Abstract: Exemplary apparatus, arrangement and method can be provided for obtaining information associated with an anatomical structure or a sample using optical microscopy. For example, a light radiation can be separated into first light radiation(s) directed to an anatomical sample and second light radiation directed to a reference. A wavelength of the radiation can vary over time, and the wavelength can be shorter than approximately 1150 nm. An interference can be detected between third and fourth radiations associated with the first and second radiations and fourth radiation, respectively. At least one image corresponding to portion(s) of the sample can be generated using data associated with the interference. In addition, source(s) can be provided which can be configured to provide an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength that varies over time.

Abstract: Real-time swept source OCT data is most often sampled using a specially cut hardware k-clock. The present invention involves mathematically resampling signals within an FPGA-based data acquisition board based on data sampled from a wide free spectral range reference interferometer. The FPGA can then multiply up the reference clock rate to achieve greater imaging depth. The Nyquist fold-over depth can thus be programmed from a standard reference to an arbitrary depth, much as PLL frequency synthesizer can produce many frequencies from a standard stable reference. The system is also capable of real-time performance.

Abstract: A profile of optical reflectance relative to a depth within a depth range from an epidermis to an upper layer of a dermis is created based on a coherence signal obtained by optical coherence tomography, an evaluation index is determined by calculating a difference between reflectance at a local minimum point and reflectance at a second local maximum point from the created profile, and skin conditions are evaluated based on the evaluation index.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical shape sensing system for sensing a shape of a medical device (24), comprising an input polarization controller (12) for setting an input polarization state of an input light signal, at least one interferometer unit (18) for dividing said polarized input light signal into a device signal and a reference signal, guiding said device signal to be scattered within an optical fiber (19) inserted into said device (24) and coupling said scattered device signal with said reference signal to form an output light signal, and at least one measurement branch (39) comprising an output polarization controller arrangement (26) for setting an output polarization state of said output light signal, a polarizing beam splitter (30) for splitting said polarized output light signal into two signal portions, each being in a corresponding one of two signal portion polarization states, and a detector arrangement (35) comprising two detectors (32, 34), each for detecting a corresponding one o

Abstract: An otoscope uses differential reflected response of optical energy at an absorption range and an adjacent wavelength range to determine the presence of water (where the wavelengths are water absorption wavelength and adjacent non-absorption excitation wavelengths). In another example of the invention, the otoscope utilizes OCT in combination with absorption and non-absorption range for bacteria and water.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion, and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems and methods are described herein for obtaining wide field OCT images and other types of image data from at least one portion of a sample. Various embodiments of systems, and methods are described herein for assessing a degree of differentiation for a second region of an OCT image of a tissue sample with respect to another first. Various embodiments of a sample container are also described herein for containing a tissue sample and maintaining the tissue sample in a defined orientation during imaging or handling.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectrally encoded endoscopy (SEE) comprising an illumination element, a detection light guiding element, a rotary element, and a two-dimensional sensor. The illumination element is configured to direct an illumination light beam towards a sample. The detection light guiding element is configured to collect a reflected light beam from the sample. At least one of the illumination element and the detection light guiding element is configured to spectrally dispersed the illumination light beam or the reflected light beam, respectively. The rotary element is configured to rotate or oscillate the reflected light beam. The reflected light beam is guided from the rotary element to the two-dimensional sensor.

Abstract: A system and method of performing ultrasound modulated optical tomography. Ultrasound is delivered into a target voxel in an anatomical structure, and sample light is delivered into the anatomical structure, whereby a portion of the sample light passing through the target voxel is scattered by the biological tissue as signal light, and a portion of the sample light not passing through the target voxel is scattered by the anatomical structure as background light. The ultrasound and sample light are pulsed in synchrony, such that only the signal light is frequency shifted by the ultrasound. Reference light is combined with the signal light and background light to generate an interference light pattern, which is sequentially modulated to generate a plurality of different interference light patterns. Spatial components of each of the different interference light patterns are simultaneously detected and stored in bins.

