Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to an apparatus for increasing the repetition rate in a light source. The apparatus includes a first optical coupler comprising a first arm, a second arm and a third arm; a first mirror in optical communication with the second arm of the first optical coupler; and a first optical delay line having a first end in optical communication with the third arm of the first optical coupler and a second end in optical communication with a second mirror, wherein light entering the first arm of the first optical coupler leaves the first arm of the first optical coupler either delayed by an amount (?) or substantially undelayed.

Abstract: In an inner layer measurement method, first irradiation light and second irradiation light having a peak wavelength longer than that of the first irradiation light are formed by changing at least one of a position where light emitted from a lamp is transmitted through a short pass filter and a position where light emitted from a lamp is transmitted through a long pass filter. Then, a first XY sectional surface of a semitransparent body is measured by irradiating the first XY sectional surface with the first irradiation light. A second XY sectional surface positioned on a layer deeper than the first XY sectional surface is measured by irradiating the second XY sectional surface with the second irradiation light. Each of the short pass filter and the long pass filter can transmit the light and has properties of changing a cutoff wavelength according to the position where the light is transmitted.

Abstract: An apparatus can be provided according to certain exemplary embodiments. For example, the apparatus can include a waveguiding first arrangement providing at least one electromagnetic radiation. A configuration can be provided that receives and splits the at least one electromagnetic radiation into a first radiation and a second radiation. The apparatus can further include a waveguiding second arrangement which has a first waveguide and a second waveguide, whereas the first waveguide receives the first radiation, and the second waveguide receives the second radiation. The first arrangement, the second arrangement and the configuration can be housed in a probe.

Abstract: The invention provides for generating a set of signature signals that correspond to a range of depths within a target. These signature signals can include multiple individual reference signals and be can modified to compensate for specific characteristics of the target. In the preferred embodiment the members of the set of signature signals are correlated with data sets by phase rotating individual reference signals to determine maximum and minimum correlation and thereby enabling determination of the scattering characteristic of the target at each depth. Also a pilot signal is monitored to dynamically determine the phase relationship between individual reference signals and thereby avail of phase sensitive detection techniques to enhance SNR at deeper regions where multiple individual reference signals exist.

Abstract: A contact detecting apparatus detects contact between a body tissue and a probe for emitting illumination light onto the body tissue and receiving return light of the illumination light scattered from the body tissue. The contact detecting apparatus includes: a laser light source that emits laser light to irradiate a specified region of the body tissue via the probe; a photoelectric conversion unit that converts light received via the probe into an electric signal; and a signal processing unit that determines whether or not there is contact between a distal end of the probe and the body tissue based on whether the electric signal includes a component of a beat signal caused by interference of the return light of the laser light scattered from each of a surface of the body tissue and a surface of the distal end of the probe.

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated main body possessing flexibility. The main boy is comprised of a first wire having a core member constituted by a metal material, a second wire having a core member arranged on the proximal side of the first wire and constituted by a metal material, and an optically transmissive member arranged between the first wire and the second wire, and connecting the first and second wires to each other and constituted by a substantially transparent tube shaped body. The optically transmissive member exhibits light permeability such that when light is illuminated from one direction of a lateral side thereof, the light is transmissible to the opposite side through the center axis of the main body.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling an optical system include accessing a measured value of a property of a particular pulse of a pulsed light beam emitted from the optical system, the property being related to an amount of coherence of the light beam; comparing the measured value of the property of the light beam to a target value of the property; determining whether to generate a control signal based on the comparison; and if a control signal is generated based on the comparison, adjusting the amount of coherence in the light beam by modifying an aspect of the optical system based on the control signal to reduce an amount of coherence of a pulse that is subsequent to the particular pulse.

