Abstract: A confocal microscope system that is inherently fiberoptic compatible is described which has line scanning aided image formation. An incoherent fiberoptic bundle maps a line illumination pattern into a dispersible group of separate sources, and then remaps this confocally selected remitted light to the original line. Fibers, not confocal with the illumination, carry light to be rejected from the image back on itself upon double passing, while separate fibers carry light from non-confocal sample planes. The transformation allows efficient rejection of unwanted photons at a slit aperture. The fiber bundle and an objective lens provide a flexible probe for imaging internal tissue for pathological examination on a cellular level.

Abstract: Selective photocoagulation of particular cells, tissue or portion of tissue can be aided by monitoring microcavitation within the material exposed to electromagnetic radiation (12). The information gained by the detection of microcavitation events can be used to modulate the intensity of the radiation (12) to prevent significant thermal energy transmission and mechanical damage to cells, tissues or portions of tissues which are not directly exposed, but prone to thermal damage by such energy transmission. Detection of microcavitation also serves as a valuable therapeutic endpoint. The methods of the invention are applicable to laser eye surgery, since the target cells of several therapeutic photocoagulation methods, the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are proximate to photoreceptor cells. The inventive methods can help prevent the formation of blind spots that can be associated with laser eye surgery. Other fields of laser surgery can also be readily adapted to the methods described herein.

Abstract: A confocal microscope system that is inherently fiberoptic compatible is described which has line scanning aided image formation. An incoherent fiberoptic bundle maps a line illumination pattern into a dispersible group of separate sources, and then remaps this confocally selected remitted light to the original line. Fibers, not confocal with the illumination, carry light to be rejected from the image back on itself upon double passing, while separate fibers carry light from non-confocal sample planes. The transformation allows efficient rejection of unwanted photons at a slit aperture. The fiber bundle and an objective lens provide a flexible probe for imaging internal tissue for pathological examination on a cellular level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing various optical measurements is provided utilizing an optical coherence domain refrectometer (OCDR). A short coherence optical radiation source applies optical radiation through like optical paths to a sample and an optical reflector. The optical reflector is movable in accordance with a predetermined velocity profile to permit interferometric scanning of the sample, the resulting output having a Doppler shift frequency modulation. This output may be demodulated and detected to obtain desired measurements and other information. Additional information may be obtained by applying radiation from two or more sources at different wavelengths to the sample and reflector and by separately demodulating the resulting outputs before processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing optical imaging on a sample wherein longitudinal scanning or positioning in the sample is provided by either varying relative optical path lengths for an optical path leading to the sample and to a reference reflector, or by varying an optical characteristic of the output from an optical source applied to the apparatus. Transverse scanning in one or two dimensions is provided on the sample by providing controlled relative movement between the sample and a probe module in such direction and/or by steering optical radiation in the probe module to a selected transverse position. The probe module may be an external module or may be an endoscope or angioscope utilized for scanning internal channels. Multiple optical paths may be provided for parallel scanning and focus may be enhanced by varying the focal point in the sample in synchronism with longitudinal scanning of the sample.