Abstract: A vibration visualization element includes an optical member that retroreflects light or electromagnetic wave. The optical member includes: a fixed section, relative positional relationship of which with respect to a measurement object is fixed; and a movable section movably supported by the fixed section to allow relative positional relationship with the fixed section to be changed by application of an acceleration to the fixed section in a predetermined direction. The fixed section and the movable section are configured such that, according to the change in the relative positional relationship between the fixed section and the movable section, a reflection direction of the light or the electromagnetic wave is changed to change a luminance of reflected light in a retroreflection direction or an amount of reflected electromagnetic wave in the retroreflection direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion, and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for performing optical coherence tomography (OCT) while reducing and/or eliminating crosstalk noise are provided. Examples of such applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments, such as, but not limited to, optical probes, catheters, capsules and needles (e.g., a biopsy needle). Preferably, the OCT devices, systems methods and storage mediums include or involve a method, such as, but not limited to, a complex conjugate method or a shift method, for handling the crosstalk noise in a way to mitigate or eliminate the noise from an image field of view. For example, a reference reflection or reference arm may be positioned or re-positioned in the image field of view at different locations depending on the crosstalk noise mitigation method being employed.

Abstract: A fluid characterization measuring instrument is disclosed that comprises a sample vessel for a bulk complex sample fluid having a capacity that is substantially larger than a domain size of the complex sample fluid and that is sufficiently large to cause bulk scattering effects to substantially exceed surface effects for the complex fluid sample, a coherent light source positioned to illuminate the bulk complex sample fluid in the sample vessel and a first fibre having a first end positioned to receive backscattered light from the sample after it has interacted with the sample. The first fibre can also be positioned close enough to an optical axis of the coherent light source and to the sample vessel to substantially decrease a contribution of multiply scattered light in the backscattered light.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus images an imaging object which is stored in a container having an optical transparent wall part tomographically via the wall part. An FD-OCT imaging apparatus sets an optical path length of a reference light in conjunction with a setting of a focal depth such that a position corresponding to the focal depth is between a position conjugate with a first surface and a position conjugate with a second surface in a reflected light intensity distribution representing a relationship between a position in an incident direction of an illumination light and a reflected light intensity. Here, the first surface is a surface on the imaging object side out of surfaces of the wall part. The second surface is another surface on a side opposite to the imaging object out of the surfaces of the wall part.

Abstract: A center wavelength of first pulsed light (exciting pulsed light) is variable, and a pulse rate of the first pulsed light coincides with an integer multiple of a free spectral interval of an optical oscillator at a center wavelength of second pulsed light (signal pulsed light or idler pulsed light). A center wavelength of a nonlinear gain generated by a nonlinear optical medium is made approximately coincident with the center wavelength of the second pulsed light.

Abstract: Lidar systems and methods are provided. The lidar system includes a laser that outputs light at two different wavelengths and an interferometer that is capable of generating fringe patterns for each of the two wavelengths simultaneously. More particularly, a first arm of the interferometer provides first and second path lengths. Light of a first of two or more wavelengths traverses the first path length within the first arm, while light of a second one of the two wavelengths traverses the second path length within the first arm. A second arm of the interferometer provides a third path length. Light from the first and second arms is then combined, and a phase shift of light of the first wavelength and a phase shift of light of the second wavelength are determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for extracting morphological characteristics from a sample of biological material, in particular fingerprints, especially internal or external fingerprints, using an optical coherence tomography acquiring system delivering a signal representative of the sample, in which method an image containing intensity data and an image containing phase data are formed from at least the signal delivered by the acquiring system and representative of the sample, in order to extract the morphological characteristics from the sample.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for improved OCT angiography imaging are described. An example method of identifying intraretinal fluid in optical coherence tomography (OCT) image data of an eye includes collecting OCT image data using an OCT system. The data includes at least one cluster scan containing OCT image data collected at approximately same set of locations on the sample. A first motion contrast image is generated by applying a first OCT angiography processing technique to the cluster scan to highlight motion contrast in the sample. A second motion contrast image is generated by applying a second OCT angiography processing technique to the cluster scan to highlight motion contrast in the sample. An image displaying intraretinal fluid in the eye is generated using the first and second motion contrast images and then displayed or stored or a further analysis thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calculating the frequency of the light.

Abstract: A fundus analysis device includes: a first database which stores layer thickness information of fundus relating to a plurality of eyes having respective long ocular axial lengths; a processor; and memory storing non-transitory computer readable instructions, when executed by the processor, causing the fundus analysis device to execute: an acquisition instruction of acquiring a tomographic image of a fundus of an examinee's eye by an optical coherence tomography device; and an analysis processing instruction of acquiring analysis information relating to layer thickness information of the fundus of the examinee's eye by referring to the first database.

Abstract: The modulator array includes a first optical modulator, which changes a shape a wavefront of an incident light into first wavefronts to modulate the incident light which passes through the first optical modulator; and a second optical modulator that changes a shape at least one of the first wavefronts into second wavefronts to modulate the light output from the first optical modulator.

