Abstract: A modal-domain optical fiber sensor device having the sensing fiber constructed of multimode optical fiber, reflectively terminated on one end, the non-terminated end receiving coherent light and outputting speckle pattern light that is geometrically filtered by at least one detection fibers' diameter, angular position, or physical location in relation to the sensing fiber's non-terminated end. The coherent light is directed from a coherent source to the sensing fiber's non-terminated end by at least one injection optical fiber that is oriented side by side with the detection fibers, and secured within a launch optical coupler (LOC). The LOC secures the non-terminated end of the sensing in light communication with the detection optical fibers and injection optical fibers.

Abstract: Dental imaging systems include an optical scanner that scans one or more interrogation beams across a portion of at least one tooth to produce a dentally modulated light flux associated with light scattering, absorption, or other interaction of the interrogation beam and a tooth interior. The dentally modulated light flux is detected and processed to produce picture information associated with the tooth. Interrogation wavelengths between 800 nm and 1800 nm can be used to provide images suitable for diagnosis and assessment of demineralization or other defects. Interrogation beams at one or more wavelengths can be used. Multiple detectors can be situated to receive dentally modulated light fluxes at different wavelengths or dentally modulated light fluxes with different directions or different locations. Markers at or on a tooth can be used to for depth determination. Index matching to the tooth can improve image quality.