System and method for optical coherence imaging

• US RE45,512 E1
• Filed: 09/12/2012
• Issued: 05/12/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation (Mass General Brigham, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation (Mass General Brigham, Inc.)
• Inventors: Tearney, Guillermo J., Shishkov, Milen, Bouma, Brett E.
• Primary Examiner(s): BLEVINS, JERRY M
• Application Number:
  US13/611,926
• Time in Patent Office: 972 Days
• Field of Search: 385/14, 385/15, 385 31- 35, 385/100, 385123-128
• US Class Current: 385/35
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0066 Optical coherence imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6852 Catheters
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/2552 reshaping or reforming of light guides for coupling using thermal heating, e.g. tapering, forming of a lens on light guide ends
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/262 Optical details of coupling light into, or out of, or between fibre ends, e.g. special fibre end shapes or associated optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/2856 formed or shaped by thermal heating means, e.g. splitting, branching and/or combining elements
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0267 Optical signaling or routing

Abstract

Apparatus and method are provided for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation is provided. In particular, at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis may be provided. Further, a light transmissive optical arrangement may be provided in optical cooperation with the optical fiber. The optical arrangement may have a first surface having a portion that is perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion. The first axis can be provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and less than 90° with respect to the second axis.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electromagnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis,

wherein the curved portion has a first radius of a first curvature in a first plane lying along the first and second axes, and a second radius of a second curvature in a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane, and wherein the first radius is different from the second radius, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portion is adapted to at least partially reflect at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the curved portion is adapted to transmit the at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation there through.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a further angle between the first axis and the third axis is approximately 90°

.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the particular angle is at least an angle for a total internal reflection between the light transmissive optical arrangement and a medium external thereto.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the first surface is a reflective surface.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the first surface has a metal layer.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber and the light transmissive optical arrangement are formed as a single piece from the same material.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber has at least one first region and at least one second region, the first region being adapted to guide the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and the second region having non-guiding properties of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the first and second regions are positioned approximately along the first axis.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second plane is provided at approximately the particular angle with respect to the second axis and at approximately twice the particular angle with respect to the first axis.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is configured to concentrate the at least one electro-magnetic radiation at a focal point which is provided outside of the apparatus, and wherein the focal point is provided approximately at an intersection of the first and second planes.

12. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis; and

a sheath having a substantially transparent portion, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is arranged within the substantially transparent portion.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism caused by the substantially transparent portion.

14. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis,

wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature, and wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of aberration.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism.

16. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the at least one optical fiber includes first and second optical fibers, and wherein at least one of the first and second optical fibers is at least partially rotated.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a translation stage configured to translate at least one of the first and second optical fibers approximately along the first axis.

18. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis,

wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature, and wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism at the focal point.

19. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis,

wherein the curved portion has a first radius of a first curvature in a first plane lying along the first and second axes, and a second radius of a second curvature in a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the first radius is different from the second radius, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the portion is adapted to at least partially reflect at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the curved portion is adapted to transmit the at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation there through.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein a further angle between the first axis and the third axis is approximately 90°

.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the particular angle is at least an angle for a total internal reflection between the light transmissive optical arrangement and a medium external thereto.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein the portion of the first surface is a reflective surface.

25. The method according to claim 19, wherein the portion of the first surface has a metal layer.

26. The method according to claim 19, wherein the at least one optical fiber and the light transmissive optical arrangement are formed as a single piece from the same material.

27. The method according to claim 19, wherein the at least one optical fiber has at least one first region and at least one second region, the first region being adapted to guide the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and the second region having non-guiding properties of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the first and second regions are positioned along the first axis.

28. The method according to claim 19, wherein the second plane is provided at approximately the particular angle with respect to the second axis and at approximately twice the particular angle with respect to the first axis.

29. The method according to claim 19, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is configured to concentrate the at least one electro-magnetic radiation at a focal point which is provided outside of the apparatus, and wherein the focal point is provided approximately at an intersection of the first and second planes.

30. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is arranged within a substantially transparent portion of a sheath.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism caused by the substantially transparent portion.

32. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis,

wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature, and wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of aberration.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism.

34. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis; and

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the at least one optical fiber includes first and second optical fibers, and wherein one of the first and second optical fibers is at least partially rotated.

35. The method according to claim 34, further comprising a translation stage configured to translate at least one of the first and second optical fibers approximately along the first axis.

36. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis; and

concentrating the at least one electro-magnetic radiation at a focal point which is provided outside of the apparatus, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism at the focal point.

37. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

a light transmissive optical first arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the curved portion has a first radius of a first curvature in a first plane lying along the first and second axes, and a second radius of a second curvature in a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane, and wherein the first radius is different from the second radius, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature;

at least one second arrangement in optical communication with the first arrangement, and configured at least one of transmit or receive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

at least one third arrangement configured to detect an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the portion is adapted to at least partially reflect at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the curved portion is adapted to transmit the at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation there through.

39. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature.

40. The apparatus according to claim 39, wherein a further angle between the first axis and the third axis is approximately 90°

.

41. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the particular angle is at least an angle for a total internal reflection between the light transmissive optical arrangement and a medium external thereto.

42. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the portion of the first surface is a reflective surface.

43. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the portion of the first surface has a metal layer.

44. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the at least one optical fiber and the light transmissive optical arrangement are formed as a single piece from the same material.

45. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the at least one optical fiber has at least one first region and at least one second region, the first region being adapted to guide the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and the second region having non-guiding properties of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the first and second regions are positioned approximately along the first axis.

46. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the second plane is provided at approximately the particular angle with respect to the second axis and at approximately twice the particular angle with respect to the first axis.

47. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is configured to concentrate the at least one electro-magnetic radiation at a focal point which is provided outside of the apparatus, and wherein the focal point is provided approximately at an intersection of the first and second planes.

48. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

a light transmissive optical first arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis;

a sheath having a substantially transparent portion, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is arranged within the substantially transparent portion;

at least one second arrangement in optical communication with the first arrangement, and configured at least one of transmit or receive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

at least one third arrangement configured to detect an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

49. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism caused by the substantially transparent portion.

50. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

a light transmissive optical first arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion,

wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature, and

wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of aberration;

at least one second arrangement in optical communication with the first arrangement, and configured at least one of transmit or receive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

at least one third arrangement configured to detect an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

51. The apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism.

52. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

a light transmissive optical first arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the at least one optical fiber includes first and second optical fibers, and wherein at least one of the first and second optical fibers is at least partially rotated;

at least one second arrangement in optical communication with the first arrangement, and configured at least one of transmit or receive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

at least one third arrangement configured to detect an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

53. The apparatus according to claim 52, further comprising a translation stage configured to translate at least one of the first and second optical fibers approximately along the first axis.

54. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

a light transmissive optical first arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature, and wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism at the focal point;

at least one second arrangement in optical communication with the first arrangement, and configured at least one of transmit or receive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

at least one third arrangement configured to detect an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

55. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the curved portion has a first radius of a first curvature in a first plane lying along the first and second axes, and a second radius of a second curvature in a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane, wherein the first radius is different from the second radius, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature;

transmitting or receiving at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

detecting an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

56. The method according to claim 55, wherein the portion is adapted to at least partially reflect at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the curved portion is adapted to transmit the at least one portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation there through.

57. The method according to claim 56, wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature.

58. The method according to claim 57, wherein a further angle between the first axis and the third axis is approximately 90°

.

59. The method according to claim 55, wherein the particular angle is at least an angle for a total internal reflection between the light transmissive optical arrangement and a medium external thereto.

60. The method according to claim 55, wherein the portion of the first surface is a reflective surface.

61. The method according to claim 55, wherein the portion of the first surface has a metal layer.

62. The method according to claim 55, wherein the at least one optical fiber and the light transmissive optical arrangement are formed as a single piece from the same material.

63. The method according to claim 55, wherein the at least one optical fiber has at least one first region and at least one second region, the first region being adapted to guide the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and the second region having non-guiding properties of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation, and wherein the first and second regions are positioned along the first axis.

64. The method according to claim 55, wherein the second plane is provided at approximately the particular angle with respect to the second axis and at approximately twice the particular angle with respect to the first axis.

65. The method according to claim 64, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is configured to concentrate the at least one electro-magnetic radiation at a focal point which is provided outside of the apparatus, and wherein the focal point is provided approximately at an intersection of the first and second planes.

66. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the light transmissive optical arrangement is arranged within a substantially transparent portion of a sheath;

transmitting or receiving at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

detecting an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

67. The method according to claim 66, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism caused by the substantially transparent portion.

68. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the curved portion has a first curvature in a first plane perpendicular to the first axis, and a second curvature in a second plane perpendicular to a third axis, wherein the first plane is different from the second plane, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature, and wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of aberration;

transmitting or receiving at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

detecting an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

69. The method according to claim 68, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism.

70. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the at least one optical fiber includes first and second optical fibers, and wherein one of the first and second optical fibers is at least partially rotated;

transmitting or receiving at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

detecting an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

71. The method according to claim 70, further comprising a translation stage configured to translate at least one of the first and second optical fibers approximately along the first axis.

72. A method for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

providing at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

providing a light transmissive optical arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first surface having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis;

concentrating the at least one electro-magnetic radiation at a focal point which is provided outside of the apparatus, wherein the first and second curvatures have properties which effectuate a reduction of astigmatism at the focal point;

transmitting or receiving at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

detecting an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.

73. An apparatus for transmitting at least one electro-magnetic radiation, comprising:

at least one optical fiber having at least one end extending along a first axis;

a light transmissive optical first arrangement provided in optical cooperation with the at least one optical fiber, the optical arrangement including a first planar surface provided in position to first receive an electromagnetic radiation from the at least one optical fiber and having a portion that is approximately perpendicular to a second axis, and a second surface which includes a curved portion, wherein the first axis is provided at a particular angle that is more than 0° and

less than 90°

with respect to the second axis, wherein the curved portion has a first radius of a first curvature in a first plane lying along the first and second axes, and a second radius of a second curvature in a second plane which is perpendicular to the first plane, and wherein the first radius is different from the second radius, and wherein the first curvature is different from the second curvature;

at least one second arrangement in optical communication with the first arrangement, and configured at least one of transmit or receive at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to or from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to or from a reference, wherein a frequency of at least one of the first electro-magnetic radiation or the second electro-magnetic radiation varies over time; and

at least one third arrangement configured to detect an interference between at least one third radiation associated with the at least one first radiation and at least one fourth radiation associated with the at least one second radiation.