Abstract: Systems and corresponding methods for an end-expandable optical fiber bundle are described herein. In one aspect, an endoscope can include a plurality of optical fibers each having a proximal end and a distal end; at least one camera coupled to the proximal ends of the plurality of optical fibers; and a sleeve enveloping the plurality of optical fibers proximate to the distal ends and repositionable along the length of the plurality of optical fibers, such that the sleeve is configured to control an angle of bend for each of the plurality of optical fibers as the optical fibers advance past the sleeve.

Abstract: A high-resolution microendoscope system includes a light source, a fiber optic bundle configured to transmit light from the light source to a sample, a disc configured to receive light returned from the sample, the disc having spaced apart segments, the spaced-apart segments being at least one of openings and transparent portions, a first camera configured to capture a first image based at least in part on light passing through the disc, and a second camera configured to capture a second image based at least in part on light reflected from the disc.

Abstract: A high-resolution microendoscope system includes a light source, a fiber optic bundle configured to transmit light from the light source to a sample, a disc configured to receive light returned from the sample, the disc having spaced apart segments, the spaced-apart segments being at least one of openings and transparent portions, a first camera configured to capture a first image based at least in part on light passing through the disc, and a second camera configured to capture a second image based at least in part on light reflected from the disc.

Abstract: A bubble continuous positive airway pressure system may include an adjustable flow generator configured to control a flow rate of air to be delivered to a patient. A pressure-regulated delivery system is configured to control a pressure delivered to the patient interface. The delivery system is operatively connected to a pressure control tube. One end of the pressure control tube is submerged in a liquid. A patient interface is configured to transfer pressure from the pressure control tube to the patient's airway.

Abstract: A microendoscope system configured to create a sectioned image can include a spinning disc with a reflective grating. At least a portion of light returning from a fiber bundle and that passes through the grating can be imaged onto a CCD. At least a portion of light returning from the fiber bundle and which strikes the reflective grating can emanate from the background of the sample being imaged. This is reflected onto a second CCD, thereby resulting in a recorded background image. Subtracting the two images can result in a sectioned image.

Abstract: A bubble continuous positive airway pressure system may include an adjustable flow generator configured to control a flow rate of air to be delivered to a patient. A pressure-regulated delivery system is configured to control a pressure delivered to the patient interface. The delivery system is operatively connected to a pressure control tube. One end of the pressure control tube is submerged in a liquid. A patient interface is configured to transfer pressure from the pressure control tube to the patient's airway.

Abstract: A readout and signal transduction (ROST) component includes a universal fixture adapted to receive and align one or more optical elements and one or more opto-mechanical elements, wherein the optical elements and one or more opto-mechanical elements are stacked in the universal fixture, one or more optical elements configured for integration into the universal fixture; and one or more opto-mechanical elements configured for integration into the universal fixture.

Abstract: Imaging techniques. Radiation is directed from a source onto a sample using an endoscope having cellular or subcellular resolution. The endoscope includes one or more fibers. The fibers have a proximate end and a distal end, and the distal end is lensless. A focal plane of the endoscope is substantially at a tip of the distal end. Radiation from the sample is directed onto a detector to diagnose or monitor the sample.

Abstract: Imaging techniques. Radiation is directed from a source onto a sample using an endoscope having cellular or subcellular resolution. The endoscope includes one or more fibers. The fibers have a proximate end and a distal end, and the distal end is lensless. A focal plane of the endoscope is substantially at a tip of the distal end. Radiation from the sample is directed onto a detector to diagnose or monitor the sample.