Abstract: An optical tomography apparatus has a measurement unit that divides light output from a light source into measurement light and reference light, that repeatedly scans a subject with the measurement light, and that causes a detector to detect interference between reflected light of the measurement light and the reference light, and a processor. The processor performs an acquisition process of are temporally sequentially acquiring tomographic images at the same transverse position in the subject based on a signal output from the detector. The processor performs a video image generation process of generating a synthetic image on a real time basis by synthesizing a new tomographic image frequently and one or more past images, and causing a monitor to display a real time video image formed from the synthetic image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sub-aperture correlation based wavefront measurement in a thick sample and correction as a post processing technique for interferometric imaging to achieve near diffraction limited resolution are described. Theory, simulation and experimental results are presented for the case of full field interference microscopy. The inventive technique can be applied to any coherent interferometric imaging technique and does not require knowledge of any system parameters. In one embodiment of the present application, a fast and simple way to correct for defocus aberration is described. A variety of applications for the method are presented.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for an intraocular imaging system are disclosed comprising an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. The OCT system has an imaging range that may enable substantial portions of an eye or even a whole eye to be imaged. The OCT system may be coupled to an operation microscope, such that, for example, a surgeon can visualize ocular structures like the human crystalline lens and other ocular structures such as the cornea and/or vitreous while surgical instruments are in the field of view.

Abstract: The present subject matter at-least provides an apparatus for characterization of a slab of a material. The apparatus comprises a plurality of frequency-domain optical-coherence tomography (FD-OCT) probes configured for irradiating the slab of material at at-least one location, and detecting radiation reflected from the slab of material or transmitted there-through. Further, a centralized actuation-mechanism is connected to the plurality of OCT probes for simultaneously actuating one or more elements in each of said OCT probes to at-least cause a synchronized detection of the radiation from the slab of material. A spectral-analysis module is provided for analyzing at least an interference-pattern with respect to each of said OCT probes to thereby determine at least one of thickness and topography of the slab of the material.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for rapid validation of identity from tissue using registered two dimensional and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan images. The preferred embodiment provides, for a human fingerprint, validation that the surface fingerprint matches the primary fingerprint. An alternate embodiment provides validation of “aliveness” by ascertaining blood flow. Various embodiments are taught.

Abstract: A frequency swept laser source for TEFD-OCT imaging includes an integrated clock subsystem on the optical bench with the laser source. The clock subsystem generates frequency clock signals as the optical signal is tuned over the scan band. Preferably the laser source further includes a cavity extender in its optical cavity between a tunable filter and gain medium to increase an optical distance between the tunable filter and the gain medium in order to control the location of laser intensity pattern noise. The laser also includes a fiber stub that allows for control over the cavity length while also controlling birefringence in the cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an OCT imaging system to reduce or eliminate frequency-domain aliasing artifacts. The frequency is shifted using a carrier frequency to define a sampling range substantially centered on the carrier frequency. An image of the sample is generated from a displayed imaging range that consists of a subset of the frequencies within the sampling range. Furthermore, the system may be configured to determine the carrier frequency such that a Nyquist frequency corresponding to the shifted frequency is extended beyond either an upper or a lower bound of an OCT quality envelope corresponding to the first portion of light. Additionally, the carrier frequency may be determined such that a lower bound of the OCT quality envelope is greater or less than a zero-frequency DC limit.

Abstract: In an eye fundus surface expansion observation screen, a surface moving image that is a moving image showing the surface of a predetermined region in a subject's eye is enlarged and displayed. In an eye fundus tomography expansion confirmation screen, a tomographic image showing the tomography of the subject's eye, which corresponds to a position selected from the surface moving image, is enlarged and displayed.

Abstract: This invention describes the structure and function of an integrated multi-sensing systems in stacked configuration. Integrated systems described herein may be configured to form a microphone, pressure sensor, gas sensor or accelerometer. The method uses Fabry-Perot Interferometer in conjunction with light source and a photodetector integrated in stacked configuration. It also describes a configurable method for tuning the integrated system to specific resonance frequency using electrostatic actuators.

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 multi-modal imaging and optical property measurement device that is integrated into an interferometer. Data acquired by the multiple imaging modalities in parallel include measurements of single-scattered, multiple-scattered, and diffuse light that enable characterization of different ranges within different depth regions in the sample. The system includes different interferometer configurations and different imaging modalities, and has a signal-processing unit that associates and co-registers interferometric, multi-spectral, and polarization sensitive measurements to derive and analyze optical properties of a sample and enhance an image display of the sample.

