An optical probe for use in infrared, near infrared, Raman, and other
spectrometers includes a probe outer surface with a cavity defined
therein. The probe emits light into a sample via emission locations on
the probe outer surface, at least one being in the cavity. The light
emitted into the sample is then collected at collection locations which
include at least two of (a) a reflectance collection location situated on
the probe outer surface for collecting diffusely reflected light from any
adjacent sample; (b) a transmittance collection location situated in the
cavity and receiving light transmitted across the cavity from an emission
location situated on an opposite side of the cavity; and (c) a
transflectance collection location situated in the cavity and receiving
transflected light emitted from an emission location in the cavity, with
such light being reflected from a side of the cavity opposite the
transflectance collection location.