Abstract: A portable two-mode probe intended to be applied against a biological tissue to be examined, the probe comprising: an ultrasonic transducer (34, 63), configured to emit ultrasonic waves into the tissue and to receive ultrasonic waves reflected by the tissue, the transducer extending along a transverse axis; at least two optodes (32, 60, 62a, 62b) placed on either side of the transverse axis, such that the transducer extends between the two optodes; each optode comprising a casing (52, 61), the casing containing: a light emitter (31), configured to emit a light wave toward the tissue; and/or an optical detector (32), configured to detect a light wave scattered by the tissue; the optodes being arranged such that at least one light emitter and at least one optical detector are placed on either side of the transducer; at least one optical detector having a detection area (53, 63a, 63b) formed from a semiconductor and connected to a circuit board (54).

Abstract: A photodetector may include an array of microcells and an output module configured to collect, from each microcell, an output signal indicative of a photon detection and to combine the collected output signals in at least one output line. Each microcell comprises a first device and a second device, wherein at least one of the devices is a photosensitive device capable of detecting the photon; a time-gating module connected to said at least one photosensitive device and configured to provide a gate signal to the at least one photosensitive device to activate it; and a readout module configured to receive, upon arrival of the photon on the at least one activated photosensitive device, a corresponding signal from the at least one activated photosensitive device and, on the basis of the received signal, to provide the output signal to the output module.

Abstract: A method for laser induced fluorescence of tissue in which laser radiation is used to illuminate and induce fluorescence in the tissue under study to determine the chemical composition or pathologic condition of tissue. The laser radiation and the retrieved fluorescing radiation can be conveyed through a catheter using an array of optical fiber. The fluorescence spectrum of the tissue can be displayed and analyzed to obtain information regarding the chemical composition and medical condition of the tissue inside the human body.

Abstract: A method for laser induced fluorescence of tissue in which laser radiation is used to illuminate and induce fluorescence in the tissue under study to determine the chemical composition or pathologic condition of tissue. The laser radiation and the retrieved fluorescing radiation can be conveyed through a catheter using an array of optical fiber. The fluorescence spectrum of the tissue can be displayed and analyzed to obtain information regarding the chemical composition and medical condition of the tissue inside the human body.