Abstract: A Time Domain Optical Coherence Tomography system using a modulation scheme multiplexes the scanning range of the delay line into different spectral bands. Such a modulation scheme may allow for power consumption reduction compared with a single delay line element since the same modulation pattern is being used for several channels. In an example, the optical coherence tomography system may include a plurality of stages, each stage having a group delay element. The distinct group delays may be introduced to scan a sample with distinct electrical frequency bands at distinct axial scanning depth ranges.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an optical coherence photoacoustic (OC-PAM) microscopy. An OC-PAM microscope includes a light source that outputs light, a scanner, a detector, a transducer, and an image processing module. The scanner receives the light and scans the light across a sample. The detector receives reflected light from the sample in response to the scanned light. The transducer detects photoacoustic waves induced in the sample by the scanned light. The image processing module receives output from the detector and the transducer and generates a photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) image and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) image based on the received output from the detector and the transducer. The PAM and OCT image data may be fused to form a single, OC-PAM image. Additionally, a series of PAM images and OCT images, respectively, may be combined to generate three-dimensional PAM and OCT images, respectively.

Abstract: A space-division multiplexing optical coherence tomography apparatus and system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a light source, a reference arm, and a sample arm. The sample arm splits the sampling light into a plurality of sampling beams which may be scanned simultaneously onto a surface of a sample. An optical delay may be introduced into the sampling beams before scanning. A plurality of reflected light signals returned from the sample is collected. In one arrangement, the signals may be combined to produce a single reflected light signal. The reflected light signal(s) and a reference signal are combined to produce an interference signal comprising data representative of digitized images captured of the actual object. In one embodiment, a single sample arm may be used for scanning and collecting image data. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: An OCT apparatus includes: a light source unit that includes first and second wavelength sweeping light sources which sequentially emit light with first and second spectrum bandwidths; an SS-OCT optical system that splits the light into measurement light and reference light to receive interference signal light; a second detector that is a deviation detector detecting a phase deviation and a wavelength deviation and detects a signal including pieces of FPN; a calculation processor connecting first and second spectrum interference signals and processes the connected spectrum interference signals to acquire an OCT image and that obtains the phase deviation and the wavelength deviation; and a correction unit that corrects the phase deviation and the wavelength deviation and corrects the phase deviation and the wavelength deviation obtained by the calculation processor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an OCT imaging system having a variety of advantages. In particular, the OCT system of the present disclosure may provide a more intuitive interface, more efficient usage of controls, and a greater ability to view OCT imaging data.

Abstract: A system for multimodal laser speckle imaging may include a first light source positioned to emit laser light toward a target, a second light source positioned to emit light toward the target, a camera positioned to receive light scattered from the target, and a processor.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography (OCT) system includes: a light source; a multi-focal delay line; and a light detector. The multi-focal delay line includes: a positive lens; and an optical switch configured to: receive a light from the light source; selectively direct the sample light to the positive lens via a selected one of a plurality of light interfaces each located a different distance from the focal plane of the positive lens; and direct the sample light to an object to be measured. The light detector is configured to receive return light returned from the object to be measured in response to the sample light, and to receive a reference light produced from the light from the light source, and in response thereto to detect at least one interference signal. An associated OCT method may be performed with the OCT system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to determine the axial and/or lateral location of a particle using light modulated with temporal and/or spatial modulation pattern. The system, for example, may include a modulator configured to temporally modulate an intensity pattern of a line of light uniquely at each point along a lateral length of the line of light and produce an undiffracted modulated line of light, a first first-order diffracted line of light, and a second first-order diffracted line of light; and one or more optical elements configured to direct the undiffracted line of light and one of the first first-order diffracted line of light and the second first-order diffracted line of light toward at least one particle disposed at or near a sample region. The system may include a processor configured to determine an axial and/or a lateral position of the particle disposed at or near the sample region.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and techniques based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology in combination with optical actuation. A system for providing optical actuation and optical sensing can include an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device that performs optical imaging of a sample based on optical interferometry from an optical sampling beam interacting with an optical sample and an optical reference beam; an OCT light source to provide an OCT imaging beam into the OCT device which splits the OCT imaging beam into the optical sampling beam and the optical reference beam; and a light source that produces an optical actuation beam that is coupled along with the optical sampling beam to be directed to the sample to actuate particles or structures in the sample so that the optical imaging captures information of the sample under the optical actuation.

