Abstract: The present disclosure includes system, methods, and kits relating to creating a second structure with a plurality of first structures at a target site inside or adjacent to a host object. The methods include the step of generating a field that non-invasively penetrates into the host object. The methods further include the step of positioning a first portion of the plurality of first structures at the target site using a force corresponding to the field. Additionally, the methods include the step of linking the first portion of the plurality of first structures with one another and/or the host object at the target site to form the second structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) comprising an illumination element, a detection light guiding element, a rotary element, and a two-dimensional sensor. The illumination element is configured to direct an illumination light beam towards a sample. The detection light guiding element is configured to collect a reflected light beam from the sample. At least one of the illumination element and the detection light guiding element is configured to spectrally dispersed the illumination light beam or the reflected light beam, respectively. The rotary element is configured to rotate or oscillate the reflected light beam. The reflected light beam is guided from the rotary element to the two-dimensional sensor.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a fixed guiding portion and a rotatable dispersive portion.

Abstract: Optics for apodizing an optical imaging probe beam, and methods for fabricating optics for apodizing an optical imaging probe beam are provided. In some embodiments, optics for apodizing an electrical comprises: an optical fiber; a focusing element coaxially aligned with the optical fiber; an element having a cylindrical bore and an angled reflective surface, wherein a first portion of a beam focused by the focusing element enters the cylindrical bore and a second portion of the beam is reflected at an angle to produce a beam with a generally annular-shaped profile.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, device and method can be provided which can facilitate imaging of biological tissues, e.g., luminal organs in vivo, using optical techniques. The exemplary device can include different designs an features of one or more catheters, which can illuminate the tissues, and collect signals from the inside of the lumen. In another exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, a balloon-catheter can be provided with the flexible neck, which can absorb most of the bending. According to still another exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a balloon-catheter tethered capsule can be provided, and according a yet further exemplary embodiment, a structured balloon design can be provided with one or more protuberances, thus enabling imaging of the structures in close contact, e.g., without compressing of the tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, systems, methods of making, and methods of using a configuration in an optical arrangement for forward viewing spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) probe can be provided. For example, the probe can comprise a light focusing component, a light guiding component, a light reflecting component, and a grating component.

Abstract: Exemplary method and system for providing a diffractive configuration in an optical arrangement are provided. For example, a material can be provided with at least one patterned surface having a very high aspect ratio. The material can be connected with at least one portion of a waveguide arrangement using a pre-polymer adhesive composition. Further, the pre-polymer adhesive composition can be caused to polymerize so as to form the diffractive configuration which at least approximately replicates a structure or at least one feature of the patterned surface.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining data regarding a plurality of samples. For example, using at least one arrangement, it is possible to receive interferometric information that is based on radiations provided from a reference and the samples that are provided in respective chambers. Alternatively and/or in addition, based on the interferometric information, it is possible to discriminate between agents to identify a particular agent that affects a particular function within at least one of the samples.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, apparatus and process for providing at least one radiation can be provided. For example, with at least one multi-mode waveguide, it is possible to transmit the radiation(s). In addition, with a shape sensing arrangement, it is possible To dynamically measure a shape of the multi-mode waveguide(s). Further, with a specifically programmed computer arrangement, it is possible to control a light modulator arrangement based on the dynamically-measured shape to cause the radiation(s) transmitted through the multi-mode waveguide(s) to have at least one pattern.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging tool including an optical waveguide having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a portion of the optical waveguide disposed at the distal end of the optical waveguide having an increased elasticity than a proximal portion of the optical waveguide; a sheath surrounding at least a portion of the optical waveguide; and an optical probe coupled to the optical waveguide, the optical probe including: an optical element coaxially aligned with a central axis of the distal end of the optical waveguide, the optical element being configured to rotate about the central axis and redirect light emitted by the optical waveguide toward a circumference of the optical probe from the central axis, and the focusing element being disposed within a housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) comprising an illumination element, a detection light guiding element, a rotary element, and a two-dimensional sensor. The illumination element is configured to direct an illumination light beam towards a sample. The detection light guiding element is configured to collect a reflected light beam from the sample. At least one of the illumination element and the detection light guiding element is configured to spectrally dispersed the illumination light beam or the reflected light beam, respectively. The rotary element is configured to rotate or oscillate the reflected light beam. The reflected light beam is guided from the rotary element to the two-dimensional sensor.

