Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.

Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.

Abstract: Analysis of live beings is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a light-directing arrangement such as an endoscope is mounted to a live being. Optics in the light-directing arrangement are implemented to pass source light (e.g., laser excitation light) into the live being, and to pass light from the live being for detection thereof. The light from the live being may include, for example, photons emitted in response to the laser excitation light (i.e., fluoresced). The detected light is then used to detect a characteristic of the live being.

Abstract: Micro-optical imaging is facilitated. According to an example embodiment, a micro-optical probe arrangement includes a GRIN-type lens probe to direct light to and from a specimen. Compensation optics tailored to the probe and aberrations introduced by the lens are located in a light path through the lens, and compensate for the introduced aberrations. A light detector detects light from the specimen, as facilitated by the compensation optics, and generates data characterizing an image of the specimen.

Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.

Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.

Abstract: Analysis of live beings is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a light-directing arrangement such as an endoscope is mounted to a live being. Optics in the light-directing arrangement are implemented to pass source light (e.g., laser excitation light) into the live being, and to pass light from the live being for detection thereof. The light from the live being may include, for example, photons emitted in response to the laser excitation light (i.e., fluoresced). The detected light is then used to detect a characteristic of the live being.

Abstract: Analysis of live beings is facilitated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a light-directing arrangement such as an endoscope is mounted to a live being. Optics in the light-directing arrangement are implemented to pass source light (e.g., laser excitation light) into the live being, and to pass light from the live being for detection thereof. The light from the live being may include, for example, photons emitted in response to the laser excitation light (i.e., fluoresced). The detected light is then used to detect a characteristic of the live being.

Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.

Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.

Abstract: A micro-optical probe approach facilitates imaging, testing and/or analysis of cochlear tissue. According to an example embodiment, a probe is implanted into cochlear tissue of a live being and used to obtain an image of cochlear tissue and the image is used to characterize a condition of auditory function of the cochlear tissue as represented, for example, by fluid flow in the tissue. Certain embodiments are directed to the use of a fluorescent dye to label cochlear tissue. A fluorescent response of the dye to stimulation is detected and used to characterize the cochlear tissue. In some applications, the probe is used to guide the implant of a cochlear prosthesis.

Abstract: Micro-optical imaging is facilitated. According to an example embodiment, a micro-optical probe arrangement includes a GRIN-type lens probe to direct light to and from a specimen. Compensation optics tailored to the probe and aberrations introduced by the lens are located in a light path through the lens, and compensate for the introduced aberrations. A light detector detects light from the specimen, as facilitated by the compensation optics, and generates data characterizing an image of the specimen.

Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects is facilitated with a micro-mirror-based access approach. According to an example embodiment, a micro-mirror is implemented to direct light to a live being such as a biological specimen or a living being. Light from the live being is detected and implemented for use in analyzing the live being. In certain applications, the micro-mirror is fastened to a live being, such as to a skull of a live mouse, while the live being is allowed to move in an unanesthetized state. Behavior of the live being and detected response from the live being are concurrently used to analyze the live being.