Abstract: There is provided an optical coherence tomography device provided with: an OCT optical system configured to output OCT signal; and an analysis processing unit configured to process the OCT signal and generate motion contrast data of the specimen. The analysis processing unit is provided with: a first image data generation unit configured to process multiple OCT signals to generate first image data representing phase difference information of the multiple OCT signals, and a second image data generation unit configured to process the OCT signal to generate second image data representing amplitude information of the OCT signal. The analysis processing unit generates the motion contrast data based on the phase difference information in the first image data and the amplitude information in the second image data.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and method are provided for improving discrimination between parts of a scene enabling enhancement of an object in the scene. A camera unit is arranged to capture first and second images from the scene in first and second distinct and spectrally spaced apart wavebands. An image processing unit processes the images so captured and processes polarimetric information in the images to enable better discrimination between parts of the scene. An image of the scene, including a graphical display of the polarimetric information, may be displayed on a visual display unit thus enhancing an object in the scene for viewing by a user. Correlation parameters indicating, possibly on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the correlation between the actual image intensity at each angle of polarization and a modelled expected image intensity may be used to enhance the visibility of an object.

Abstract: Optical observation apparatus includes: light source emitting broadband light; image fiber with first and second end faces, wherein end faces of plural cores are two-dimensionally arrayed in first and second end faces; imaging optical system provided on first end face side of image fiber, causing light from first end face to be imaged on imaging plane; and axial aberration optical system provided on second end face side of image fiber, having an axial chromatic aberration on optical axis, and causing light from second end face toward object to be observed to be converged. Image fiber takes light from light source from first end face, and transmits light to second end face, and takes light, reflected and scattered by a surface of object, converged by axial aberration optical system, and focused for each plural core on second end face, from second end face and transmits light to first end face.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an OCT apparatus configured to generate to electromagnetic (e.g., optical) signals having two different polarization states. Two or more silicon optical amplifiers (SOAs) can be configured to maintain a respective polarization state in an optical input signal provided from a light source (e.g., a broadband light source). The different polarization states can be combined by an optical combiner (e.g., a polarization maintaining fiber coupler) and provided to drive a reference arm and a sample arm implemented in an OCT system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the assessment of disruption or abnormalities to retinal layers are presented. The disruptions are detected by analyzing at least one segmented boundary of optical coherence tomography data. Several different types of analysis can be used alone or in combination to make an assessment of the level of disruption to the particular boundary or layer defined by the boundary. The results can be presented as an end face image and quantified to report an amount of disruption. In one embodiment, a method for determining the disruption to the photoreceptor outer segment is described.

Abstract: A fundus camera with an OCT measurement module, in which, after the focusing objective, a mirror switches the light to be detected either to the OCT measurement module or an image detector. This design also renders it possible to carry out a method for improved focusing in order to improve the recording quality of the individual modalities. Furthermore, the multimodal measuring instrument distinguishes itself by an operating concept according to the invention. Such combination instruments are advantageous in that, as a result of the reduction from two instruments to one, less space is required than in the case of two separate instruments. Furthermore, reseating of the patient is avoided if recordings or measurements of different modalities should be made for one and the same patient, as a result of which the procedures in the medical practices and clinics can be influenced positively.

Abstract: A system for optical coherence tomography using multiple interferometers presented. The interferometry system includes a source configured to generate a variable wavelength light beam. A first splitter is configured to split the variable wavelength light beam to at least a first light beam and a second light beam. A first delay element is configured to delay the first light beam by a first time delay. A second delay element is configured to delay the second light beam by a second time delay, such that the delayed first light beam and the delayed second light beam are out of coherence with each other. A first interferometer is configured to receive the delayed first light beam as an input. A second interferometer is configured to receive the delayed second light beam as an input.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributed acoustic sensing based on coherent Rayleigh scattering are disclosed herein. A system comprises a pulse generator, an optical fiber coupled to the pulse generator, an interferometer coupled to the optical fiber, a photodetector assembly coupled to the interferometer, and an information handling system, which activates two optical gain elements so as to vary the optical path length of the interferometer. A method comprises sending an optical pulse down an optical fiber, splitting backscattered light from the optical pulse into a first backscattered pulse and a second backscattered pulse, activating a first optical gain element and a second optical gain element, sending the first backscattered pulse into a first arm of an interferometer, sending the second backscattered pulse into a second arm of an interferometer, combining the first and second backscattered pulses to form an interferometric signal, and receiving the interferometric signal at a photodetector assembly.

