Patent ID: 6370422
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
A confocal imaging apparatus for analyzing a sample, comprising:a radiation source configured to emit incident radiation; a scan system in optical communication with said radiation source and configured to controllably deflect said incident radiation; a scan lens in optical communication with said scan system and configured to focus said incident radiation; a plurality of fibers having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end in optical communication with said scan lens and configured to receive said incident radiation focused from said scan lens; a proximal index matching agent coupled to said proximate end and configured to reduce specular reflection from said plurality of fibers; a distal index matching agent coupled to said distal end and configured to reduce specular reflection from said plurality of fibers; a coupling lens in optical communication with said distal end and configured to focus said incident radiation toward said sample to produce secondary radiation from said sample; a variable-strength suction agent adjacent to said distal end and configured to adjust a focal plane of said sample by increasing or decreasing an amount of suction; and a detector in optical communication with said scan system and configured to receive at least a portion of said secondary radiation and to produce a signal corresponding therewith.