Abstract: A portable spectral imaging microscope includes a probe head coupled via fiber optic cabling to a laser source and to a spectrograph. The probe head is coupled to a position controller that is mounted on a base suitable for positioning adjacent to a sample. The position controller has five degrees of freedom that permits one to adjust the position and direction of the probe head relative to the sample over a wide range of dimensions and angles. The entire probe head can be easily moved in order to precisely align the objective lens to stationary samples for simultaneous viewing and spectral analysis.

Abstract: For identifying black plastics effectively and rapidly with a laser-powered identification probe, it is desirable to maintain full laser power while reducing the power density. This is achieved by providing the probe with a moving lens that disperses the 0.5 mm laser spot over a larger area typically of about 5 mm in diameter. The entire signal from the larger (5 mm) diameter is collected at the same spot in the fiber bundle within the probe that leads to a Raman or other spectral analyzer. There are no other modifications required for the rest of the system as the moving lens does not affect the collection efficiency of the characteristic signal from the sample.

Abstract: Pulp and/or paper samples are scanned with a Laser Raman Spectroscopic probe, utilizing Raman spectroscopic technology, to generate Raman spectroscopic images of all or selected ones of the constituents and/or contaminants contained in the sample, to compare the same with a library of Raman spectroscopic fingerprints of known constituents and/or contaminants, and to identify and communicate data on all or selected ones of the constituents and/or contaminants for purposes of controlling the paper making process and/or determination of the quality of the paper produced.

Abstract: Pulp and/or paper samples are scanned with a Laser Raman Spectroscopic probe, utilizing Raman spectroscopic technology, to generate Raman spectroscopic images of all or selected ones of the constituents and/or contaminants contained in the sample, to compare the same with a library of Raman spectroscopic fingerprints of known constituents and/or contaminants, and to identify and communicate data on all or selected ones of the constituents and/or contaminants for purposes of controlling the paper making process and/or determination of the quality of the paper produced.

Abstract: A material identification apparatus 10 uses a spectrograph and detector array detecting a Raman spectrum produced by a sample illuminated by a laser source to recognize a variety of materials. The Raman spectra are produced by materials illuminated by an inexpensive near-infrared multimode laser operated in a pulse mode to deliver between 0.05 and 0.5 joules of photon energy, with the Raman spectra being detected before any significant heating of the sample occurs. The identification apparatus 10 qualitatively determines the chemical composition of reinforced and unreinforced copolymers and composites such as ABS, polypropylene, talc-filled polypropylene, polycarbonate, PMMA, PVB, polyethylene, and PVC, from samples of different colors, layers, and textures with a high degree of success without the need for special sample preparation.