Method and apparatus for optical imaging with means for controlling the longitudinal range of the sample
US5321501A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 29, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/141
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for performing optical imaging on a sample wherein longitudinal scanning or positioning in the sample is provided by either varying relative optical path lengths for an optical path leading to the sample and to a reference reflector, or by varying an optical characteristic of the output from an optical source applied to the apparatus. Transverse scanning in one or two dimensions is provided on the sample by providing controlled relative movement between the sample and a probe module in such direction and/or by steering optical radiation in the probe module to a selected transverse position. The probe module may be an external module or may be an endoscope or angioscope utilized for scanning internal channels. Multiple optical paths may be provided for parallel scanning and focus may be enhanced by varying the focal point in the sample in synchronism with longitudinal scanning of the sample.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.