Abstract: A method for determining a retardance of a layer of a sample. The method includes: transmitting a first portion of a polarized light to a sample arm of an optical system and a second portion of the polarized light to a reference arm of the optical system; combining first return light returned from the sample arm and second return light from the reference arm; detecting, using a detector, the combined light along a first polarization state and a second polarization state to produce polarization data, the second polarization state being different from the first polarization state; determining, using a processor coupled to the detector, polarization states of light returning from upper and lower surfaces of a layer of the sample based on detecting the combined light; and determining, using the processor, a retardance of the layer of the sample based on the determined polarization states.

Abstract: A method for determining a retardance of a layer of a sample. The method includes: transmitting a first portion of a polarized light to a sample arm of an optical system and a second portion of the polarized light to a reference arm of the optical system; combining first return light returned from the sample arm and second return light from the reference arm; detecting, using a detector, the combined light along a first polarization state and a second polarization state to produce polarization data, the second polarization state being different from the first polarization state; determining, using a processor coupled to the detector, polarization states of light returning from upper and lower surfaces of a layer of the sample based on detecting the combined light; and determining, using the processor, a retardance of the layer of the sample based on the determined polarization states.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provides exemplary methods for adhering biological membranes to luminal anatomical structures using photosensitizing agents and electromagnetic energy. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention also provides method for stabilizing luminal anatomical structures. Further, exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide arrangements for coupling to a luminal anatomical structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and source arrangement for filtering an electromagnetic radiation can be provided which may include at least one spectral separating arrangement configured to physically separate one or more components of the electromagnetic radiation based on a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus and source arrangement may also have at least one continuously rotating optical arrangement which is configured to receive at least one signal that is associated with the one or more components. Further, the apparatus and source arrangement can include at least one beam selecting arrangement configured to receive the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and source arrangement for filtering an electromagnetic radiation can be provided which may include at least one spectral separating arrangement configured to physically separate one or more components of the electromagnetic radiation based on a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus and source arrangement may also have at least one continuously rotating optical arrangement which is configured to receive at least one signal that is associated with the one or more components. Further, the apparatus and source arrangement can include at least one beam selecting arrangement configured to receive the signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and source arrangement for filtering an electromagnetic radiation can be provided which may include at least one spectral separating arrangement configured to physically separate one or more components of the electromagnetic radiation based on a frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus and source arrangement may also have at least one continuously rotating optical arrangement which is configured to receive at least one signal that is associated with the one or more components. Further, the apparatus and source arrangement can include at least one beam selecting arrangement configured to receive the signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and process can be provided for imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, (i) at least two first different wavelengths of at least one first electro-magnetic radiation can be provided within a first wavelength range provided on the portion of the sample so as to determine at least one first transverse location of the portion, and (ii) at least two second different wavelengths of at least one second electro-magnetic radiation are provided within a second wavelength range provided on the portion so as to determine at least one second transverse location of the portion. The first and second ranges can east partially overlap on the portion. Further, a relative phase between at least one third electro-magnetic radiation electro-magnetic radiation being returned from the sample and at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation returned from a reference can be obtained to determine a relative depth location of the portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.

Abstract: A spectrally encoded endoscopic probe having high resolution and small diameter comprising at least one flexible optical fiber; an energy source; a grating through which said energy is transmitted such that the energy spectrum is dispersed; a lens for focusing the dispersed energy spectrum onto a sample such that the impingement spot for each wavelength is a separate position on the sample, the wavelength spectrum defining a wavelength encoded axis; means for mechanically scanning the sample with focused energy in a direction perpendicular to the wavelength encoded axis; a means for receiving energy reflected from the sample; and, a means for detecting the received reflected energy. The probe grating and lens delivers a beam of multi-spectral light having spectral components extending in one dimension across a target region and which is moved to scan in another direction. The reflected spectrum is measured to provide two dimensional imaging of the region.

Abstract: According one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, method and system can be provided for applying a laser radiation to at least one portion of a biological structure. For example, a beam of the laser radiation can be provided to the portion, whereas a cross-sectional area of the beam is at most about 1/10th of an entire area of the at least one portion. The beam can be applied to the portion (a) based on a predetermined pattern, (b) while modulating a wavelength of the laser radiation, and/or (c) while monitoring a depth of the application of the laser radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling at least one of at least two sections of at least one fiber can be provided. The apparatus can include an arrangement which may be provided between the first and second sections of a particular continuous fiber of the fibers. A particular one of the first and second sections may be provided in a particular orientation that is perpendicular to an extension of the particular fiber. The arrangement is capable of controlling the particular fiber such that the particular one of the sections is capable of being rotated for at least 360° with respect to the particular orientation. The arrangement can include a further arrangement that is capable of at least partially wrapping the particular fiber around the second arrangement, and controlling the particular fiber such that the particular one of the sections is capable of being rotated with respect to the particular orientation during a transmission of the electro-magnetic radiation.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for generating data associated with at least one portion of a sample can be provided. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment of such systems and methods, it is possible to provide a particular radiation using at least one first arrangement. The particular radiation can include at least one first electro-magnetic radiation directed to at least one sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation directed to a reference arrangement. The first radiation and/or the second radiation can comprise a plurality of wavelengths. The first electro-magnetic radiation can be spectrally dispersed along at least one portion of the sample. The second electro-magnetic radiation measured at two or more different lengths of the reference arrangement with respect to the first arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-accessible medium for identifying characteristics of at least a portion of a blood vessel contained within a tissue can be provided. For example, it is possible to utilize a radiation source configured to provide a radiation to the tissue. In addition, a probe can be provided which may be adapted to receive the radiation returned from the tissue; Further, a system may be utilized which can be configured to process data relating to the tissue. The data can indicate whether the blood vessel is in a vicinity of an end portion of the probe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be provided. For example, first data associated with a first signal received from at least one region of at least one sample can be provided based on a first modality, and second data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be provided based on a second modality which is different from the first modality. Third data associated with a reference can be received. Further data can be generated based on the first, second and third data. In addition, third data associated with a second signal received from the at least one sample can be obtained. Each of the third data can be based on a further modality which is different from the first modality and the second modality, and the further data can be further determined based on the third data. Further, the first modality can be a spectral-encoded modality, and the second modality can be a non-spectral-encoding modality.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for obtaining information associated with at least one portion of a sample can be provided. For example, a first radiation can be received and at least one second radiation and at least one third radiation can be provided as a function of the first radiation. Respective intensities of the second and third radiations can be modulated, whereas the second and third radiations may have different modulation frequencies, and the modulated second and third radiations can be directed toward the portion. The photoluminescence radiation can be received from the portion based on the modulated second and third radiations to generate a resultant signal. The signal can be processed to obtain the information which is/are photoluminescence lifetime characteristics and/or a polarization anisotropy of the portion. According to another exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescence radiation can be received and the photoluminescence radiation may be based on wavelengths thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one first optical fiber arrangement which is configured to transceive at least one first electromagnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. The exemplary apparatus can also include at least one second focusing arrangement in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can be configured to focus and provide there through the first electromagnetic radiation. Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one third dispersive arrangement which is configured to receive a particular radiation which is the first electromagnetic radiation and/or the focused electromagnetic radiation, and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure. At least one end of the fiber can be directly connected to the second focusing arrangement and/or the third dispersive arrangement.