Light measuring probes, light measuring systems, and related methods

Abstract

A system for measuring light in a tube is provided. The system includes a tube, a light collecting probe configured to absorb light within the tube, a data acquisition system for determining a level of light associated with light absorbed by the light collecting probe, and a motion system for moving the light collecting probe within the tube.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method of measuring light in a tube, the method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a light collecting probe to absorb light in the tube;   (b) moving the light collecting probe to different locations in the tube using a motion system; and   (c) determining a level of light associated with light absorbed by the light collecting probe at each of the different locations.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (c) includes using a data acquisition system for determining the level of light associated with light absorbed by the light collecting probe at each of the different locations. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the data acquisition system includes a photodetector configured to (i) receive light from the light collecting probe, and (ii) determine the level of light using the light received from the light collecting probe. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the data acquisition system includes an optical spectrometer configured to (i) receive light from the light collecting probe, and (ii) determine the light wavelength distribution using the light received from the light collecting probe. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein step (b) includes moving the light collecting probe along a plurality of motion axes within the tube. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the plurality of motion axes includes at least one linear motion axis and at least one rotative motion axis. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the light collecting probe includes a rod shaped body portion terminating at a light collecting tip portion, the light collecting tip portion having a conical shape. 
     
     
         8 . A light collecting probe comprising:
 a rod shaped body portion terminating at a light collecting tip portion; and   a cap portion for covering the light collecting tip portion to block light from entering the light collecting tip portion, the cap portion defining an aperture configured to allow light to be selectively received by the light collecting tip portion.   
     
     
         9 . The light collecting probe of  claim 8  wherein the aperture is utilized to define an acceptance angle for light received by the light collecting probe.