Method and apparatus for the measurement of low-level laser- induced fluorescence

摘要

A method and apparatus for measuring low-level laser-induced fluorescence are disclosed. A laser is used to produce a coherent beam of light which is sequentially passed through a beam expander, iris diaphram, focusing lens and three-dimensional scanner before being focused onto a rigidly mounted target. A computer is used to predeterminately control the pattern and the rate at which the scanner passes the beam of light over the target. The light transmitted onto the target induces fluorescent light in the target. The fluorescent light is sequentially gathered by a biased cut optical fiber member and directed into a photomultiplier tube where the intensity of the fluorescent light is measured. The intensity data is then digitized and recorded by the computer as a function of the coordinates of each preprogrammed point location of the beam impinging upon the target. This data is used to produce an image of all or a portion of the target on a visual monitor. In addition, the data can be recalled and used for further analysis of the target.