Abstract: A confocal scanning system for the multispectral imaging of fluorescence from a tissue sample based on time domain mapping of spectral components of the fluorescence using coated fiber tips disposed on multimode optical fibers. A fiber grating spectrometer based on two serial arrays of coated fiber tips disposed on multi-mode fiber, and delay lines between them provide spectral slices of the florescence. The coated fiber tips are arranged such that the shortest wavelength spectral components are reflected first and the longest wavelength components last. Fiber-based delay lines delay the reflections from each successive fiber tip such that they are uniformly separated in time, and in the order of its spectral wavelength number. The spectral bins are used to colorize the images to show the presence of abnormal tissue at cellular spatial resolution. A second scan with increased laser flux can destroy the diseased tissue revealed by the first scan.

Abstract: A protective optical filter assembly for thin film filters having two transparent substrates facing one another and separated by a resilient element, a sealed region is formed between the transparent substrates by applying a compressive force that compresses the resilient element. The thin film filter may be contained within a carrier. The compressive force may be generated by one or more interference-fit aperture rings or threaded apertures ring, a given aperture ring may be opposed by another such aperture ring or a fixed stop. Alternatively a snap fit carrier may be used to generate the compressive force. The sealed region may have a gas having a positive pressure or a liquid.

Abstract: An optical filter for providing an enhanced image. The filter may comprise at least one substrate, layers of a low refractive index material and layers of a high refractive index material. The layers are stacked so that the filter blocks passbands at 490 nm and 590 nm as well as other image-confusing radiation. Light which is transmitted by the filter provides an enhanced image for viewing by the human eye as well as nonhuman detectors.

Abstract: A filter is provided for blocking a major portion of the light impinging thereon but transmitting three narrow spectral pass bands of light having selected wavelengths. The number of pass bands and the wavelengths included in each pass band are selected in accordance with environmental or military conditions dictating the wavelengths of light that need to be filtered. The transmitted narrow spectral pass bands preferably are spaced approximately equally about the CIE chromaticity diagram. The resulting filter enables exceptional seeing and color differentiation while positively blocking broad ranges of potentially injurious light from passing therethrough.