Patent ID: 6710316
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: G01B,G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for performing angled-dual-axis optical coherence scanning microscopy within a sample, comprising:a) a light-generating means for generating an illumination beam and a reference beam; b) an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning microscope, comprising: i) a first single-mode optical waveguide having first and second ends, from said first end said illumination beam emerges; ii) a second single-mode optical waveguide having first and second ends; iii) an angled-dual-axis focusing means for focusing said illumination beam to an illumination focal volume along an illumination axis within said sample and for receiving an observation beam emanated from an observation focal volume along an observation axis within said sample such that said observation beam is focused onto said first end of said second single-mode optical waveguide; and iv) a bi-axial scanning mirror; wherein said illumination axis and said observation axis intersect at an angle within said sample, such that said illumination focal volume and said observation focal volume intersect at a confocal overlapping volume, and wherein said bi-axial scanning mirror is capable of directing said illumination and observation beams in such a way that said illumination axis and said observation axis remain intersecting at said angle and that said confocal overlapping volume moves within said sample; and c) a beam-combining means for combining said reference beam and said observation beam, such that coherent interference between said reference beam and said observation beam is produced.