Abstract: Variants of an interferometric device are developed for examining internal structures of objects by means of optical coherence tomography, which allow for controlling a boundary location of the observation range. The device also allows for correcting a distortion of the tomographic image of the object under study, caused by lateral scanning, due to aberrations of the optical path length for the low-coherence optical radiation directed towards the object. Embodiments of the device include either one, or two fiber-optic controlled scanners, which in different combinations perform a function of in-depth scanning of the coherence window of low-coherence optical radiation within the observation range, a function of controlling a boundary location of the observation range, and a function of compensating the optical path length aberration for the low-coherence optical radiation directed towards the object, caused by lateral scanning.

Abstract: Provided are common path frequency domain and time domain OCT systems and methods that use non-specular reference reflection for obtaining internal depth profiles and depth resolved images of samples. Further provided is a delivering device for optical radiation, preferably implemented as an optical fiber probe with a partially optically transparent non-specular reflector placed in the vicinity of an associated sample. High frequency fringes are substantially reduced and a stable power level of the reference reflection is provided over the lateral scanning range. The partially optically transparent non-specular reflector is implemented as a coating placed on the interior surface of the optical probe window including spots of a metal, or a dielectric coating, separated by elements of another coating or just spaces of a clean substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the scattering elements are made 3-dimensional, having, for example, a spherical shape.

Abstract: Polarization sensitive common path OCT/OCR devices are presented. Optical radiation from a source is converted into two cross-polarized replicas propagating therethrough with a predetermined optical path length difference. The two cross-polarized replicas are then delivered to an associated sample by a delivering device, which is, preferably, an optical fiber probe. A combination optical radiation is produced in at least one secondary interferometer by combining a corresponding portion of an optical radiation returning from the associated sample with a reference optical radiation reflected from a tip of an optical fiber of the optical fiber probe. Subject to a preset optical path length difference of the arms of the at least one secondary interferometer, a cross-polarized component, and/or a parallel-polarized component of the combined optical radiation, are selected. The topology of the devices allows for time domain, as well as for frequency domain registration.

Abstract: An optoelectronic probe system with all-optical coupling includes an optoelectronic measuring console coupled with an optoelectronic probe via an optical connector. A supplemental optical signal having an operative wavelength other than an operative wavelength of the regular optical part of the optoelectronic measuring console is communicated to the optoelectronic probe along with the output signal from the optoelectronic measuring console. The supplemental optical signal is then selected by a wavelength-division multiplexer, converted to an electrical signal and used for powering respective components of the optoelectronic probe. Auxiliary signals are also used for identification and storing calibration parameters of the optoelectronic probe, counting events, such as number of sessions used, time in use, and the like.

Abstract: In common path time domain OCT/OCR devices optical radiation from a source is first split into two replicas, which are then delivered to an associated sample by an optical fiber probe. The tip of the optical fiber probe serves as a reference reflector and also serves as a combining element that produces a combination optical radiation by combining an optical radiation returning from the associated sample with a reference optical radiation reflected from the reference reflector. The topology of the devices eliminates the necessity of using Faraday mirrors, and also allows for registering a cross-polarized component of the optical radiation reflected or backscattered from the associated sample, as well as a parallel-polarized component.

Abstract: The invention relates to studies of internal structures of objects with the aid of optical means. According to the invention an optical system (15) of the delivering device for low coherence optical radiation, in a particular embodiment, an optical fiber probe (8), includes at least two lens components (19), (20), which have a positive focal power and are positioned substantionally confocally. This ensures a constant propagation time for the low coherence optical radiation propagating from a given point of the transverse scanning surface (28) or (39) to a corresponding conjugate point of the image plane (22). That provides elimination of the transverse scanning related aberration of the optical path length for low coherence optical radiation directed towards the object (11) both for a flat transverse scanning surface (28) and for a transverse scanning surface (39) having a curvature.

Abstract: Common path frequency domain optical coherence reflectometry/tomography devices include a portion of optical fiber with predetermined optical properties adapted for producing two eigen modes of the optical radiation propagating therethrough with a predetermined optical path length difference. The two replicas of the optical radiation outgoing from the portion of the optical fiber are then delivered to an associated sample by an optical fiber probe. The tip of the optical fiber serves as a reference reflector and also serves as a combining element that produces a combination optical radiation by combining an optical radiation returning from the associated sample with a reference optical radiation reflected from the reference reflector. The topology of the devices allows for registering a cross-polarized or a parallel-polarized component of the optical radiation reflected or backscattered from the associated sample.