Abstract: In polarization-sensitive optical image measurement, noise-containing OCT signals obtained by polarization OCT are processed using a birefringence calculation algorithm, to obtain measured birefringence, after which noise is statistically adjusted to simulate a measured birefringence distribution and determine the noise characteristics of the measured birefringence values, and then Monte Carlo calculations are repeated by assuming different values for the noise level and the true birefringence value, respectively, to form three-dimensional histogram of combinations of true birefringence values, SN ratios, and measured birefringence values, after which specified measured birefringence values and SN ratios are assumed from the three-dimensional histogram information to obtain a true birefringence probability density distribution, and true birefringence values are estimated from the true birefringence probability density distribution.

Abstract: An ophthalmological apparatus includes a photographing mode selection processor that selects any one of a plurality of photographing modes including a color photographing mode and a fluorescent photographing mode, a photographic optical system that photographs a subject's eye in a photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selection processor, a vision fixation optical system including a vision fixation target display that displays a vision fixation target, the vision fixation optical system projecting an image of the vision fixation target displayed in the vision fixation target display on the subject's eye, and a control processor that changes an amount of light of the vision fixation target in accordance with the photographing mode selected by the photographing mode selection processor.

Abstract: An adjustment system for an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging system includes an OCT light source; a beam splitter, splitting the OCT light beam into an imaging beam to an imaging arm, and a reference beam to a reference arm; a probe, guiding the imaging beam onto a target and receiving a returned imaging beam from the target; the beam splitter generating an interference beam from the returned imaging beam and a returned reference beam from the reference arm; an imaging detector, detecting the interference beam; an imaging processor, generating an OCT image from the detected interference beam; and an adjustment device, removably coupled to the probe, the adjustment device comprising the target attached to a distal region of a target holder at a working distance from a distal end of the imaging probe, wherein an optical length of the reference arm is adjustable to improve a calibration of the OCT image.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for normalizing an image of an eye among multiple optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices. The system can receive an OCT image and generate a normalized OCT image. The system is configured to normalize a sample density of the received image, normalize an amount of noise using a suitable noise reduction technique, normalize a distribution of signal amplitudes of the image, and then normalize a signal quality of the image. The resulting normalized image of the eye can then be used in the comparison among OCT images taken from multiple OCT devices.

Abstract: A method implemented by computer means for determining a visual effect of an ophthalmic lens, the method comprising: —an optical data receiving step (S1), during which optical data relating to the optical function of an ophthalmic lens is received, —an acquisition step (S2), during which at least one image of the visual environment of a user is acquired, —a depth map determining step (S3), during which a depth map of the acquired image of the visual environment of the user is determined, —a visual effect determining step (S4), during which based on the depth map and the optical data, a visual effect that would be introduced by the ophthalmic lens if the visual environment was seen through the ophthalmic lens is determined.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus and method are provided. In particular, an electromagnetic radiation can be emitted with, e.g. a light source arrangement. For example, the light source arrangement can include a cavity and a filter, and a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation can be controlled, e.g., with such cavity and filter, to have a mean frequency that changes (i) at an absolute rate that is greater than about 100 terahertz per millisecond, and (ii) over a range that is greater than about 10 terahertz. Additionally or alternatively, the light source arrangement can include a frequency shifting device which can shift the mean frequency of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A swept source OCT system and related method are disclosed. The system comprises a control device for operating a tunable light source in response to an electronic sweep control signal such that the tunable light source carries out wave length sweeps with a repetition rate fsweep, which depends on the frequency of the sweep control signal. The system further comprises a detection device for the time-resolved detection of an interference signal from a sample beam and a reference beam with the help of a detection cycle signal. The sweep control signal and the detection cycle signal are phase-locked, or means for creating a signal or signal sequence are provided, said signal or signal sequence being characterising for the frequency relationship and/or the relative phase position of the sweep control signal and detection cycle signal.

