Patent ID: 6788860
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: A61B,G01N,G02B

Abstract:
A Raman imaging fiberscope for the collection of white light images, Raman chemical images and Raman spectra from a sample comprising:an outer jacket; one or more white light illumination fibers, disposed in said outer jacket, for transmitting white light from a white light source to said sample; one or more laser illumination fibers, disposed in said outer jacket, for transmitting laser light of a specific laser excitation wavelength from a laser source to said sample; a coherent fiber bundle, disposed in said outer jacket, for transmitting a white light image of said sample and a Raman chemical image of said sample based on light scattered, reflected or emitted from said sample from one end of said fiber bundle proximate said sample to the opposite end of said fiber bundle distal said sample; a laser bandpass filter positioned between said one or more laser illumination fibers and said sample for transmitting said laser light of said specific laser excitation wavelength and rejecting light of other wavelengths; a laser rejection filter positioned between said sample and said coherent fiber bundle for transmitting wavelengths of light other than said specific laser excitation wavelength; wherein said white light images, said Raman chemical images and said Raman spectra are all collected through said coherent fiber bundle; and a spatial filter positioned between said sample and said coherent fiber bundle for restricting the field of view of said coherent fiber bundle.