Spectrally-encoded endoscopy techniques, apparatus and methods

Abstract

Exemplary apparatus for method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration. For example, it is possible to modify a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration to have respective predetermined lengths, and also to modify a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length. Further, the modified spacer and modified lens optics configurations can be attached to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration. The modified dispersive optics configuration can be attached to a substrate to form to form a grating substrate configuration. Additionally, the combined spacer-lens optics configuration can be connected to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration can be connected to the modified attached lens optics configuration to form the spectral encoding endoscopy configuration(s) which can extends along a particular axis. The dispersive optics configuration can be modified to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the particular axis.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A spectral encoding endoscopy apparatus, comprising:
 an lens optics configuration;   a spacer configuration, wherein respective predetermined lengths of the spacer configuration and the lens optics configuration are changed by altering respective physical aspects thereof; and   a dispersive optics configuration being modifiable to have a further predetermined length,   wherein the changed spacer and changed lens optics configurations are attached to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration,   wherein the modified dispersive optics configuration is attached to a substrate to form a grating substrate configuration; and the combined spacer-lens optics configuration is connected to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration is connected to the changed attached lens optics configuration to form the at least one spectral encoding endoscopy apparatus which extends along a particular axis, and   wherein the dispersive optics configuration is modified to be at a predetermined angle with respect to the particular axis.