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: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for optical communication. One apparatus includes a Fabry-Perot (FP) laser diode assembly coupled to a first port of a circulator; an optical amplifier coupled to a second port of the circulator; a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) filter coupled to a third port of the circulator; and a Faraday rotator mirror coupled to the WDM filter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a phase adjustor for adjusting a phase angle of a local oscillator relative to a phase angle of a signal input of a Device Under Test (DUT). Some embodiments include a laser source for a lightwave component analyzer and an optical phase adjustor. The lightwave component analyzer drives a first test input to the DUT. An output of the DUT drives an output of the optical phase adjustor adapted to couple to an oscillator input to the DUT. A monitor selector is also included that accepts at least two outputs of the DUT and is structured to transmit a selected output of the DUT to the phase adjust driver. The phase adjust driver is structured to drive the optical phase adjustor with a control signal based on the output of the DUT that is selected by the monitor selector.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tuning and switching between optical components are provided. The apparatuses and methods may be used in the context of optical communication. An example apparatus may include a first optical path having a first tunable component and a second optical path having a second tunable component. The apparatus may also include a first switch component for selectively connecting the first optical path to an output, and a second switch component for selectively connecting the second optical path to the output. The first and second switch components may be semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs). The apparatus may have a controller that controls the first switch component and the second switch component to select which optical path is connected to the output and controls tuning of the tunable component in the optical path that is not connected to the output.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This disclosure particularly relates to an OCT system with improved motion contrast. This disclosure particularly relates to motion contrast methods for such OCT systems. The OCT system of this disclosure may have a configuration that scans a physical object, which has a surface and a depth, with a beam of light that has a beam width and a direction; acquires OCT signals from the scan; forms at least one A-scan using the acquired OCT signals; forms at least one B-scan cluster set using the acquired OCT signals that includes at least two B-scan clusters that each include at least two B-scans. The B-scans within each B-scan cluster set are parallel to one another and parallel to the direction of the beam of light. The OCT system may have a configuration that calculates OCT motion contrast using the at least one B-scan cluster set. This OCT system may form and display an image of the physical object.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus performs imaging to produce a tomographic image of a fundus of an examined eye based on interference light obtained by combining measurement light and reference light, determines whether aliasing has occurred in the tomographic image, when it is determined that the aliasing has occurred, moves a position in which an optical path length of the measurement light and an optical path length of the reference light match from a retina side to a choroid side of the examined eye, and generates a fundus image based on the tomographic image that has been produced through imaging in a state where the position has been moved to the choroid side.

Abstract: It is provided a method for quick switching to realize anterior and posterior eye segments imaging, which can realize quick switch and real-time image for locations at different depths. On one hand, with an ability of quick switch, objects at different depths can be measured, and the detection scope of the OCT system can be enhanced; the switch system is able to work stably and change positions accurately without influencing the signal-to-noise ratio of the system. On the other hand, the light beam can be respectively focalized at different locations. Thus, high quality of anterior and posterior eye segments imaging can be achieved with a relatively high lateral resolution for human eyes having different ametropia. Furthermore, based on the anterior and posterior eye segments imaging, an ability of real-time eye axial length measurement can be added.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object. The apparatus comprises a vibration generator and an acousto-optical sensor. The vibration generator is positioned relative to a surface of an object. The vibration generator excites the object at a location on the object such that the portion of the object vibrates. The acousto-optical sensor is coupled to the surface of the portion of the object. The acousto-optical sensor detects a vibratory response generated by the portion of the object in response to excitation of the portion of the object and generates an image of the portion of the object based on the vibratory response.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the method is designed to create a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional sample.

Abstract: Higher-precision measurement is achieved by an optical inner surface measuring device configured to cause a probe to enter into the inner peripheral surface or deep hole of a target object, capture and observe reflection light from the inner surface in a three-dimensional manner, and measure the accuracy of the target object. In a structure including an optical fiber built into a tube, a light path conversion unit arranged at a leading end side of the optical fiber, and a motor configured to rotationally drive the light path conversion unit, a unit for measuring the amount of runout of a rotation shaft unit of the motor is provided. Shape data on the inner peripheral surface of a target object is obtained by calculating at a computer reflection light from the target object, and is modified by displacement amount data from a displacement measurement unit to realize high-precision measurement with no measurement error resulting from runout and rotational vibration of the rotation shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A method is proposed for automatically locating the optic disc or the optic cup in an image of the rear of an eye. A portion of the image containing the optic disc or optic cup is divided into sub-regions using a clustering algorithm. Biologically inspired features, and optionally other features, are obtained for each of the sub-regions. An adaptive model uses the features to generate data indicative of whether each sub-region is within or outside the optic disc or optic cup. The result is then smoothed, to form an estimate of the position of the optic disc or optic cup.

