Patent ID: 6487440
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical probe having a distally disposed optical window, comprising:a light collector having an axis of light collection passing through the optical window and a focal plane generally proximate the optical window; a light source having a plurality of light emitting areas disposed about the axis of light collection; and a spatial mixer having a proximal end in optical communication with the light source and a distal end in optical communication with the optical window to establish a direction of light projection generally toward the optical window and generally along at least part of the axis of light collection, the spatial mixer further having a light mixing surface at least partially intersected by rays of light from the light emitting areas to establish a diffuse light proximate the optical window having a distribution of irradiation ray angles that has a maximum away from normal and near-normal to the direction of light projection.