Abstract: Current apparatuses and methods for analysis of spectroscopic optical coherence tomography (SOCT) signals suffer from an inherent tradeoff between time (depth) and frequency (wavelength) resolution. In one non-limiting embodiment, multiple or dual window (DW) apparatuses and methods for reconstructing time-frequency distributions (TFDs) that applies two windows that independently determine the optical and temporal resolution is provided. For example, optical resolution may relate to scattering information about a sample, and temporal resolution may be related to absorption or depth related information. The effectiveness of the apparatuses and methods is demonstrated in simulations and in processing of measured OCT signals that contain fields which vary in time and frequency. The DW technique may yield TFDs that maintain high spectral and temporal resolution and are free from the artifacts and limitations commonly observed with other processing methods.

Abstract: Optical fiber-based angle-resolved low coherence interferometric systems and methods are disclosed for imaging of scattering samples and measurement of optical and structural properties. A single-mode collection optical fiber can be employed and scanned to collect an angular scattering distribution of scattered light from the sample. Use of a single-mode collection optical fiber can reduce cost, increase signal accuracy, and provide compatibility with optical coherence tomography systems, as examples. In certain embodiments, collected angular scatterings of light from the sample are cross-correlated with a reference signal to provide an angular scattering distribution of scattering of light from the sample. The angular scattering distribution can be spectrally dispersed to yield an angle-resolved, spectrally-resolved cross-correlation profile having depth-resolved information about the sample at the scattering angles.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for phase measurement which address the problem of phase noise using combinations of a number of strategies including, but not limited to, common-path interferometry, phase referencing, active stabilization and differential measurement. Embodiment are directed to optical devices for imaging small biological objects with light. These embodiments can be applied to the fields of, for example, cellular physiology and neuroscience. These preferred embodiments are based on principles of phase measurements and imaging technologies. The scientific motivation for using phase measurements and imaging technologies is derived from, for example, cellular biology at the sub-micron level which can include, without limitation, imaging origins of dysplasia, cellular communication, neuronal transmission and implementation of the genetic code.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: Low-coherence interferometry (LCI) techniques enable acquisition of structural and depth information of a sample. A “swept-source” (SS) light source may be used. The swept-source light source can be used to generate a reference signal and a signal directed towards a sample. Light scattered from the sample is returned as a result and mixed with the reference signal to achieve interference and thus provide structural information regarding the sample. Depth information about the sample can be obtained using Fourier domain concepts as well as time domain techniques. In another embodiment, an a/LCI system and method is provided that is based on a time domain system and employs a broadband light source. The systems and processes disclosed herein can be used for biomedical applications, included measuring cellular morphology in tissues and in vitro, as well as diagnosing intraepithelial neoplasia, and assessing the efficacy of chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are interferometric systems having reflective chambers and related methods. According to an aspect, an interferometric system may include a light source for generating an illumination beam that propagates towards a sample. A sample holder may hold the sample and include a partially reflective cover for allowing a first portion of the illumination beam to pass therethrough to interact with the sample to produce a sample beam that propagates substantially along an optical axis. The cover may be oriented at an angle for reflecting a second portion of the illumination beam to produce a reference beam that propagates at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. An imaging module may redirect the reference beam towards the optical axis at a detection plane. A detector may intercept the sample and reference beams and may generate a holographic representation of the sample based on the beams.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for phase measurement which address the problem of phase noise using combinations of a number of strategies including, but not limited to, common-path interferometry, phase referencing, active stabilization and differential measurement. Embodiment are directed to optical devices for imaging small biological objects with light. These embodiments can be applied to the fields of, for example, cellular physiology and neuroscience. These preferred embodiments are based on principles of phase measurements and imaging technologies. The scientific motivation for using phase measurements and imaging technologies is derived from, for example, cellular biology at the sub-micron level which can include, without limitation, imaging origins of dysplasia, cellular communication, neuronal transmission and implementation of the genetic code.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: Procedures, techniques, and systems for in vivo monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. In disclosed embodiments, during a same or concomitant procedure or examination, tissue can be scanned on a localized level using a real-time optical biopsy system. The real-time optical biopsy system may involve angle-resolved and/or Fourier domain low coherence interferometry (LCI). Because the scanning can be performed in real-time, diagnosis can also be performed in real-time and during the same or concomitant medical procedure. As a result, therapy, if needed, can also be administered to the tissue during the same or concomitant medical procedure. Monitoring of the tissue after therapy can be performed during the same or subsequent procedure.