Abstract: A portable microscope is provided comprising a body; a light source comprising a flash light for generating illumination, an objective lens having an optical axis, a stage for holding an object to be observed, and a mirror positioned along the objective optical axis on the other side of the objective lens, wherein the mirror reflects the illumination from the light source along the objective optical axis to an eyepiece. In some embodiments, the light source may be a fluorescent light source.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides a delivery formulation including a chitosan in which the primary amines are partially modified with 4-imidazole acetic acid monohydrochloride and a therapeutic or imaging material. According to another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for delivering a material to an epithelial or mucosal tissue comprising increasing the permeability of an epithelial or mucosal tissue by applying to said tissue a delivery formulation including a chitosan in which the primary amines are partially modified with 4-imidazole acetic acid monochlorohydride and a therapeutic or imaging material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microscanner having a micro mirror is disclosed. Initially, a two-axis self-aligned vertical comb-drive microscanner is fabricated from a bonded silicon-on-insulator-silicon (SOI) silicon wafer. By depositing a thin film of aluminum on the surface, a SOI silicon wafer can provide about 90% reflectivity at 633 nm. A 2.5 ?m misalignment tolerance can be achieved for the critical backside alignment step. As a result, confocal images with 1 ?m resolution can be acquired using a microscanner having SOI silicon wafer mirrors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting a condition of a sample (including cervical cancers and pre-cancers) through reflectance and/or fluorescence imaging. A sample is obtained. One or more metallic nanoparticles and/or one or more quantum dots are obtained. The one or more metallic nanoparticles and/or one or more quantum dots are coupled to one or more biomarkers of the sample that are associated with the condition. A reflectance and/or fluorescence image of the sample is then taken. The image(s) exhibit characteristic optical scattering from the one or more metallic nanoparticles and/or characteristic fluorescence excitation from the one or more quantum dots to signal the presence of the one or more biomarkers. In this way, the condition can be readily screened or diagnosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depth-resolved spectroscopy. A ball lens may be used to redirect light from a fiber-optic probe so that the light intersects the detection region of a collection probe in a specific depth layer of the specimen. A fiber-optic probe may comprise a collection fiber proximal to a central axis of a ball lens and a pair of illumination fibers distal to the central axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and positioning optical components. The apparatus includes a substrate, one or more mounting slots, and one or more springs. The one or more mounting slots are formed in the substrate, and each mounting slot includes a mounting slot wall. At least one of the mounting slots is adapted to receive an optical component. At least one of the mounting slots is coupled to one of the springs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing epithelial neoplasia and other conditions includes, in a representative embodiment, providing the human eyes with a filter to observe the autofluorescence of a tissue sample. Using optimized wavelengths from a filtered light source, a sample is illuminated. The radiation from the sample is filtered to enhance the contrast between a normal sample and a diseased sample observable by the human eye.

Abstract: Imaging techniques. Radiation is directed from a source onto a sample using an endoscope having cellular or subcellular resolution. The endoscope includes one or more fibers. The fibers have a proximate end and a distal end, and the distal end is lensless. A focal plane of the endoscope is substantially at a tip of the distal end. Radiation from the sample is directed onto a detector to diagnose or monitor the sample.

Abstract: Fluorescence spectral data acquired from tissues in vivo or in vitro is processed in accordance with a multivariate statistical method to achieve the ability to probabilistically classify tissue in a diagnostically useful manner, such as by histopathological classification. The apparatus includes a controllable illumination device for emitting electromagnetic radiation selected to cause tissue to produce a fluorescence intensity spectrum. Also included are an optical system for applying the plurality of radiation wavelengths to a tissue sample, and a fluorescence intensity spectrum detecting device for detecting an intensity of fluorescence spectra emitted by the sample as a result of illumination by the controllable illumination device. The system also include a data processor, connected to the detecting device, for analyzing detected fluorescence spectra to calculate a probability that the sample belongs in a particular classification.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depth-resolved spectroscopy. A ball lens may be used to redirect light from a fiber-optic probe so that the light intersects the detection region of a collection probe in a specific depth layer of the specimen. A fiber-optic probe may comprise a collection fiber proximal to a central axis of a ball lens and a pair of illumination fibers distal to the central axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and positioning optical components. The apparatus includes a substrate, one or more mounting slots, and one or more springs. The one or more mounting slots are formed in the substrate, and each mounting slot includes a mounting slot wall. At least one of the mounting slots is adapted to receive an optical component. At least one of the mounting slots is coupled to one of the springs.