Patent ID: 7535577
Filing Date: 2009-05-19
Classification: A61B,G01B,G01N

Abstract:
1. An optical mapping apparatus comprising an OCT apparatus wherein an optical beam is transferred through interface optics to an object to be scanned and is reflected back therefrom through an OCT channel for analysis, a transverse scanning means, focusing adjustment means, analyzing means, depth adjustment means, and display means; wherein said OCT apparatus comprises a source of low coherence or adjustable coherence light, an OCT interferometer, and image display means; said interferometer comprising an output beam splitter having object beam and a reference beam input ports, and an input beam splitter having object beam and reference beam output ports; wherein said output beam splitter combines an object beam and a reference beam at its respective object beam and reference beam inputs; wherein said input splitter transfers 1−γ of light input to it from said light source to the respective object beam output port, and the remainder γ of the input light by cross transmission to its respective reference beam output port so as to derive a splitting ratio ε=(1−γ)/γ; wherein the light from the reference beam output port of said input splitter is directed to the reference beam input port of said output beam splitter; and wherein light reflected and scattered back from said object is output from the object beam output port of said input splitter and is reinjected into the object beam output port of said input splitter and is cross transmitted to said object beam input port of said output splitter; wherein said input beam splitter is a bulk beam splitter, and said output beam splitter is a single mode fiber coupler equipped with fiber ends that are cleaved at an angle at all inputs and outputs thereof; wherein said transverse scanning means comprises a line scanner and a frame scanner, whereby transverse scanning of an object is effected by an optical image beam that is output from said input beam splitter and is directed over a predetermined target position on said object; wherein said interface optics functions to transfer said optical imaging beam from said transverse scanning means to said object, and functions to transfer an optical output beam which is reflected and scattered back from said object to said input beam splitter through said transverse scanning means; wherein said focusing adjustment means is placed either between said input splitter and said transverse scanning means, or between said scanning means and said object to be scanned, so as to focus said optical imaging beam at a specific depth within said object; wherein said depth adjustment means functions to alter an optical path difference within said interferometer over a predetermined amount for at least one point in said transverse scanning means; and wherein said display means is adapted to generate and display at least an OCT image derived from said combined object and reference beams.