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for phase measurement which address the problem of phase noise using combinations of a number of strategies including, but not limited to, common-path interferometry, phase referencing, active stabilization and differential measurement. Embodiment are directed to optical devices for imaging small biological objects with light. These embodiments can be applied to the fields of, for example, cellular physiology and neuroscience. These preferred embodiments are based on principles of phase measurements and imaging technologies. The scientific motivation for using phase measurements and imaging technologies is derived from, for example, cellular biology at the sub-micron level which can include, without limitation, imaging origins of dysplasia, cellular communication, neuronal transmission and implementation of the genetic code.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein involve low-coherence interferometry (LCI) techniques which enable acquisition of structural and depth information regarding a sample of interest. In one embodiment, a “swept-source” (SS) light source is used in LCI to obtain structural and depth information about a sample. The swept-source light source can be used to generate a reference signal and a signal directed towards a sample. Light scattered from the sample is returned as a result and mixed with the reference signal to achieve interference and thus provide structural information regarding the sample. Depth information about the sample can be obtained using Fourier domain concepts as well as time domain techniques. Several LCI embodiments employing a swept-source light source are disclosed herein. In another embodiment disclosed herein, an a/LCI system and method is provided that is based on a time domain system and employs a broadband light source.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems for phase measurement which address the problem of phase noise using combinations of a number of strategies including, but not limited to, common-path interferometry, phase referencing, active stabilization and differential measurement. Embodiment are directed to optical devices for imaging small biological objects with light. These embodiments can be applied to the fields of, for example, cellular physiology and neuroscience. These preferred embodiments are based on principles of phase measurements and imaging technologies. The scientific motivation for using phase measurements and imaging technologies is derived from, for example, cellular biology at the sub-micron level which can include, without limitation, imaging origins of dysplasia, cellular communication, neuronal transmission and implementation of the genetic code.

Abstract: A fiber probe tip, particularly for use on a fiber-optic probe in endoscopic applications. The probe tip prevents contamination of the probe imaging elements and maintains proper distal relationships between imaging components and tissue under examination. In one embodiment, the fiber probe tip is comprised of a sheath placed over an optical fiber. The probe tip provides a sterile interface between the optical fiber and the tissue. The fiber tip probe includes an imaging element to capture reflected light from the tissue. The fiber probe tip maintains the positioning of the imaging element relative to the optical fiber to properly capture reflected light from the tissue. The fiber probe tip may also contain an optical window positioned relative to the imaging element. The optical window allows the reflected light from the tissue to pass through to the imaging element and provide an optimized focal distance between the tissue and the imaging element for the imaging technology employed.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining depth-resolved spectra for the purpose of determining the size of scatterers by measuring their elastic scattering properties. Depth resolution is achieved by using a white light source in a Michelson interferometer and dispersing a mixed signal and reference fields. The measured spectrum is Fourier transformed to obtain an axial spatial cross-correlation between the signal and reference fields with near 1 ?m depth-resolution. The spectral dependence of scattering by the sample is determined by windowing the spectrum to measure the scattering amplitude as a function of wavenumber.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically analyzing a substrate. The apparatus includes: (a) a light source for directing light onto the substrate; (b) optics for creating an optical path from light reflected from the substrate; and (c) a multiple wavelength imaging optical subsystem positioned in the optical path. The multiple wavelength imaging optical subsystem includes: (i) one or more filters which are capable of one or both of: (1) being alternatively or sequentially interposed in the optical path to extract one or more of wavelengths or wavelength bands of interest; or (2) having their wavelength selectivity adjusted to extract one or more wavelengths or wavelength bands of interest; and (ii) one or more imaging devices positioned to image the extracted wavelengths or wavelength bands of interest from the one or more filters; (d) an imaging device positioned in the optical path. Also a method is included, making use of the apparatus for analysis of a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining depth-resolved spectra for the purpose of determining the size of scatterers by measuring their elastic scattering properties. Depth resolution is achieved by using a white light source in a Michelson interferometer and dispersing a mixed signal and reference fields. The measured spectrum is Fourier transformed to obtain an axial spatial cross-correlation between the signal and reference fields with near 1 ?m depth-resolution. The spectral dependence of scattering by the sample is determined by windowing the spectrum to measure the scattering amplitude as a function of wavenumber.