Abstract: The present invention comprises an optical apparatus, methods and uses for real-time (video-rate) multimodal imaging, for example, contemporaneous measurement of white light reflectance, native tissue autofluorescence and near infrared images with an endoscope. These principles may be applied to various optical apparati such as microscopes, endoscopes, telescopes, cameras etc. to view or analyze the interaction of light with objects such as planets, plants, rocks, animals, cells, tissue, proteins, DNA, semiconductors, etc. Multi-band spectral images may provide morphological data such as surface structure of lung tissue whereas chemical make-up, sub-structure and other object characteristics may be deduced from spectral signals related to reflectance or light radiated (emitted) from the object such as luminescence or fluorescence, indicating endogenous chemicals or exogenous substances such as dyes employed to enhance visualization, drugs, therapeutics or other agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for in vivo, endoscopic laser Raman spectroscopy probe and methods for its use are described. The probe comprises a fiber bundle assemble small enough to fit through an endoscope instrument channel, a novel combination of special coatings to the fiber bundle assembly, including a short-pass filter on the illumination fiber and a long-pass filter on the collection fiber bundle, a novel filter adapter comprising collimating lenses, focusing lenses, a band-pass filter, and a notch filter, and a round-to-parabolic linear array fiber bundle. The apparatus further comprises a laser to deliver illumination light and a spectrometer to analyze Raman-scattered light from a sample. The analysis of Raman spectra from in vivo measurements can discover molecular and structural changes associated with neoplastic transformations and lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Spectral measurement devices and methods able to provide EEMs and other spectral measurements. The devices rapidly and specifically illuminate a sample and detect resulting light emanating from the sample. Such devices can use acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs) to selectively illuminate the sample with illumination light substantially only in a desired illumination wavelength(s). This provides high detection sensitivity, large measurement dynamic range and scans of the full 400-1000 nm light range (or more) at rates as fast as about 1 second, or even as fast as video rates. In another aspect, methods and systems relating to the analysis of autofluorescence emanating from melanin under long wavelength visible light (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) excitation.

Abstract: The present invention is a non-coherent optical fiber apparatus that may be used for imaging. Methods are described to produce geometric mapping data for an optical fiber apparatus. Images may be transmitted, reconstructed (using mapping data for the apparatus) and displayed. In addition, one or more fiber characteristics may be measured and used in conjunction with mapping data to further improve or correct the geometric, photometric or spectral content of images. The apparatus data described may be provided, by a manufacturer, for example, in raw form, or this data may be may be provided in a manner that is more user transparent, such as incorporating it into various image processing algorithms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rapid Raman spectroscopy. The speed is improved by providing light from a sample to a light-dispersive element, such as a holographic grating, in a pattern that inversely complements distortion caused by the grating. For example, if the grating imparts a curve to the spectral lines emanating from the grating, then the light is inserted into the grating in a curve in the opposite direction. Also calibration light guides able to transmit a known, or standard, light to the detection or spectroscopy system. The calibration light guide can be useful both with traditional light transmission guides and with the light transmission guides of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus for acquiring in vivo images of a site of interest within the internal organs of a body. The apparatus includes an elongate, flexible catheter. The catheter is introducible into the body and has a first end that remains external to the body and a second and positionable adjacent the site of interest. A movable scanning unit having at least one sensor for acquiring images is housed adjacent the second end of the catheter. There is a drive mechanism to control movement of the movable scanning unit from the first external end of the catheter to acquire multiple images of the site of interest. The drive mechanism has a control element extending the length of the catheter lumen adapted for linear movement within the lumen to generate linear or rotational movement of the scanning unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rapid Raman spectroscopy. The speed is improved by providing light from a sample to a light-dispersive element, such as a holographic grating, in a pattern that inversely complements distortion caused by the grating. For example, if the grating imparts a curve to the spectral lines emanating from the grating, then the light is inserted into the grating in a curve in the opposite direction. Also calibration light guides able to transmit a known, or standard, light to the detection or spectroscopy system. The calibration light guide can be useful both with traditional light transmission guides and with the light transmission guides of the present invention.