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 algorithm for determining viscoelastic modulus of an optically scattering biofluid that takes into account variable scattering and/or absorption characteristics of the biofluid. A correction to mean square displacement value charactetizing the Brownian motion of light scatterers is introduced based on a polarization-sensitive Monte-Carlo ray-tracing taking into account optical properties of the biofluid determined with the use of laser speckle rheology measurements. In contradistinction with a diffusion model, the correction-implemented determination of the viscoelastic modulus applies to a biofluid with substantially any concentration of light-scattering particles.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus has a light source that emits a laser beam that is branched into signal light and reference light. An objective lens condenses the signal light on a measurement target to cause the measurement target to be irradiated; and a condensing position of the signal light is scanned in an optical axis direction. An interference optical system combines the signal light reflected or scattered from the measurement target with the reference light, and generates a plurality of interfering light beams having phase relationships different from one another that are detected by photodetectors. The detection signals are output as electrical signals; and a signal processing unit performs a predetermined arithmetic operation on the plurality of detection signals. The signal processing unit subtracts reflection light components from a predetermined portion of the measurement target from the plurality of detection signals or signals generated using the detection signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tomographic imaging of a sample. Low-coherence light is split into a sample path and a reference path. A steering optic recombines light in the reference path with light scattered by a sample onto a camera having an areal focal plane array of detector elements such that light in the reference path and light scattered by the sample are characterized by respectively offset propagation vectors at incidence upon the camera. A processor derives depth information from light scattered by the sample on the basis of interference fringes between light in the reference path and light scattered by the sample. The apparatus tracks lateral motion and may be hand-held or attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, thus enabling 3-D imaging with the mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system for acquiring an image of an object using optical coherence tomography using an interferometer and a detector, wherein the object is irradiated with light emitted by the interferometer, light reflected by the object is fed back into the interferometer and detected by the detector, the image of the object is derived from the detected light, and a file containing information, in particular graphical information and/or photographic image information, relating to the object is assigned to and/or correlated with the image of the object.

Abstract: An optical imaging apparatus for diagnosis generates a closed curve which precisely reproduces the shape of the indwelled stent and the shape of the inner wall of the biological tissue at the indwelling position of the stent. The optical imaging apparatus analyzes intensity change in transmission direction of the light from the transmission and reception unit for every one of the respective line data; based on the result of the analysis detects pixel data expressing the stent position in the transmission direction; labels each pixel data expressing the detected stent position; eliminates, within the respective labeling groups applied with the same labels, labeling groups in each of which the number of pixel data in the circumferential direction is a predetermined value or less; calculates center position for each labeling group not eliminated; and generates a stent closed-curve using the center position of each labeling group.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for generating tomography mages, the apparatus including a detection unit configured to modulate each of incident beams into at least two basic modulated incident lights on the basis of at least a basic modulation parameter and into a target modulated incident light on the basis of a target modulation parameter, and to detect at least two basic interference signals and a target interference signal of an object; and an imaging unit configured to analyze the at least two basic interference signals to output a set target modulation parameter, to process the target interference signal as a target image of the object, and to output the target image.

Abstract: Imaging devices and processing techniques based on imaging information along the depth direction in an optical coherent tomography (OCT) image are disclosed to enhance observed morphological features. The methods and systems obtain different OCT images of the target object under different reference path lengths, process the different OCT images to obtain a derivative with respect to the signal path length of image information of the different images, and processing the derivative to extract improved image information of the target object. The derivatives may be in a form related to a gradient value of the normalized OCT image intensity, or an attenuation coefficient.

Abstract: Method for calibrating and correcting the scanning distortion of any optical coherence tomography system by using reference patterns and obtaining mathematical relationships between the positions of the reference points in a reference pattern and the local coordinates of said reference points, said coordinates are obtained by means of said optical coherence tomography system.

