Patents by Inventor Brett Eugene Bouma

Brett Eugene Bouma has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20180226773
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be provided to a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation can be provided to a non-reflective reference. A frequency of the first and/or second radiations varies over time. An interference is detected between at least one third radiation associated with the first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the second radiation. Alternatively, the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or second electro-magnetic radiation have a spectrum which changes over time. The spectrum may contain multiple frequencies at a particular time. In addition, it is possible to detect the interference signal between the third radiation and the fourth radiation in a first polarization state. Further, it may be preferable to detect a further interference signal between the third and fourth radiations in a second polarization state which is different from the first polarization state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 9, 2018
    Inventors: Seok-Hyun Yun, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Johannes Fitzgerald de Boer
  • Patent number: 9968245
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and process can be provided for imaging information associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, (i) 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) second different wavelengths of at least one second electro-magnetic radiation within a second wavelength range can be 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin
  • Patent number: 9897538
    Abstract: Methods for optical imaging, particularly with optical coherence tomography, using a low coherence light beam reflected from a sample surface and compared to a reference light beam, wherein real time dynamic optical feedback is used to detect the surface position of a tissue sample with respect to a reference point and the necessary delay scan range. The delay is provided by a tilting/rotating mirror actuated by a voltage adjustable galvanometer. An imaging probe apparatus for implementing the method is provided. The probe initially scans along one line until it finds the tissue surface, identifiable as a sharp transition from no signal to a stronger signal. The next time the probe scans the next line it adjusts the waveform depending on the previous scan. An algorithm is disclosed for determining the optimal scan range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma
  • Publication number: 20180010965
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration. For example, it is possible to modify a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration to have respective predetermined lengths, and also to modify a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length. Further, the modified spacer and modified lens optics configurations can be attached to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration. The modified dispersive optics configuration can be attached to a substrate to form to form a grating substrate configuration. Additionally, the combined spacer-lens optics configuration can be connected to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration can be connected to the modified attached lens optics configuration to form the spectral encoding endoscopy configuration(s) which can extends along a particular axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Inventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
  • Publication number: 20170367581
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least one first radiation can be forwarded to the portion through at least one optical arrangement. At least one second radiation can be received from the portion which is based on the first radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement and the first radiation and/or the second radiation, the optical arrangement can have a first transfer function. Further, it is possible to forward at least one third radiation to the portion through such optical arrangement (or through another optical arrangement), and receive at least one fourth radiation from the portion which is based on the third radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) and the third radiation and/or the fourth radiation, the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) can have a second transfer function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Guillermo J. TEARNEY, BRETT EUGENE BOUMA, JOSEPH A. GARDECKI, LINBO LIU
  • Patent number: 9812846
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method are provided. In particular, an electromagnetic radiation can be emitted with, e.g. a light source arrangement. For example, the light source arrangement can include a cavity and a filter, and a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation can be controlled, e.g., with such cavity and filter, to have a mean frequency that changes (i) at an absolute rate that is greater than about 100 terahertz per millisecond, and (ii) over a range that is greater than about 10 terahertz. Additionally or alternatively, the light source arrangement can include a frequency shifting device which can shift the mean frequency of the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seok-Hyun Yun, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Johannes Fitzgerald De Boer
  • Patent number: 9795301
    Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, apparatus and method can be provided for generating information for at least one structure. For example, using at least one first arrangement, it is possible to receive at least one first radiation from the at least one structure and at least one second radiation from a reference, and interfere the first and second radiations to generate at least one third radiation. Further, with at least one second arrangement, it is possible to generate spectroscopic data as a function of the at least one third radiation, and reduce at least one scattering effect in the spectroscopic data to generate the information. In addition or as an alternative, according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to classify a type of the structure based on the spectroscopic data to generate the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Christine Fleming, Brett Eugene Bouma, Joseph Gardecki, Guillermo J. Tearney
  • Patent number: 9791317
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration. For example, it is possible to modify a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration to have respective predetermined lengths, and also to modify a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length. Further, the modified spacer and modified lens optics configurations can be attached to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration. The modified dispersive optics configuration can be attached to a substrate to form to form a grating substrate configuration. Additionally, the combined spacer-lens optics configuration can be connected to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration can be connected to the modified attached lens optics configuration to form the spectral encoding endoscopy configuration(s) which can extends along a particular axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
  • Publication number: 20170290499
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for imaging at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an endoscopic first arrangement, a radiation source second arrangement which provides at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and a third arrangement attached to at least one portion of the endoscopic arrangement. The third arrangement can contain an optical arrangement which, upon impact by the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and based thereon, may transmit a first radiation and reflects a second radiation. The first radiation can impact at least one first portion of the anatomical structure(s), and the second radiation can impact at least one second portion of the anatomical structure(s). The first and second portions can be at least partially different from one another. Further, the first and second radiations can have characteristics which are different from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin E. Woods, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dongkyun Kang, Tao Wu
