Spectrally encoded miniature endoscopic imaging probe

Abstract

A spectrally encoded endoscopic probe having high resolution and small diameter comprising at least one flexible optical fiber; an energy source; a grating through which said energy is transmitted such that the energy spectrum is dispersed; a lens for focusing the dispersed energy spectrum onto a sample such that the impingement spot for each wavelength is a separate position on the sample, the wavelength spectrum defining a wavelength encoded axis; means for mechanically scanning the sample with focused energy in a direction perpendicular to the wavelength encoded axis; a means for receiving energy reflected from the sample; and, a means for detecting the received reflected energy. The probe grating and lens delivers a beam of multi-spectral light having spectral components extending in one dimension across a target region and which is moved to scan in another direction. The reflected spectrum is measured to provide two dimensional imaging of the region.

1 - 67 . (canceled) 
     
     
         68 . An apparatus, comprising:
 at least one arrangement which includes at least one of an optical fiber or an optical waveguide, and which is provided to illuminate a structure with at least one electro-magnetic radiation, the at least one arrangement including:   a. at least one core region through which a first radiation of at least one electromagnetic radiation is transmitted to the structure,   b. at least one cladding through which a second radiation of the at least one electromagnetic radiation is received from the structure, wherein the first and second radiations are at least partially different from one another, and   c. at least one wavelength dispersive arrangement which is configured to disperse at least one of the first radiation or the second radiation.   
     
     
         69 . The apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein the structure includes a tissue. 
     
     
         70 . The apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein the at least one arrangement in a confocal arrangement. 
     
     
         71 . The apparatus according to  claim 68 , further comprising at least one further arrangement which is configured to receive signals from the at least one cladding, and generate at least one image of the structure based on the signals. 
     
     
         72 . The apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein the at least one wavelength dispersive arrangement is provided in a radiation path between the structure and at least one of the core or the cladding. 
     
     
         73 . The apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein the at least one wavelength dispersive arrangement is provided in a radiation path between the structure and at least one of the core or the cladding. 
     
     
         74 . The apparatus according to  claim 68 , wherein the at least one core region is configured to receive therethrough the second radiation.