Abstract: Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for integration with a microscope. The OCT system includes a sample arm coupled to the imaging path of a microscope. The sample arm includes an input beam zoom assembly including at least two movable lenses configured to provide shape control for an OCT signal beam; a scan assembly including at least one scanning mirror and configured for telecentric scanning of the OCT signal beam; and a beam expander configured to set the OCT signal beam diameter incident on the microscope objective. The shape control includes separable controls for numerical aperture and focal position of the imaged OCT beam.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present inventive concept provide optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems for integration with a microscope. The OCT system includes a sample arm coupled to the imaging path of a microscope. The sample arm includes an input beam zoom assembly including at least two movable lenses configured to provide shape control for an OCT signal beam; a scan assembly including at least one scanning mirror and configured for telecentric scanning of the OCT signal beam; and a beam expander configured to set the OCT signal beam diameter incident on the microscope objective. The shape control includes separable controls for numerical aperture and focal position of the imaged OCT beam.

Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus and method for generating artificial stars for the simple collimation of catoptric, dioptric, and catadioptric telescopes using a light source along with an appropriate hologram and housing to generate collimated laser beams that enter the front aperture of the telescope. The apparatus of this invention can be fastened to the outside of the telescope aperture. In addition, this invention allows the apparatus position to be adjusted at its tip and tilt axis to center an artificial star under the view of the ocular. The light source illuminates the hologram from some off axis position. Once the hologram is illuminated, the collimated beam emanates from the hologram with a slightly different angle. When these beams are then viewed with the telescope they appear as artificial stars.