Patent ID: 7333189
Filing Date: 2008-02-19
Classification: A61B,G01N

Abstract:
1. A light scattering spectroscopic endoscope system suitable for determining particle characteristics comprising: an optical probe having at least one illumination optical fiber extending along a probe axis at a distal end of the optical probe and a plurality of collection optical fibers, at least two of the plurality of collection optical fibers being tapered at different angles toward the probe axis at the distal end of the probe positioned within an endoscope body; a light source optically coupled to the at least one illumination optical fiber; a detector system including a charge coupled device that senses a spectrum of polarized light and a spectrum of unpolarized light to provide spectral data, the charge coupled device having charge domain shifting of sensed spectra; and and a data processor in communication with the detector system and storing instructions to process the spectral data and determining the particle characteristics.