Systems and methods for optical examination of samples
First Claim
1. A system for examining a sample, comprising:
- an optical probe, comprising a plurality of optical fibers and capable of illuminating the sample;
a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample, and receiving optics, having components separated and distinct from the transmitting optics, that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof; and
a barrier element adapted to inhibit scattered light from the illuminating light from entering a portion of the receiving optics.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.
310 Citations
32 Claims
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1. A system for examining a sample, comprising:
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an optical probe, comprising a plurality of optical fibers and capable of illuminating the sample;
a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample, and receiving optics, having components separated and distinct from the transmitting optics, that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof; and
a barrier element adapted to inhibit scattered light from the illuminating light from entering a portion of the receiving optics. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A system for determining a characteristic of a sample, comprising:
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an optical probe for substantially monostatic, substantially confocal examination of the sample;
an optics system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light on the sample, receiving optics, having components separated and distinct from the transmitting optics, that collect light emitted from the sample, and a barrier element adapted to inhibit scattered light from the illuminating light from entering a portion of the receiving optics;
a measuring system that produces quantitative data related to the light emitted from the sample; and
a processor that processes the quantitative data to determine the characteristics of the sample. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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19. An optical probe system for substantially monostatic, substantially confocal examination of a sample, comprising:
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an optical probe that directs an illuminating light towards the sample and that collects light emitted from the sample;
a light source providing the illuminating light;
transmitting optics focusing the illuminating light on the sample;
collecting optics, having components separated and distinct from the transmitting optics, arranged substantially as an annulus surrounding a light path for the illuminating light, wherein the collecting optics receive light emitted from the sample;
a barrier element adapted to inhibit scattered light from the illuminating light from entering a portion of the collecting optics; and
a connecting circuit that transmits electromagnetic energy related to light emitted from the sample to a processor for further processing. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method for examining a sample, comprising:
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providing a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical probe comprising transmitting optics and collecting optics, having components separated and distinct from the transmitting optics, wherein the collecting optics are disposed around a circumference of a light path for transmitting an illuminating light toward the sample, and a barrier element adapted to inhibit scattered light from the illuminating light from entering a portion of the collecting optics;
determining an optimal position for positioning the probe in relation to the sample;
positioning the probe in the optimal position in relation to the sample;
illuminating the sample with a light beam transmitted through the transmitting optics; and
collecting light emitted from the sample as a result of its illumination. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for diagnosing a medical condition, comprising:
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providing a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical probe comprising transmitting optics and collecting optics, having components separated and distinct from the transmitting optics, wherein the collecting optics are disposed around a circumference of a light path for transmitting an illuminating light toward a body tissue, and a barrier element adapted to inhibit scattered light from the illuminating light from entering a portion of the collecting optics;
illuminating the body tissue;
collecting light emitted from the body tissue;
measuring a set of data related to the light collected from the body tissue; and
diagnosing from the set of data the medical condition. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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31. A system for examining a body tissue, comprising:
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an optical probe that directs an illuminating light towards the body tissue and that collects light emitted from the body tissue;
a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus the illuminating light on the body tissue and receiving optics, having components separated and distinct from the transmitting optics, and a barrier element adapted to inhibit scattered light from the illuminating light from entering a portion of the receiving optics, wherein the receiving optics collect light emitted from the body tissue; and
a measuring system that produces quantitative data related to the light emitted from the body tissue. - View Dependent Claims (32)
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Specification