Abstract: An optical coherence analysis system comprising: a first swept source that generates a first optical signal that is tuned over a first spectral scan band, a second swept source that generates a second optical signal that is tuned over a second spectral scan band, a combiner for combining the first optical signal and the second optical signal for form a combined optical signal, an interferometer for dividing the combined optical signal between a reference arm leading to a reference reflector and a sample arm leading to a sample, and a detector system for detecting an interference signal generated from the combined optical signal from the reference arm and from the sample arm. In embodiments, the swept sources are tunable lasers that have shared laser cavities.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for diagnosis and a control method of an imaging apparatus for diagnosis are disclosed, which acquire line data represented by multiple luminance values in a radial direction from a rotation center position of an imaging core, which are derived by a rotation position and movement of the imaging core. Then, based on the acquired line data, an image of a two-dimensional space in which ? representing a rotation angle and z representing a position in a movement direction are set to two axes is generated and displayed.

Abstract: For processing eye tissue using a pulsed laser beam (L), an ophthalmological device includes a projection optical unit for the focused projection of the laser beam (L) into the eye tissue, and a scanner system upstream of the projection optical unit for the beam-deflecting scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam (L) in a scanning movement (s?) performed over a scanning angle along a scanning line (s). The ophthalmological device includes a divergence modulator disposed upstream of the scanner system for dynamically varying the divergence of the laser beam (L), whereby the scanning line (s) is tilted in a plane running through the optical axis of the projection optical unit and the scanning line(s). The tilting of the scanning line(s) enables a displacement—dependent on the scanning angle—of the focus of the laser pulses projected into the eye tissue without vertical displacement of the projection optical unit.

Abstract: Frequency domain optical coherence imaging systems have an optical source, an optical detector and an optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector. The optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector reduces an effective linewidth of the imaging system. The optical source may be a broadband source and the optical transmission path may include a periodic optical filter.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems are disclosed herein for use in imaging an object including using interferometry while modifying at least one characteristic of the object such as the spatial distribution of the refractive index of the object. The interferometry imaging data may be processed with one or more image processing algorithms that take into account the modification, or change, in the spatial distribution of the refractive index of the object.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography device comprises a light generator, a dispersive medium, an optical coupler and a detector. The light generator is adapted to generate a series of input pulses of coherent light, each input pulse having an input pulse width. The dispersive medium has an input that is optically coupled to the light generator and an output for output pulses. The dispersive medium is adapted to stretch the input pulse width to an output pulse width of each of the output pulses by chromatic dispersion. The optical coupler is adapted to couple the output pulses into a reference arm and a sample arm. The optical coupler is further adapted to superimpose light returning from the reference arm and the sample arm. The detector is adapted to detect an intensity of interference of the superimposed light with a temporal resolution of a fraction of the output pulse width.

Abstract: Disclosed are sample analysis apparatus and methods. A sample analysis apparatus includes a first unit that rotates a microfluidic apparatus including: a chamber having a space accommodating a sample, a channel that provides a path through which the sample flows; and a valve that selectively opens and closes the channel, a valve driver that supplies energy, used to operate the valve, to the valve in a state of being separated from the microfluidic apparatus, a third unit that rotates the valve driver with respect to a common rotation axis with a rotation axis of the microfluidic apparatus and the third unit, and a control unit that controls the first and third units and the valve driver to supply energy to the valve while the microfluidic apparatus and the valve driver are being rotated at the same rotation speed.

Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus and methods are provided according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In particular, at least one first electro-magnetic radiation may be received and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation within a solid angle may be forwarded to a sample. The second electro-magnetic radiation may be associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation. A plurality of third electro-magnetic radiations can be received from the sample which is associated with the second electro-magnetic radiation, and at least one portion of the third electro-magnetic radiation is provided outside a periphery of the solid angle. Signals associated with each of the third electro-magnetic radiations can be simultaneously detected, with the signals being associated with information for the sample at a plurality of depths thereof. The depths can be determined using at least one of the third electro-magnetic radiations without a need to utilize another one of the third electro-magnetic radiations.