Abstract: The method for optical three-dimensional surveying using an intraoral camera (2), wherein the intraoral camera (2) provides that a 3D image is created from at least one of the 2D recorded images or from at least one of the sequences, and wherein a plurality of all the 2D recorded images and/or sequences created in a first operating mode (M1) are used to create at least one overall 3D image. In addition, the method provides that a selection is made between the first operating mode (M1) and a second operating mode (M2), wherein a plurality of all 2D recorded images and/or sequences created during an interval of time (T) are used in the second operating mode (M2) to create at least one 3D image immediately before and/or after a triggering command (A).

Abstract: Methods for ultrasonically imaging a heterogeneous 3D-cell population without physically probing are provided. The method can comprises: pulsing ultrasound waves having a wave frequency of about 10 MHz to about 2 GHz through a lens rod, wherein the lens rod focuses the ultrasound waves onto the cell population via a concave lens-head (e.g., comprising sapphire), and wherein the cell population is positioned on the reflective surface such that the ultrasound waves are reflected back to the lens-head; receiving the reflected waves through the lens head and the lens rod at a signal receiver; scanning the lens-head across multiple points in the x,y plane; and at each point in the x,y plane, moving the lens-head in a z-direction such that a signal is received at multiple intervals in the z-direction for each point in the x,y plane.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus includes a deforming unit and a generation unit. The deforming unit deforms a shape of a boundary that defines a region of a tomographic image of a subject eye in a depth direction according to a thickness of a layer in which the boundary is positioned. The generation unit generates an en-face image based on the region in the depth direction defined by the shape of the boundary deformed by the deforming unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a data processing method is used for processing collected data acquired with respect to each A-line by swept-source OCT using a wavelength sweeping light source having a predetermined wavelength sweeping range. The data processing method detects a reference signal assigned in advance to a clock, the wavenumber of which linearly varies along the time axis, in a predetermined wavelength position within the predetermined wavelength sweeping range. Then, the data processing method sequentially performs sampling of the collected data based on the clock with reference to the predetermined wavelength position where the reference signal detected is assigned. Further, the data processing method forms an image of a corresponding A-line based on the sampled collected data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for determining wear of a consumable part in a semiconductor processing apparatus. One chamber includes a reference part, a consumable part, a transfer arm for transferring the substrate into the chamber, a sensor on the transfer arm, and a controller. The reference part is not subject to wear during operation of the chamber, while the consumable part is subject to wear. The sensor is configured to measure a first distance from the sensor to a surface of the consumable part as the transfer arm travels near the consumable part, and the sensor is configured to measure a second distance from the sensor to a surface of the reference part as the transfer arm travels near the reference part. The controller determines the wear amount of the consumable part based on the first distance and the second distance.

Abstract: An interferometer apparatus which include two or more coupled fiber optic Michelson interferometers using fiber optic stretches which stretch two or more optical fibers wound around the perimeter of the optical fiber stretchers by the same amount is disclosed. Preferably a pair of reference and sample fiber optic stretches are utilized which run in a push-pull mode of operation. When one of the interferometers is a coherent light interferometer it can be used as a reference distance scale for all of the remaining low coherence light interferometer. A method for measuring a physical property of a device under test is also disclosed using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to stent detection and shadow detection in the context of intravascular data sets obtained using a probe such as, for example, and optical coherence tomography probe or an intravascular ultrasound probe.

Abstract: Provided is a surface emitting laser that is to be excited by an external light source and in which a light-emitting position is defined. A surface emitting laser includes a pair of reflecting mirrors (11, 15) and an active layer (13) that is arranged between the pair of reflecting mirrors (11, 15) and that is to be excited by light that is radiated from an external light source. A gap is formed between the active layer and one of the pair of reflecting mirrors (15), the oscillation wavelength of the surface emitting laser is changed, and a defining structure (20) that defines a light-emitting region of the active layer (13) is arranged in at least one of a region between the pair of reflecting mirrors (11, 15) and a region in at least one of the pair of reflecting mirrors (11, 15).

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical measuring process for acquiring a surface topography of a measurement object. To this end, a measuring device with a measuring head in a measuring head guide device is provided for chromatic confocal acquisition of the surface topography or for spectral interferometric OCT acquisition of the distance to the surface topography. Firstly, spectrally broadband light of a light source from a fibre array with i fibres of i measurement spots is directed onto the measurement object via a common measuring head optic, with formation of a spot array of i measurement spots. i reflection spectra of the i measurement channels are then acquired and digitized. Finally, the digitized reflection spectra are evaluated with removal of time variations of systematic measurement errors and time-related deviation movements of the measuring head guide device.