Abstract: A fiber-based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) system uses a new polarization diversity detection (PDD) scheme and requires no active polarization modulating components. Retardation of the sample can be determined from amplitudes of arbitrarily-oriented x- and y-components of the reflected light. A hybrid custom 50/50 coupler with single-mode fiber inputs and polarization maintaining (PM) fiber outputs combines light from sample and reference arms of an interferometer. Another embodiment provides a system adapted to provide co-registered autofluorescence-optical coherence tomography (AF-OCT) imaging. AF excitation light is introduced and collected AF light is extracted at a fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) equipped with an embedded dichroic mirror. A probe tip that uses a clad fiber to supply light to a focusing element provides enhanced OCT and AF performance.

Abstract: A fiber-based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) system uses a new polarization diversity detection (PDD) scheme and requires no active polarization modulating components. Retardation of the sample can be determined from amplitudes of arbitrarily-oriented x- and y-components of the reflected light. A hybrid custom 50/50 coupler with single-mode fiber inputs and polarization maintaining (PM) fiber outputs combines light from sample and reference arms of an interferometer. Another embodiment provides a system adapted to provide co-registered autofluorescence-optical coherence tomography (AF-OCT) imaging. AF excitation light is introduced and collected AF light is extracted at a fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) equipped with an embedded dichroic mirror. A probe tip that uses a clad fiber to supply light to a focusing element provides enhanced OCT and AF performance.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: Septic barriers interposed between a target tissue such as an oral or vaginal cavity, exposed epidermis, or wound or surgical site, and a user and his/her optical interrogation instruments to reduce cross-infection and/or contamination. In certain embodiments, the septic barrier is substantially transparent for viewing purposes and is typically effectively non-fluorescent, particularly when used for investigating autofluorescence or other fluorescence emanating from a target, so as to have little or no effect on the measurements and observations being made. The sepsis barrier can comprises a window through which the user sees the tissue, a frame holding the window, and an attachment structure, such as threads or bayonet attachment, configured to connect the barrier to the instrument. If desired, the system can also have an optional attachment mechanism for permanent or temporary connection of a further instrument to the frame, such as a tissue retractor configured to aid manipulation of the target tissue.

Abstract: An autofluorescence light examination system having a plurality of modular parts includes a main body, a light source, and at least two detachable instruments. The main body is configured to deliver light to a target tissue and contains at least one optical element configured so that a user can directly view the target tissue through the main body while the target tissue is illuminated by the light source. The main body is further configured to accept at least two detachable instruments that are configured to deliver light to at least two different target tissues located at at least two different areas of the body and configured such that a user can directly view the target tissue through the main body while the target tissue is illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods providing speculums constructed to be substantially or completely non-fluorescent. The speculums can be, for example, constructed entirely of non-fluorescent material such as very dark (e.g., black, dark charcoal gray, navy blue) plastic. The speculums can also be any given material and coated with a substantially non-fluorescing material such as a low-fluorescent paint or laminate, or otherwise constructed and configured in any desired manner providing the feature(s) discussed herein.

Abstract: An optical computed-tomography microscope for three-dimensional (3-D) imaging employs tomographic reconstruction for image acquisition. The microscope has an optical scanner to vary an angle at which a light beam passes through a specimen. A method for limited-angle computed-tomography reconstruction applies a transform to produce an image from a number of projections. The image is iteratively feedback-corrected.

Abstract: Microarray readers and methods that compensate for target spots that are too dim or too bright for the microarray reader to accurately measure. The readers adjust the amount of light directed at or received from specific non-acceptable target spots, such that dim spots receive more excitation light and overly bright spots receive less. This increases or decreases, respectively, their measured brightness, which in turn effectively increases the range over which a microarray reader can accurately measure the spots, and can also improve the signal-to-noise ratio and other aspects of the measurements.