Abstract: Common path frequency domain optical coherence reflectometry/tomography devices with an additional interferometer are suggested. The additional interferometer offset is adjusted such, that it is ether less than the reference offset, or exceeds the distance from the reference reflector to the distal boundary of the longitudinal range of interest. This adjustment allows for relieving the requirements to the spectral resolution of the frequency domain optical coherence reflectometry/tomography engine and/or speed of the data acquisition and processing system, and eliminates depth ambiguity problems. The new topology allows for including a phase or frequency modulator in an arm of the additional interferometer improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the devices. The modulator is also capable of substantially eliminating mirror ambiguity, DC artifacts, and autocorrelation artifacts. The interference signal is produced either in the interferometer or inside of the optical fiber probe leading to the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber magnetic scanning arrangement for a miniature optical fiber probe and can be applied for optical beam delivery in various optical imaging techniques. The arrangement is of the type where an optical fiber is rigidly fixed to a current conductor and serving as a flexible cantilever with a capability for the distal part of the optical fiber of being deflected in a direction substantially orthogonal to its own axis. New designs of the magnetic system are less critical to the shape and dimensional tolerances of scanner elements and assembly. These designs provide a potential for a less difficult assembly process and for further miniaturization. According to one aspect of the invention the permanent magnet system includes at least a first permanent magnet with a magnetization direction that is substantially aligned with the own axis of the optical fiber. The current conductor loop is placed adjacent to the one of the end faces of the first permanent magnet.

Abstract: An optical measurement device calibration tool includes an optical probe suitable for calibrating various optical imaging devices, for example, low coherence reflectometers and optical coherence tomography devices. In a preferred embodiment the calibration tool comprises a container containing a calibration substance with stable optical scattering and absorption properties. The calibration substance includes a gel, paste or grease substance and is covered a protective seal, which is at least partially transparent providing optical contact between the optical probe and the calibration substance. The protective seal is covered with a viscous complementary material. Another protective seal made at least partially removable is placed above the viscous complementary material and may serve as a cover for the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the study of internal structure of objects by optical means. The invention presents a bi-directional sampling optical path for the low coherent optical radiation directed to the sample, i.e. a bi-directional sampling arm, and two unidirectional reference beams directed along a reference path designed as a loop. One of the reference beams propagates clockwise and the other propagates counterclockwise in the reference loop. The beam splitters non-reciprocal or polarization-dependent and by placing polarization-changing elements between the beam splitters and/or into the sampling arm and the reference loop. Thus the developed method and optical interferometer make possible to ensure highly efficient use of optical source power together with optimal signal-to-noise ratio for a given optical source power and are simple and cost effective.

Abstract: In a method for in vivo diagnostics of a biological tissue covered with epithelium an image of the biological tissue is acquired with the aid of a beam in the visible or near IR range directed towards a biological tissue by visualizing the intensity of optical radiation backscattered by the biological tissue. The basal membrane of said biological tissue, which separates the epithelium from an underlying stroma, is identified in the acquired image and diagnostics is performed on basis of the form of the basal membrane. For diagnostics of biological tissue lining the surface of cavities and internal organs of a patient a miniature optical fiber probe is inserted into the patient's cavity. The probe may be placed at a distal end of an endoscope instrumental channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of the internal structures of objects using optical means. According to the invention there were designed an apparatus suited for optical coherence tomography (OCT), an optical fiber lateral scanner (15), which is a part of said apparatus and is incorporated into an optical fiber probe (8), and a method for studying biological tissue in vivo, which allows for making a diagnostics of the biological tissue under study on basis of the state of the basal membrane (46). The moving part of lateral scanner (15) of sampling arm (4) of interferometer (2) is arranged comprising a current conductor (19), which envelopes a magnetic system (17) in the area of one of its poles (25) and an optical fiber (13), which is rigidly fastened to current conductor (19), whereas optical fiber (13) serves as a flexible cantilever, allowing to miniaturize the optical fiber probe (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of the internal structures of objects using optical means. According to the invention there were designed an apparatus suited for optical coherence tomography (OCT), an optical fiber lateral scanner (15), which is a part of said apparatus and is incorporated into an optical fiber probe (8), and a method for studying biological tissue in vivo, which allows for making a diagnostics of the biological tissue under, study on basis of the state of the basal membrane (46). The moving part of lateral scanner (15) of sampling arm (4) of interferometer (2) is arranged comprising a current conductor (19), which envelopes a magnetic system (17) in the area of one of its poles (25) and an optical fiber (13), which is rigidly fastened to current conductor (19), whereas optical fiber (13) serves as a flexible cantilever, allowing to miniaturize the optical fiber probe (8).