Abstract: Optical systems that provide for simultaneous images and spectra from an object, such as a tissue sample, an industrial object such as a computer chip, or any other object that can be viewed with an optical system such as a microscope, endoscope, telescope or camera. In some embodiments, the systems provide multiple images corresponding to various desired wavelength ranges within an original image of the object, as well as, if desired, directional pointer(s) that can provide both an identification of the precise location from which a spectrum is being obtained, as well as enhancing the ability to point the device.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a diagnostic method for identifying psoriatic plaques in which Porphyrins, particularly protoporphyrin IX, are elevated as compared to normal skin and skin of patients with other dermatological diseases, including other forms of psoriatic plaque. Psoriatic plaques with elevated porphyrin levels may be detected by fluorescence and spectral analysis. Endogenous porphyrins in psoriatic plaques may be activated with visible light to treat psoriatic plaques having elevated porphyrin concentrations. Skin conditions may be optimized to increase the endogenous concentration of porphyrins in psoriatic plaques. A topical formulation may be applied to psoriatic plaques to optimize skin conditions such as pH, iron concentration, temperature, hydration, calcium concentration, oxygenation, electrical conductivity and estrogen concentration to increase the concentration of endogenous porphyrins.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting the possible rejection of a transplanted tissue by a host. The transplanted tissue is subjected to illumination with light to induce fluorescence. The light can be ultraviolet light, visible light or infrared light, which can be used alone or in any combination, which means one, two or three forms of light may be used together. The induced fluorescence is collected and analyzed, then compared with fluorescence that is obtained using the same procedure for a known, healthy tissue that is the same type of tissue as the transplanted tissue. Also provided are methods and apparatus related to the determination of probe orientation and the need for biopsy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the dosimetry of a photodynamic therapy that involves exposing a site to be treated to treatment light in order to generate toxic products at the site and other photoproducts. Often a photosensitizer drug is administered to the patient prior to treatment or the therapy relies on the presence of endogenous photosensitizers. The method comprises the steps of selecting a photoproduct having an identifying characteristic, which can be a fluorescence peak, and monitoring the photoproduct using the identifying characteristic (e.g. fluorescence) to determine the level of the photoproduct being generated. The photodynamic therapy is then terminated when the photoproduct being monitored reaches a predetermined level. The method allows for safe treatment of a site using photodynamic therapy and ensures that overexposure to treatment light leading to damage of normal tissue or underexposure leading to ineffective treatment of the lesion does not occur.

Abstract: Apparatus for diagnosis of a skin disease site using spectral analysis includes a light source for generating light to illuminate the disease site and a probe unit optically connected to the light source for exposing the disease site to light to generate fluorescence and reflectance light. The probe unit also collects the generated fluorescence and reflectance light and transmits this light to a spectrometer to be analyzed. The spectrometer generates and displays spectral measurements of the fluorescence light and the reflectance light which in together assist the user in diagnosing the disease site. The apparatus makes use of a conventional personal computer using a plug-in spectrometer card to provide a compact and low costs system. The system performs combined fluorescence and reflectance spectral analysis in a quick and efficient manner to provide a powerful tool for dermatologic diagnosis.

Abstract: Apparatus for the diagnosis of a skin disease site by visual fluorescence inspection comprising an excitation light source for illuminating the disease site, a light guide for transmitting the excitation light directly to the disease site to generate fluorescence light and viewing goggles for processing the excitation light reflected and the fluorescence light emitted from the disease site to provide a fluorescence image of the disease site to a user. The fluorescence image is used to aid the medical assessment of skin conditions and the diagnosis of cutaneous diseases by supplementing the visual assessment of skin lesions made by the naked eye. The apparatus can be used in several modes of operation that permit the viewing of full color fluorescence images and enhanced two color images. The apparatus can also use image intensifying equipment to amplify fluorescence light so that even very weak fluorescing objects can be seen. A method for acquiring and viewing the fluorescence images is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for diagnosis of a skin disease site using spectral analysis includes a light source for generating light to illuminate the disease site and a probe unit optically connected to the light source for exposing the disease site to light to generate fluorescence and reflectance light. The probe unit also collects the generated fluorescence and reflectance light and transmits this light to a spectrometer to be analysed. The spectrometer generates and displays spectral measurements of the fluorescence light and the reflectance light which in together assist the user in diagnosing the disease site. The apparatus makes use of a conventional personal computer using a plug-in spectrometer card to provide a compact and low cost system. The system performs combined fluorescence and reflectance spectral analysis in a quick and efficient manner to provide a powerful tool for dermatologic diagnosis.

Abstract: A system for detecting cancerous or precancerous lesions directs light produced from a mercury arc lamp into an illumination guide of an endoscope. Autofluorescence light produced by the tissue under examination is divided into red and green spectral bands by a dichroic mirror. Light in the red and green spectral band is applied to a pair of image intensified CCD cameras. The output of the camera that receives light in the red spectral band is coupled to a red video input of a color video monitor. Light produced by the camera that receives light in the green spectral band is coupled to the blue and green video inputs of the video monitor. The system produces a false color display, whereby healthy tissue appears cyan in color and cancerous or precancerous lesions appear reddish in color. The image displayed allows the operator to see the lesions within the context of the underlying tissue structures.