  • Publication number: 20170238809
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Guillermo J. TEARNEY, MILEN SHISHKOV, BRETT EUGENE BOUMA, BENJAMIN J. VAKOC, NORMAN S. NISHIOKA
  • Publication number: 20170160132
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for method for forming at least one spectral encoding endoscopy configuration. For example, it is possible to modify a spacer configuration and an lens optics configuration to have respective predetermined lengths, and also to modify a dispersive optics configuration to have a further predetermined length. Further, the modified spacer and modified lens optics configurations can be attached to one another to form a combined spacer-lens optics configuration. The modified dispersive optics configuration can be attached to a substrate to form to form a grating substrate configuration. Additionally, the combined spacer-lens optics configuration can be connected to an optical fiber, and the modified attached dispersed optics configuration can be connected to the modified attached lens optics configuration to form the spectral encoding endoscopy configuration(s) which can extends along a particular axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor lftimia
  • Patent number: 9664615
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dvir Yelin
  • Publication number: 20170135584
    Abstract: Exemplary systems, devices, methods, apparatus and computer-accessible media for providing and/or utilizing optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) and fluorescence of structures and, e.g., multimodality imaging using OFDI techniques and fluorescence imaging techniques are described. For example, an arrangement can provide at least one electro-magnetic radiation to an anatomical structure. Such exemplary arrangement can include at least one optical core and at least one cladding at least partially surrounding the fiber(s). A region between the optical core(s) and the cladding(s) can have an index that is different from indexes of the optical core(s) and the cladding(s). The arrangement can also include at least one apparatus which is configured to transmit the radiation(s) via the optical core(s) and the cladding(s) to the anatomical structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Hongki Yoo, Milen Shishkov, Joseph Gardecki, Roman Shubochkin, Theodore Morse, Farouc Amin Jaffer
  • Patent number: 9646377
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Milen Shishkov, Brett Eugene Bouma, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Norman S. Nishioka
  • Patent number: 9642531
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one portion of a sample. For example, at least one first radiation can be forwarded to the portion through at least one optical arrangement. At least one second radiation can be received from the portion which is based on the first radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement and the first radiation and/or the second radiation, the optical arrangement can have a first transfer function. Further, it is possible to forward at least one third radiation to the portion through such optical arrangement (or through another optical arrangement), and receive at least one fourth radiation from the portion which is based on the third radiation. Based on an interaction between the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) and the third radiation and/or the fourth radiation, the optical arrangement (or the other optical arrangement) can have a second transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Joseph A. Gardecki, Linbo Liu
  • Patent number: 9629528
    Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for imaging at least one anatomical structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an endoscopic first arrangement, a radiation source second arrangement which provides at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and a third arrangement attached to at least one portion of the endoscopic arrangement. The third arrangement can contain an optical arrangement which, upon impact by the at least one electro-magnetic radiation and based thereon, may transmit a first radiation and reflects a second radiation. The first radiation can impact at least one first portion of the anatomical structure(s), and the second radiation can impact at least one second portion of the anatomical structure(s). The first and second portions can be at least partially different from one another. Further, the first and second radiations can have characteristics which are different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Woods, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney, Dongkyun Kang, Tao Wu
  • Patent number: 9557154
    Abstract: Exemplary systems, devices, methods, apparatus and computer-accessible media for providing and/or utilizing optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI) and fluorescence of structures and, e.g., multimodality imaging using OFDI techniques and fluorescence imaging techniques are described. For example, an arrangement can provide at least one electro-magnetic radiation to an anatomical structure. Such exemplary arrangement can include at least one optical core and at least one cladding at least partially surrounding the fiber(s). A region between the optical core(s) and the cladding(s) can have an index that is different from indexes of the optical core(s) and the cladding(s). The arrangement can also include at least one apparatus which is configured to transmit the radiation(s) via the optical core(s) and the cladding(s) to the anatomical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Boston University
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Hongki Yoo, Milen Shishkov, Joseph Gardecki, Roman Shubochkin, Theodore Morse, Farouc Amin Jaffer
  • Patent number: 9516997
    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 electro-magnetic 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 electro-magnetic radiation to generate the focused electro-magnetic radiation. Further, the exemplary apparatus can include at least at least one dispersive third arrangement which can receive a particular radiation (e.g., the first electro-magnetic radiation(s) and/or the focused electro-magnetic radiation), and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
  • Patent number: 9510758
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method for obtaining information for at least one structure can be provided. For example, it is possible to forward at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to the at least one structure which is external from the apparatus. At least one second electro magnetic radiation provided from the at least one structure (which is based on the first electro-magnetic radiation(s)) can be detected. It is also possible to determine at least one characteristic of the structure(s) based on the second electro-magnetic radiation(s), and obtain data relating to a pressure of at least one portion of the structure(s) based on the characteristic(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: William C. Warger, II, Simon C. Schlachter, Joseph Gardecki, Brett Eugene Bouma, Guillermo J. Tearney
  • Patent number: RE46412
    Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus and methods are provided according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be received and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation within a solid angle may be forwarded to a sample. The second electro-magnetic radiation may be associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation. A plurality of third electro-magnetic radiations can be received from the sample which is associated with the second electro-magnetic radiation, and at least one portion of the third electro-magnetic radiation is provided outside a periphery of the solid angle. Signals associated with each of the third electro-magnetic radiations can be simultaneously detected, with the signals being associated with information for the sample at a plurality of depths thereof. The depths can be determined using at least one of the third electro-magnetic radiations without a need to utilize another one of the third electro-magnetic radiations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Adrien Desjardins, Benjamin J. Vakoc, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma