam from a laser. The apparatus is particularly suited for use in a photocoagulator having an argon laser and a dye laser which are rigidly mounted to a housing. A set of fixed optical elements are provided for directing the beam of the argon laser to the cavity of the dye laser to pump the dye laser. The subject apparatus selectively intercepts and redirects the argon laser beam from its initial path to the dye laser to an alternative path out of the photocoagulator. In this manner, the wavelengths available from the argon laser can also be utilized to perform surgery. The apparatus for selecting the argon beam includes a pivotally mounted frame which is easily aligned and can reliably maintain that alignment.