US Patent 7274012 Optical fiber probe, light detection device, and light detection method

An optical fiber probe is disclosed that comprises an optical fiber and an optical probe. The optical fiber includes a core though which light emitted from a light source travels. The optical probe is configured to emit the light from a projecting end portion of the core. An inclination angle of a normal line of a part or all of a surface of the optical probe with respect to an optical axis of propagating light that travels through the core is smaller than a total reflection angle of the propagation light but greater than zero degrees.