Abstract: A probe can be provided having a grating adapted for color spectrally encoded imaging. The probe can include a waveguide configuration, a light focusing configuration, and a grating configuration that can have a first grating pattern and a second grating pattern. The waveguide configuration can be configured and/or structured to cause to propagate a light having a first wavelength and a light having a second wavelength to propagate from the waveguide component, and the light focusing and waveguide configurations can provide the light to be incident on the grating configuration. The grating configuration can be configured and arranged such that the light having the first wavelength is diffracted by the first grating pattern to substantially the same location as the light having the second wavelength is diffracted by the second grating pattern.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method are provided for illuminating a sample. With such exemplary apparatus and/or method, it is possible to, using at least one source arrangement, provide at least one first electro-magnetic radiation. Using an optical system of an optics arrangement, it is possible to receive the first electro-magnetic radiation(s), and modifying the at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to be at least one second electro-magnetic radiation so as to be forwarded to the sample. Further, with the optical system, it is possible to extend the at least one second electro-magnetic radiation into or across the sample for a distance of at least 2 times the Raleigh range of a Gaussian beam when the optics arrangement and the sample are stationary with respect to one another. Additionally, using the optical system, it is possible to control a placement of a focus of the at least one second electro-magnetic radiation on or in the sample.

Abstract: Optics for apodizing an optical imaging probe beam, and methods for fabricating optics for apodizing an optical imaging probe beam are provided. In some embodiments, optics for apodizing an electrical comprises: an optical fiber; a focusing element coaxially aligned with the optical fiber; an element having a cylindrical bore and an angled reflective surface, wherein a first portion of a beam focused by the focusing element enters the cylindrical bore and a second portion of the beam is reflected at an angle to produce a beam with a generally annular-shaped profile.

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.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a tethered optical imaging probe configured to be integrated into an optical system for medical diagnosis are provided. In one configuration, the present disclosure provides a tethered optical imaging probe including a motor arranged within a swallowable capsule. A rotational speed of the motor is actively controlled by a feedback signal.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising at least: a first waveguide; a second waveguide; and a diffractive element. The first waveguide guides a first band of onto the diffractive element such that the first band is diffracted at an mth non-zero order over a first range of angles. The second waveguide guides a second band onto the diffractive element such that the second band is diffracted at the mth non-zero over the first range of angles. The second waveguide guides a third band onto the diffractive element such that the third band is diffracted at the nth non-zero order over the first range of angles. Wavelengths of the first band, the second band, and the third band do not overlap with each other. The mth order and the nth order are different from each other.

Abstract: Apparatus and method can be provided for obtaining at least one anatomical sample. For example, it is possible to provide and insert a housing into a body or provided on a hydrated anatomical structure. Further, with a source, it is possible to emit an electromagnetic radiation which causes at least the anatomical sample(s) to attach to at least one portion of the housing. A compound can be provided on a surface of the housing, and the source provides the radiation to the compound and changes properties thereof to be adhesive. The source can provide the radiation to the housing, and can change properties of a surface thereof to be adhesive. A component can be provided on a surface of the anatomical structure, and the source provides the radiation to the compound and changes properties thereof to be adhesive.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of atherosclerotic structures in order to diagnose or prevent atherosclerosis are provided herein. In particular, it has been found that methylene blue injected intravenously acts as an excellent indicator because the compound targets high-risk plaque, atheroma, macrophages, and other atherosclerotic structures formed within the endothelial walls of a vessel of a subject. Because the compound provides a unique binding profile with uptake only in plaque or atheroma, and not the normal or healthy vascular interstitial tissue, methylene blue maintains a good plaque-to-background ratio for imaging purposes. This enables healthcare providers to determine the status of atherosclerosis development in vivo within a patient with higher certainty and at lower costs. The disclosed methods allow for high-resolution mapping of plaque build-up, plaque pathobiology, and other atherosclerotic structures within a vessel of a subject by using methylene blue as an imaging agent.